Eucharis (Amazon Lily) - Why It Doesn't Bloom, Signs, and Superstitions

Eucharis is a beautiful flower native to the humid American forests. It first arrived in Europe in the early 19th century. The delicate eucharis quickly found its niche in garden and indoor floriculture, and its popularity continues to grow. The flower is also known as the Amazon Lily. This designation stems from the large concentration of this plant in the Amazon. Its lanceolate leaves and delicate fragrance are associated with lilies.

Caring for the plant at home involves creating a microclimate as close as possible to the eucharis's natural habitat. Even a novice gardener can handle growing it. The main thing is to follow all care guidelines and heed the advice of experts.

Characteristics of the Eucharis houseplant

Eucharis is a bulbous plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is found in the wild in the forests of Central and South America.

Mature flower bulbs reach 2 to 6 cm in diameter. The leaves are broad and lanceolate, and can grow up to half a meter in length. The blades are attached to elongated petioles. The leaf surface is wrinkled and dark green. Eucharis plants growing in the wild may have only 2-4 leaves on a single plant at a time. Indoor hybrids have significantly more leaves.

The plant's ornamental value lies in its flowers. They bloom most often in the spring. The flowers resemble daffodils.

There are approximately 20 known species of this plant. The most common are the following:

1. Large-flowered – blooms 3 times a year.
2. White – blooms in March and September.
3. Masters – blooms from March to May.
4. Sandera – blooms from February to April.
5. Toothless - blooms at the end of March.
6. Amazonian – blooms in February.

Eucharis blooms with snow-white flowers with a pronounced pleasant aroma.

Signs and superstitions associated with eucharis

The Amazon Lily protects women from various misfortunes, including the evil eye and curses. In the eucharis's homeland, it is traditionally used to adorn brides. Wearing the flower in the bride's hair is believed to bless the bride for a happy family life and act as a talisman for the newlyweds. Adding eucharis to a wedding bouquet will only enhance its protective effect.

The following signs and superstitions are associated with the plant:

1. If a lily suddenly dries up, it means someone in the family has been cursed. The plant absorbs all the negative energy and dies.
2. The appearance of a three-flowered flower stalk predicts pregnancy. The third bud symbolizes a baby.

   

3. If your eucharis isn't blooming, you need to carefully analyze your family relationships. The lack of blooms indicates tension in the home.

Growing this flower is encouraged in families with small children. It is believed to promote the development of a child's mental abilities and talents. There is a belief that the flower absorbs children's fears, calming them. However, it should be remembered that eucharis is poisonous, so it is not recommended to allow children to touch it.

Feng shui recommends this plant as a powerful generator of positive energy. According to Taoist practice, it absorbs negative sha energy, transforming it into beneficial qi.

The plant has a positive effect on marital relationships and resolves conflicts between parents and children. It possesses particularly powerful energy during flowering. During this period, it can dispel depression, insecurity, apathy, laziness, and gloomy thoughts.

Rules for caring for Eucharis at home

Caring for the plant at home is easy. If you follow expert recommendations, the eucharis will delight you with flowers up to three times a year.

Watering and fertilizing

Like all bulbous plants, eucharis should be watered carefully. Overwatering and stagnant moisture in the pot's tray promote rot.

It is recommended to water the plant every three days with small amounts of water. During the dormant period, water less frequently, depending on the soil moisture: water only after the top half of the soil has dried out.

The water temperature for watering should match the room temperature where the plant is located. If using household water, it should be allowed to settle for 24 hours beforehand. It is advisable to filter such water.

Fertilize only during active growth and flowering. Fertilize every two weeks. Liquid fertilizers are preferred. It's best to alternate between organic and mineral fertilizers. Fertilizers for ornamental flowering plants are suitable, but it's recommended to choose fertilizers with a lower nitrogen content.

Lighting and temperature

The plant isn't demanding when it comes to light. Although it's not considered a shade-loving plant, eucharis can thrive in partial shade.

The flowerpot can be placed on or near a western or eastern windowsill. A north-facing window is also suitable, but it should be placed closer to the light source: on a windowsill or directly next to a window. On a south-facing window, eucharis requires shade. Direct midday sun can burn the plant's leaves.

It's crucial to avoid sudden temperature fluctuations. Temperature fluctuations greater than 7°C are harmful to the plant. Therefore, it's not recommended to place eucharis outdoors where daytime and nighttime temperatures differ significantly.

