Care of the bulbous plant Acidanthera bicolor or Gladiolus murielae |
|
The Acidanthera genus is now classified into the Gladiolus genus, from the Iridaceae family. They have the scientific synonyms for Gladiolus murielae and Gladiolus callianthus. This species is native to Africa. They are bulbous plants with thin linear leaves of light green color that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The attractive scented flowers are large, star-shaped and white with a purple center. They bloom in late summer and early fall. They are used as cut flowers due to the long duration of their flowers, to form flower beds and borders in the garden or in large containers 30 cm (0.98 feet) wide and 40 cm (1.31 feet) deep. Gladiolus murielae needs a semi-shade exposure if the weather is warm (Mediterranean climate) and a full sun exposure if the weather is wetter and cooler. The soil should contain sand to drain very well and organic matter. The bulbs are planted in spring and removed to a cool, dry place at the end of autumn. Irrigation will be regular but with little amount of water, for example one glass of water per bulb every week; the waterings will be increased a little when the outbreaks appear. Fertilize with compost before planting and with mineral bulbous fertilizer every 20 days during the flowering season. They can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs and, if the humidity is excessive, by fungal diseases. They propagate by dividing the bulbs. |
Images of the bulbous plant Acidanthera bicolor or Gladiolus murielae |
 Acidanthera bicolor  Acidanthera bicolor |