Contents
Description
Schizanthus, also known as Butterfly Flower or Poor Man’s Orchid, is a genus of flowering plants native to South America. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is closely related to petunias and tomatoes. Schizanthus is an annual or perennial plant that produces stunning flowers in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, blue, yellow, and white.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota ||——–|———–|| Kingdom | Plantae || Phylum | Spermatophyta || Class | Magnoliopsida || Order | Solanales || Family | Solanaceae || Genus | Schizanthus |
Appearance
Schizanthus grows up to 60 cm tall and has delicate leaves that are soft and green. The flowers have a unique appearance, with petals that are deeply divided into two or three sections. This creates a frilly effect that gives Schizanthus its distinctive look. The flowers are typically 2-5 cm in diameter and have a trumpet-like shape. They bloom in clusters, and each cluster can contain up to 20 flowers. Schizanthus flowers come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and some varieties have a sweet, fruity fragrance.
Care Guide
Schizanthus is relatively easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Here are some tips on how to care for this stunning plant:- Water: Schizanthus prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water it regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Feed Schizanthus with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Schizanthus grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If you’re growing it in a container, use a potting mix that’s rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Schizanthus prefers full sun to partial shade. If you’re growing it indoors, place it near a window that gets plenty of sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Schizanthus is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Schizanthus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are a few to watch out for:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from Schizanthus leaves, causing them to wilt and yellow. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can spin webs on Schizanthus leaves and suck the sap from them. Use neem oil to control them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to form on Schizanthus leaves. Keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent it.
Habitat
Schizanthus is native to the Andes Mountains in South America, where it grows at high altitudes in cool, moist conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Schizanthus be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Schizanthus can be grown indoors as long as it gets plenty of sunlight and is watered regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize Schizanthus?
A: Feed Schizanthus with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Schizanthus?
A: Schizanthus is hardy in zones 8-11.
Q: How do I control aphids on Schizanthus?
A: Use insecticidal soap to get rid of aphids on Schizanthus leaves.
Related Plants
Here are a few plants that are related to Schizanthus:- Petunia- Tomato- Nicotiana- Datura- Brugmansia
References
– “Schizanthus.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Feb. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizanthus.- “Schizanthus x wisetonensis ‘Angel Wings’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=275209&isprofile=1&basic=Schizanthus.- “Schizanthus.” Royal Horticultural Society, Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/170101/Schizanthus/Details.
