Lisianthus, also called eustoma, is best known for its beautiful bell-shaped flowers. Unfortunately, it is also known for being difficult to grow. For best results, instead of starting with the seed, grow it starting from the sprouts that come in the form of small seedlings, already well developed, which can be purchased in disposable plastic trays. Due to its delicacy, it is easier to care for this flower by growing it in containers rather than in the garden.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Planting
Step 1. Choose shoots that have firm roots
To correctly transplant a sprout to a new location, the seedling must have a root system well joined to the body of the plant itself. Otherwise, the operation could cause problems and end up damaging the delicate seedling.
Step 2. Choose an appropriate size container
It will depend on the variety you are going to choose.
- Florida lisianthus and perennial lisianthus need a 10-15cm deep pot.
- Lisianthus Lisa needs a 7-15cm deep pot.
- Sapphire lisianthus needs a 7-10 cm deep vase.
Step 3. Make sure the container has drainage holes
Lisianthus roots are at risk of rotting if too much water accumulates, so it is important to have good drainage. If the container you choose doesn't have holes in the bottom, drill one or two using a power drill.
Step 4. Fill the pot with a soil mix, without compacting it
Those available on the market should be fine, but also those without soil.
Step 5. Analyze the pH of the soil
These plants need a soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Serious problems can arise if it drops below 6.5. If the substrate has a low pH, mix in some limestone to raise the pH.
Step 6. Dig a hole as deep as the shoot
Dig it in the center of the pot.
Step 7. Free the seedling
Gently press on the sides of the plastic container to remove the plant. You should be able to extract the sprout, soil and all the contents, without damaging anything.
Step 8. Place the sprout inside the hole
Compact the potting soil around the lisianthus so the seedling stays in place.
Step 9. Place the jar on a saucer
This will prevent excess water and dirt from spilling onto the counter or windowsill.
Method 2 of 2: Cure
Step 1. Continue to check the pH of the soil
The soil should always have a pH between 6, 5 and 7, 2. If it falls below these values, you should solve the problem by adding some limestone.
Step 2. Keep the seedling warm, but don't overdo it
The optimal daytime temperature ranges between 20 and 24 ° C, while the night temperature between 16 and 18 ° C.
Step 3. Place the vase in partial shade
Lisanthius needs a lot of light for the buds to bloom. However, too much sunlight could raise the temperature and damage the leaves.
- Place the plant near a sunny window so it is exposed to as much direct sunlight as possible before it blooms.
- On cloudy days it would be necessary to provide additional lighting by placing the pot under a fluorescent lamp or HID progressive light for 8 to 12 hours. It is especially necessary if the plant has not yet flowered.
- Once the flowers have opened, move her to a slightly shadier area to protect the petals. You can place it near a window where it can enjoy indirect or filtered sunlight.
Step 4. Keep the soil moist
Water every other day to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. To determine if the soil is dry, insert a finger to a depth of 5 cm. If it's dry, give the plant a sprinkle of water with a watering can, but be careful not to soak it.
Prevent the soil from drying out once you have transplanted the plants. As soon as the soil surface looks dry, sprinkle some water
Step 5. Feed the lisianthus with a high potassium fertilizer
Potassium generally improves flowers and overall plant strength. The fertilizer should also contain a high amount of nitrogen to promote leaf growth and health. However, avoid fertilizers that are too rich in phosphorus. Get a product formulated with these values: 15-0-15 or 20-10-20 - the numbers correspond respectively to the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium present in the fertilizer.
- Add fertilizer once every two weeks, before the plant blooms. Then reduce the frequency to once every three to four weeks.
- Fertilizers rich in calcium are also suitable for lisianthus plants.
Step 6. Use a growth regulator
If the lisianthus grows too tall, it could lose valuable nutrients and, as a result, risk not flowering and, sometimes, even die prematurely. Apply b-Nine spray two weeks after transplanting the sprout into the pot. Afterwards, avoid using it too often, otherwise over-administration of the growth regulator can also decrease flower production.
Step 7. Watch out for scaridae and other pests
Sciarids are the most common threat to lisianthus flowers, but they can cause a range of damage even to the roots. Aphids, leaf miners, thrips and whiteflies (whiteflies) are also parasites that create important health problems for the plant. If you spot any of these pests on your lisanthius, treat the infested area with a mild pesticide.
You may also want to consider applying a mild pesticide beforehand, before the parasites appear
Step 8. Watch out for fungal diseases
Gray mold, culm rot and root rot due to pythium are among the most frequent pathologies that can attack the lisanthius. If drainage is adequate, it should almost completely prevent these fungi from attacking, but if the plant becomes infected, treat it with a fungicide.
