Caring for the Upstart flower at home (+15 photos)

Upstart, Rain Flower, and Rain Lily are all names for the same plant—Zephyranthes. The flower got its names for its rapid growth, literally jumping out of the soil after rain, and for its resemblance to lilies. Although the upstart is not a particularly demanding plant, it is important to follow the rules for caring for this flower indoors.

Characteristics of the variety and species diversity

Zephyranthes is a herbaceous perennial bulbous plant. Depending on the species, the bulb may be round or ovoid.

The leaf blade is lanceolate and narrow, reaching up to 30 cm in length. Zephyranthes leaves are a rich, dark green color. The surface of the blades is glossy.

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The inflorescences are borne on long stems. Their shape resembles that of lilies and crocuses. Depending on the species and variety, the inflorescences can be white, yellow, or various shades of pink. Bicolor varieties are also found. The petals can be wide or narrow, with pointed or rounded edges.

There are approximately 35 natural species of this flower, and twice as many hybrids. The most common species are listed in the table below.

The above-mentioned species are adapted for indoor cultivation. However, there are many varieties of this plant suitable for garden cultivation.

The secrets and difficulties of caring for an upstart at home

Growing this plant at home is not difficult. To do so, gardeners should follow these guidelines.

It's best not to place white-flowered upstarts on south-facing windowsills. These species are less sun-loving.

The most common difficulty gardeners encounter when growing zephyranthes is a lack of blooms. This problem occurs when the plant's care standards aren't met. Once the plant receives proper care, it will certainly bloom.

How to propagate and transplant a flower at home

Zephyranthes quickly fill up a pot, so they require annual repotting. To enhance the plant's aesthetic appeal, several bulbs are placed in a single pot. This way, during flowering, new blooms replace faded ones. Some growers combine different varieties of zephyranthes in a single container.

There are two ways to propagate the plant at home: by seeds and by bulbs. Below are details on each method for growing new zephyranthes.

Propagation by seeds

Propagation of upstart by seeds involves the following steps:

1. Artificial pollination. Using a cotton swab, pollen is transferred from one flower to another.
2. Seed collection. Two months after pollination, the seeds are considered mature.
3. Planting. The collected seeds are immediately planted in the substrate because they quickly lose their germination capacity. You can use the same substrate as mature zephyranthes. Cover the container with transparent film, simulating a greenhouse.

   

4. Daily care. Spray the seedlings daily and leave them uncovered for a short period of time to allow air to circulate. The first shoots will appear within 2-3 weeks.
5. Pricking out. Young shoots are pricked out only when they have 2-3 good leaves.

Flowers grown from seeds bloom only in the third year of life.

Bulbs

Propagating upstarts from bulbs is easy. The process involves the following steps:

1. Gently separate the daughter bulbs from the mother bulbs. The bulbs should come off easily. If they are clinging tightly, they are not yet ready for independent growth.

   

2. The fracture sites are lubricated with crushed activated or charcoal.
3. The separated bulbs are planted in the soil mixture, leaving the necks on the surface.

Pests, diseases and their control

The plant is virtually immune to attacks by harmful insects. It is extremely rarely attacked by the ubiquitous scale insects, aphids, or spider mites. You can get rid of these pests by treating the plant with a solution of any floral insecticide. Aphids can be controlled with a concentrated soap solution. However, this method is only effective if the insect population is minimal.

Zephyranthes has a naturally strong immunity. Therefore, the only disease it can be susceptible to is bulb rot. This disease is caused by improper plant care. There are several causes of rot. The most common are:

• excessive soil moisture, which leads to moisture stagnation;
• failure to drain excess water from the pot tray in a timely manner;
• poorly laid drainage layer or its absence;
• using dirty tools when planting or replanting flowers;
• moisture ingress and stagnation in the leaf axils of the plant.

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To combat rot, treat the plant repeatedly with a solution of any garden fungicide. To prevent the disease, soak zephyranthes bulbs in a weak aqueous solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour before planting.

Medicinal properties

The flower has medicinal properties. Due to its natural bioactive alkaloids, zephyranthes is included in some medications. Traditional medicine uses plant components to treat liver diseases, including some forms of hepatitis.

The flower is used to treat purulent accumulations resulting from inflammatory processes (abscesses). In some countries, the plant is included in medications aimed at combating various forms of tuberculosis and diabetes. Zephyranthes leaves are believed to have anti-tumor properties.

In folk medicine, infusions and decoctions of the plant are used to treat colds, abscesses, and purulent sore throats. For colds, the flower is brewed as a tea and taken internally. For sore throats, the plant infusion is used as a gargle. A medicine made from the flower bulbs is applied to abscesses on the skin.

Using zephyranthes on your own for medicinal purposes is unacceptable, as all components of this plant are poisonous. Improper use poses a health risk. To obtain competent advice on the use of the flower as a medicine, you should consult a homeopathic doctor.

History of flower cultivation and signs

Zephyranthes is a beautiful flowering plant from the Amaryllidaceae family. Not long ago, it was classified as a member of the Liliaceae family. This is not surprising, as zephyranthes and lilies share many similarities.

The flower's native land is the American tropics and subtropics. Literally translated, its name means "west wind flower." Americans believed that the west wind brought rain. Therefore, the wind from this direction was considered rain-bearing.

There are many signs and superstitions associated with this flower. Some warn against growing Zephyranthes, while others, on the contrary, advise keeping the plant indoors.

It is believed that the plant cannot be grown at home for the following reasons:

1. The sharp, needle-like leaves permeate the space, disrupting the natural circulation of harmonious energy.
2. The flower should not be placed in the bedroom, as it brings discord into the relationship between spouses.

The reasons why you can and should grow upstart at home are the following:

1. The flower has a soft energy that has a beneficial effect on the atmosphere of the home.
2. Blooming zephyranthes fills the house with joy, giving its inhabitants vigor and optimism.
3. The Upstart helps a person realize their full potential. It also directs thoughts in the right direction, facilitates negotiations with partners, and facilitates the conclusion of profitable deals.

Whether or not to keep the plant indoors is a personal decision. Regardless, a zephyranthes in bloom is a delight to the eye and brings only positive emotions. However, the plant is toxic. Therefore, a home with small children or pets is not the best place for it.

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Frequently asked questions about growing

The Upstart is a beautiful and unique flower that's easy to grow indoors. The plant is completely unpretentious. With minimal care, its owner will be rewarded with beautiful, delicate blooms.