Arisaema

Pamily. Araceae.

Origin. Eastern North America.

Description. Arisaema is a herbaceous plant up to 40 cm high. In March - April it produces one three-lobed leaf, which dies by autumn. Unusually striped inflorescence.

The dying off of the above-ground part is typical for some tropical species. In harsh climates, indoor plants have a dormant period in the winter months due to the shortened daylight hours.

This is a very variable species, a perennial herbaceous plant with 1 - 2 leaves, each of which is divided into 3; and a cylindrical inflorescence-cob, which is covered with a veil. The tubular base of the bedspread often has white or burgundy stripes. The leaves are on long petioles, which develop directly from the corm with a diameter of about 6 cm. Each leaf leaf is 8 - 15 cm long and 3 - 7 cm wide. Leaf color varies from light green to reddish green or brownish green. The inflorescences are up to 8 cm long, greenish-yellow with purple or brownish stripes, covered with tiny flowers, male and female. Male flowers are located above the female flowers on the lower half of the spadix, where they are hidden from view by a spathe; they do not have corollas.

Male flowers have multiple stamens, while female flowers have a single pistil. The male flowers on a particular plant bloom before the female flowers on the same plant open. Thus, female flowers are pollinated by male flowers of another plant. The flowers may emit a faint, unpleasant aroma of mold or stagnant water. The fruits are smooth, shiny green, 1 cm in diameter, and ripen in late summer and autumn, turning bright red before the plants go dormant. Each berry contains 1 - 5 seeds, white or light brown, round, often with smoothed edges and a short sharp end at the top.

Height. From 30 to 90 cm.

Planting and care

Reproduction - growing from seeds 

Arisaema reproduces by small nodules - babies. Growing arisaema from seeds is also possible - to do this, you need to collect the berries and keep them moist, without placing them in the ground until the end of winter. By the end of February, the seeds are freed from pulp and washed in a sieve under running water. The peeled ones are dried and sown. Germination begins in March. The first year the seedlings have single, rounded leaves; in the second year, larger single leaves or three leaflets appear, depending on how well the plants have grown. The plant blooms after another 2 years.

Growing at home

In the spring, as soon as a young shoot appears, expose the plant to light and water regularly. Do not rush to remove dying leaves - they continue to feed the plant's tubers. Dry ground parts are cut off.

Temperature

In winter, the pot with the tuber is stored in a cool, dark place; the rest of the time, normal room temperature is suitable. Doesn't tolerate heat well. 

Lighting

Can grow in full shade or partial shade. If the lighting is very bright, then it is necessary to ensure sufficient soil moisture. Prefers good lighting in the spring, when active growth and flowering occurs, and a period of rest in the shade. 

Soil for arisaema

Sandy and loamy soils, well drained, no special requirements for pH. The soil should be moist and contain plenty of organic matter, such as rotting leaves. 

Fertilizer

During the growing season 2 times a month; in winter, fertilizing is excluded.

Flowering time

Flowers appear in spring, from April to June. Flowering is long - from 14 days to 1 month.

Spraying

No special requirements. 

Irrigation

Likes to be watered abundantly and kept dry in winter. It does not tolerate stagnant moisture at the root - the corm can rot.

Transplant

It is preferable to replant in winter - before the first shoots appear. 

Pests and diseases of arisaema

There are no serious problems with insects, and it rarely gets sick. Harmful insects may include aphids and bulb mites.

Purpose

An interesting, spectacular plant. 

Note

Arisema contains a toxin that causes severe burning of the mucous membranes. When handling the flower, use protective gloves.

Varieties:

Arisaema amurense

    Widespread species in Asia. It is a herbaceous plant with palmately cut, green leaves covered with lighter stripes. Peduncles are erect, strong, and low. Small flowers of this species are collected in a thin, cylindrical inflorescence - a spadix, surrounded by a large green or burgundy striped blanket. The fruits are small round berries - orange or pink. 

Arisaema concinnum

This species is quite rare and is widespread in China. The leaves of the plant are complex - they consist of 7-13 long leaflets, the edges of the leaf blades are often wavy. The petioles of the leaves are long, often with a purple tint. The cover of this plant can even be almost black.

Arisaema triphyllum

As the name suggests, this species has leaves divided into 3 segments. Sometimes there are plants with leaves consisting of 4 and 5 segments.