A deciduous evergreen plant like drimiopsis (Drimiopsis) is also called Ledebouria. It is directly related to the Hyacinthaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of South Africa.

This bulbous plant is a perennial. On the surface of the pale green leaf plate there are dark green spots scattered chaotically.

Spiky or brush-like inflorescences have from 10 to 30 small white flowers.

This plant looks very similar to eucharis, which makes them very easy to confuse. It is possible to distinguish them during the flowering period. For example, the small florets of Drymiopsis, which are part of the spike-like inflorescence, do not have any decorative value in contrast to the second plant. Also, Eucharis has larger leaf plates than Drymiopsis.

Home care for Drymiopsis

Brightness

Needs very bright light. Keep in mind that the brighter the light, the richer and more spectacular the leaves of such a plant will be. But experts advise in summer to protect the plant from the scorching direct rays of the midday sun, as they may well leave burns on the surface of the leaves.

Temperature regime

In spring and summer the plant needs a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees. With the onset of the fall period, it is recommended to place the Drymiopsis in a cooler place (about 14 degrees).

Humidity

It is fine in low humidity urban apartments. It is recommended for hygienic purposes to moisten the foliage from a sprayer and wipe it with a damp sponge (cloth).

How to water

In spring and summer watering should be regular. It is done as soon as the top layer of soil dries out. Soft water is used for this purpose, which must be allowed to stand well.

With the onset of autumn, watering is reduced. In winter, watering is quite rare, especially in the cold wintertime. But make sure that the soil in the pot does not dry out completely.

Feeding

Feeding is done in spring and summer twice a month. Use bulb fertilizer or cactus fertilizer.

Earth mixture

Suitable soil must be loose and nutrient-rich. To prepare the earth mixture, combine leaf, sod and mulch earth and sand, which should be taken in equal proportions. You can also add charcoal to this mixture.

Repotting peculiarities

Young specimens should be repotted once a year, taking a new pot larger than the previous one, and adults once every 2 or 3 years (as the bulbs grow). A suitable container for planting should be wide and low.

Remember to put a good drainage layer at the bottom of the pot.

Production methods

Bulbs can be propagated by baby bulbs or seeds.

Bulbs should be detached from the mother plant after a dormant period when re-potting or planting. Any damage to the bulbs should be covered with crushed charcoal before planting.

A species such as Kirk's Drymipsis can be propagated by leaf cuttings.

To do this, the leaf plate must be carefully divided into parts, the length of which should vary from 5 to 6 centimeters. Rooted in sand, with a temperature of not less than 22 degrees. Rooted cuttings are planted in separate pots with a diameter of 7 centimeters.

Pests and diseases

The plant can be settled by spider mite and scab. Spider mites can be controlled with Confodor or Actara.

You can get rid of the spider mites by washing the leaves with soapy water made of green soap. Or hot (about 55 degrees) showers are also suitable for this purpose, but you should avoid overwatering the soil.

If there is little light, the leaves will become faded, monochromatic and their petioles will elongate. If water stagnates in the soil, it can cause the bulbs to rot.

Main species

Drimiopsis kirkii (Drimiopsis kirkii)

This evergreen plant is bulbous and has a distinct dormancy period.

The rounded bulb shape is colored white. The stiff, lanceolate-shaped leaflets taper towards the base. They are colored a deep green, with dark green spots on their surface and a greenish gray underneath. These leaves are up to 40 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. Petioles are either absent or very short.

The flower stalk varies in length from 20 to 40 centimeters. The spike-like inflorescence bears small white flowers. Flowering is observed from March to September.

Drimiopsis spotted (Drimiopsis maculata)

This deciduous bulbous plant is a perennial. The oblong-shaped, dark green bulbs are not fully embedded in the soil.

Leaf blades are oval-cordate and have corrugated edges and reach a length of 10 to 12 centimeters, but have a width of 5 to 7 centimeters. There are dark green spots on the green surface of the leaves. The leaves have a long (up to 15 centimeters) petiole. The cyst-shaped inflorescence bears flowers with a rather faint but pleasant odor. The color of the flowers can be yellow, beige, white or gray.

Flowering is observed from April to July. During the dormant period, which is observed in the fall and winter, the plant partially sheds its leaves. During the fall time, Drymyopsis may change the color of the leaf plates to monochrome, which is a quite natural process. In the springtime, the leaves will reappear with spectacular spots.