The growth and flowering of Rhodohypoxis baurii (Baker) Nel cultivars depending on rhizome weight

Abstract

Abstract Rhodohypoxis baurii is an ornamental plant recommended for pot and garden cultivation. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between rhizome weight and the growth, flowering and rhizome yield in two cultivars (‘Dusky’ and ‘Ruth’) of R. baurii grown as pot plants. The rhizomes were sorted into three groups by weight: 0.10-0.20 g, 0.21-0.30 g and 0.31-0.40 g. The study revealed that the plants developed from the largest rhizomes were the highest, the widest, produced the most leaves, inflorescences per rhizome, flowers per inflorescence and were the first to flower. The plants developed from rhizomes of 0.21-0.30 g and 0.31-0.40 g did not differ in their flowering rate, flower diameter or the weight of rhizomes at the end of the growing season. Flowers developed in all of the plants grown from rhizomes weighing at least 0.2 g. A comparison of cultivars showed that 'Dusky' plants were higher, wider, had more leaves, inflorescences and flowers per inflorescence, flowered earlier and produced rhizomes of greater weight than 'Ruth' plants, which had a higher greenness index and larger flowers. Both cultivars did not differ in their flowering rate. Rhizome weight gain after the cultivation period depended rather on the cultivar than on the size of the planted rhizomes.