Veltheimiya (Veltheimia bracteata)

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Plant type: bulb.

Description: Has wide, evergreen leaves with wavy edges. Flowers pinkish-purple. The height is from 50 to 80 centimeters. The bulbs consist of non-closed lower and leaf scales, have perennial branching roots, and baby bulbs are located in the axils of the scales. Like the ornithophilous lashenelia, weltheimia show signs of a plant that is pollinated by birds. The bolls are very light and swollen, and when they fall, the wind rolls the fruit on the ground, thereby scattering the seeds. The nests contain two ovules, but only one develops into a seed.

  • Origin: South Africa.
  • Environment: greenhouse or home environment.
  • Leaf ornament: absent.
  • Aroma: absent.
  • Care: Veltheimia needs careful care.
  • Temperature range: 10-24°C.
  • Humidity level: moderate.
  • Lighting: Full sunlight coming from the South/East/West is best.
  • Planting Depth: Plant the bulb just below the surface of the soil (half of the bulb may peek out).

Weltheimia flowers in the photo

Flowering: present. The length of weltheimia flowers is 2.5 centimeters. They are located on short pedicels in a large bract, which contains a small lateral bract. The perianth has a pink hue, forms a cylindrical, slightly curved tube with deviated short teeth. The flowering period is December-January, March-April.

Soil Type: It is best to use quality potting soil that absorbs water well and retains it. The purchased soil should be checked for a sufficient level of aeration, and if it is too dense, add peat or perlite. Before fertilizing veltheimia with any mineral supplements, you need to wait a while until it takes root. If you yourself want to choose the optimal composition of the soil, then the following ratio is recommended: 1 part garden soil, 1 part perlite or coarse sand, 1 part wet peat or humus, and a little lime. There should always be a hole in the pot.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist and reduce watering during summer or dormancy. If rainwater is used for irrigation, then you need to be careful, as it may contain various harmful acids. The water must be warm.

Fertilization: Fertilize once a month in the spring, and weltheimia should not be fertilized in the summer. Do not feed a newly planted plant for at least four months.

Reproduction: Produced by planting baby bulbs. The best period is late summer or early autumn . The month is usually September. Bulbs do not need to be buried in the soil. Veltheimia grown in this way will bloom in three to four years.

Pests and Insects: There is a tendency to mealy worms, molds and fungal diseases. If you bring a new plant into your home or greenhouse, always check it for parasites.

Transplantation: carried out in September, every two years. During transplantation, you need to carefully examine the roots of veltheimia, cutting off all rotten and dried ones, and plant the bulb in such a way that it rises a third above the surface. The pot should be wide, as the plant has voluminous foliage. The soil mixture should consist of sand, leafy and soddy soil.

Care tips and tricks: Weltheim should be provided with a drain. Dead stems should be removed. In the summer, it is better to put the pot in a darker place. Avoid frequent drafts, as they have a negative effect.

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