Lisianthus A popular summer flower, also known as Eustoma, Lisianthus is a stunning flowering plant that looks like a beautiful rose in shades of pink, purple, white and blue. It is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens due to its beauty, longevity and versatility. Lisianthus is known for its trumpet-shaped flowers, durability and being a very happy plant.
Although an alternative flower to roses, Lisianthus Plants : Easy to Grow and Care for Prairie Gentian is completely different. Lisianthus is a very happy plant but the flowers of this plant are very durable, hence the price of the flowers is sky high. Like any plant, Lisianthus requires proper care and maintenance to thrive. In this article, we will discuss some essential tips for growing beautiful lisianthus.
American Rose: Easy to Grow and Care for Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
Lisianthus is an annual or biennial plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family. Since the beauty and durability of this flower are very high, the economic importance of the flower is also very high. It is native to the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Lisianthus is known for its trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in a variety of colors and its tall, slender stems that grow up to 60 cm tall. The scientific name of this flower is “Eustoma grandiflorum“, grandiflorum known as Tarukogiki in Japanese and “American rose” in America.
Characteristics:-
The Lisianthus plant, belonging to the Genetinaceae family, grows from 20 to 60 cm tall and has six typically colored flowers, coming in a wide range of colors from pure white to deep purple and pink. Flowers remain fresh for up to 15 days after being picked from the plant. A plant bears multiple flowers—at least 75 to 110 flowers.
Lisianthus flowering plants are very tolerant of storms, rains, extreme heat or other natural calamities, plants remain intact. Each flower is on a strong stem and never droops. The flower lasts up to fifteen consecutive days on the tree, for which the price of this flower is very high. Currently, the market value of lisianthus flowers is much higher than that of roses or gerberas. Lisianthus flowers can be kept fresh in vases for many days, adding a little sucrose to the water can keep these flowers fresh from the bud for up to twenty-five days.
Care your Lisianthus plant:
Choosing the right soil
One of the most important factors in growing healthy lisianthus is choosing the right soil. Lisianthus grows best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. Water drains quickly in fertile loam soil, preventing plants from sitting in stagnant water that causes root rot. If you are planting lisianthus in a container, use a good quality potting mix to ensure proper drainage.
Planting your Lisianthus plant
First, disease-free and fresh lisianthus plants should be selected from the nursery, seedlings should be transplanted after choosing the right time, place and container before planting.
Timing – Plant your lisianthus in spring or early summer to give the lisianthus enough time to grow and flower before winter.
Location – Choose a location for the lisianthus plant that gets at least six hours of full sunlight a day. Lisianthus plants require well-drained soil, so make sure the location you choose is waterlogged.
Planting- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and just as deep. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the dug hole. Once the seedlings are planted, cover the base of the plant with soil, and give it enough water.
Watering Lisianthus
Lisianthus needs consistent moisture to thrive but overwatering can cause root rot. Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Lisianthus plants are best watered in the morning as this dries the leaves during the day, reducing the risk of fungal infection. If you are planting lisianthus in a container, make sure the bottom of the container has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
Lisianthus fertilizer
Lisianthus needs balanced fertiliser twice a month for healthy growth and abundant flowering. Feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Avoid fertilizing during winter when Lisianthus is dormant.
Provide adequate lighting
Lisianthus plants need bright, indirect sunlight in bloom for proper growth. Plant lisianthus in a location that receives at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day, preferably in a location that is protected from strong afternoon sun. If you want to grow lisianthus indoors, place the plant near a window that receives continuous bright morning sunlight.
Plant support
Lisianthus have long, thin stems that may need support to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the flowers. Taking care not to damage the roots, insert a stake into the side of the trunk and gently tie the trunk using soft twine. This will help support the plant as it grows and blooms.
Deadheading lisianthus
Deadheading is the process of removing cut flowers from plants. This helps with continuous blooming and keeps the plant looking tidy. Prune the stem just above the first set of healthy leaves, taking care not to damage the rest of the plant.
Pesticide application and pest control:-
Lisianthus plants are rarely attacked by insects. However, neem oil mixed with water should be sprayed on the plants in the evening after 15 days and Rasarnik insecticide should be used if insect infestation is high.
Every 15 days during rainy season fungicide from any company should be mixed with water and sprayed on all plants. Also, if you use dry neem leaves or neem shell at the base of the tree to keep the tree free from all kinds of diseases, most of the pests cannot attack the tree.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny-looking insects that feed on plant sap. They are usually found in colonies on the underside of leaves, where they suck plant sap and secrete honey, which attracts ants. Plants infested by aphids may stunt growth, curl leaves, and turn yellow.
Thrips
Thrips are slimy insects with fringed wings that feed on the flowers and leaves of Lisianthus. These cause stunted growth, silver streaks on leaves, and flowers that fail to open or have a distorted appearance. Thrips can also transmit viruses that can further damage the plant.
Spider mites
Spider mites are common pests that attack lisianthus, especially in dry and hot weather. They are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap and build webs that cover leaves and flowers. Spider mite leaves can turn yellow and spot, and severe infestations can cause plant leaves to drop and die.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the sap from lisianthus leaves. They are usually found on the underside of leaves and cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves and premature leaf drop. Whiteflies also secrete nectar, which can encourage mould growth and attract ants.