When placing the pot, keep in mind that the plant will get sick in drafts. Therefore, it's best to keep it in rooms with closed windows, away from the front door.

Rest period

Adhering to this period is crucial. Flowering ornamental plants need it to recuperate and prepare for the next bloom. A plant that hasn't had time to rest may produce small buds or even stop blooming altogether.

Eucharis begins its resting period after flowering. This typically lasts a month, but can sometimes extend up to 1.5 months. The plant is moved to a cooler room, preferably in partial shade. Watering is reduced, and fertilizing is discontinued. Repotting or damaging the leaves of the eucharis is avoided during this period; wilted flower stalks can only be trimmed.

The plant signals its emergence from dormancy with new leaves. As soon as the first leaf emerges, normal care for the eucharis resumes.

Transplantation and propagation at home

It is recommended to repot the plant in March. The step-by-step repotting plan is as follows:

1. The flower is freed from the old soil. If the roots are very tangled, soaking them is allowed.

   

2. The bulbs and roots are carefully inspected for rot. If any is detected, it is carefully scraped off. Damaged areas must be treated with an antiseptic and fungicides, otherwise the rot will continue to develop.
3. A drainage layer of expanded clay, pebbles or other similar material is placed at the bottom of the pot.
4. Mix equal parts sand and peat with compost. The amount of compost should be equal to the amount of sand and peat combined. Fill the pot with the resulting mixture.
5. The bulb is placed on a layer of soil and covered with a three-centimeter layer of soil.

   

Repotting is carried out every three years. More frequent repotting or lack thereof may result in the death of the plant. The procedure should not be carried out during flowering.

Eucharis can be propagated by seeds and pups. In indoor settings, the latter method is preferred.

Over time, the plant's bulbs develop baby bulbs. When replanting, carefully separate the daughter bulbs from the mother bulb and plant them separately. The division sites should be treated with an antiseptic. Crushed activated charcoal or charcoal is used for this purpose. Plant the young bulbs shallowly. The soil layer should be half the height of the bulb.

Why doesn't Eucharis bloom?

Lack of flowering can be caused by a number of reasons. Most often, it's due to neglect of proper cultivation practices or pest infestation.

Problems in care

If your eucharis isn't blooming, you'll need to rethink your plant care to get it to bloom. The following factors can affect flowering:

1. Location. The flower requires a lot of space. It will feel cramped on narrow windowsills and shelves. Eucharis also won't bloom in a draft.
2. Temperature. Failure to maintain the recommended temperature regime and sudden fluctuations in temperature readings are detrimental to flowering.

   

   

3. Watering. Eucharis is sensitive to irregularities in watering patterns. Overwatering causes root rot, while underwatering causes the plant to drop its leaves. In this condition, the plant will not bloom.
4. Air humidity and leaf hygiene. Air humidity doesn't significantly affect flowering, with the exception of very dry air. For successful flowering, leaf hygiene is essential. Dust settling on the leaves clogs pores and interferes with the plant's metabolic processes.
5. Fertilizing. Properly administered fertilizing promotes flowering. However, failure to apply fertilizers regularly and correctly can damage the plant's root system.

Pests and their control

Eucharis may fail to bloom due to pest damage. The most common pests that attack the flower are:

1. Scale insects. The pest can be identified by dark spots on the underside of the leaf.
2. Aphids. Aphids typically attack in large groups, completely covering the stem surface.
3. Spider mites. This pest is invisible to the naked eye. A spider mite infestation can be identified by the fine webbing on the plant's leaves and stems.

   

4. Mealybug. Infestation by this pest is characterized by leaf blade curling. A small whitish worm can be seen inside the curled leaf.

Insecticides are used to control harmful insects.

What can be done to stimulate flowering?

Eucharis blooming can be stimulated by giving the plant an unscheduled dormant period. For the winter, the plant is placed in a cool room, watering is reduced, and fertilizers are completely discontinued. In the spring, the plant is returned to its normal conditions and standard care is resumed. Following these steps, the eucharis is sure to bloom in the spring.

Frequently asked questions about growing flowers

Eucharis is a delicate plant with high ornamental value. Despite this, it's easy to care for. With the right approach, even a novice gardener can manage it.