How to Pollinate Poisonbulb

(Crinum asiaticum)

Poisonbulb, also known as Giant crinum lily, Spider lily

Renowned for its nocturnal beauty, poisonbulb employs a fascinating pollination strategy. As evening arrives, it unveils a breathtaking display of intensely fragrant flowers that serves as an irresistible beacon for bees. With each visit, these industrious insects inadvertently ensure poisonbulb's pollination, transferring pollen from the male stamens to the female pistil. This nightly spectacle keeps poisonbulb's lifecycle flourishing.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Poisonbulb?

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Poisonbulb?

Poisonbulb sports large, fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers organized in an umbellate inflorescence. These flowers have long, closely arranged petals, usually white with a delicate blush of pink, making them highly visible and accessible for pollinators.

Pollination in poisonbulb typically occurs through insects which visit the flowers for its nectar. Cross-pollination is highly encouraged; self-pollination is less likely due to the structure of the flower.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Poisonbulb?

Plant Diversity

Plant a variety of vegetation that produces blooms throughout the year. Bees and beetles are attracted to flowers that produce nectar, while butterflies are attracted to flowers that produce both nectar and pollen. This will ensure a continuous food source for these pollinators.

Native Plants

Prefer to use native plants as they are more likely to attract local pollinator species. In this case, for Bees, Beetles, and Butterflies, select plants whose nectar and pollen they prefer.

Water Availability

Provide a water source in the garden or farm. Pollinators like bees, beetles, and butterflies require water for survival. This could be a small pond, a bowl of water, or any device that can collect rainwater.

Pesticide Management

Reduce the use of pesticides as far as possible. If necessary, opt for organic or less harmful pesticides. These chemicals harm all insects, including Bees, Beetles, and Butterflies, and cause a decline in their numbers, impacting natural pollination.

How Can You Determine if Poisonbulb has Been Pollinated?

Color change

For poisonbulb, a key indication of successful pollination is a color change in the bulb. After pollination, the bulb turns from a vibrant green to a faded yellow or brown.

Bud formation

Another sign of successful pollination in poisonbulb is the appearance of buds. Following pollination, fresh buds will start emerging.

Bulb enlargement

Poisonbulb's bulb will enlarge and swell, indicating successful pollination. It's crucial to monitor the bulb for this transformation.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Poisonbulb

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

60 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Poisonbulb?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush will be used to gather pollen from the flower's stamen and apply it to the pistils of another flower.

Magnifying Glass

Used to closely inspect the pollen transfer. Poisonbulb has small, intricate flower structures and hand pollination requires accuracy.

Marker and Tags

These will be used to label the pollinated flowers for easy identification during the fruiting period.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Poisonbulb?

The ideal time for hand-pollination of poisonbulb is early in the morning, as that's when the flowers open and there is usually an abundant amount of fresh pollen available. The suitable growth cycle period is when the plant is in full bloom.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Poisonbulb

Step1: Gathering Pollen

Use a small brush to gently gather pollen from the stamens of a flower. Make sure that you've gathered sufficient pollen as it’s not always visible to the naked eye.

Step2: Transferring Pollen

Carefully apply the collected pollen to the pistils of another poisonbulb flower. You need to ensure that the pollen comes into contact with the sticky part of the pistil, known as the stigma. This is where fertilization happens.

Step3: Marking Flowers

Use a marker and tag to label the pollinated flower. This step is crucial as it allows you to identify which flowers have been hand pollinated and track their development.

Step4: Follow-up

Monitor the pollinated flowers closely over several days to confirm that pollination has been successful. Typically, successful pollination is indicated when the base of the flower (ovary) begins to swell and form a seed pod.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Poisonbulb Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Insufficient Pollinator Activity

If pollination is not occurring, it may be due to lack of pollinators. Encourage pollinator activity by introducing bee-friendly plants nearby or manually pollinating poisonbulb.

Pest Infestation

Pest infestation can affect pollination. Use gentle, eco-friendly pesticides or introduce natural pest-predators if signs of harmful insects are observed.

Stressful Conditions

Pollination might be affected under extremes of temperatures, or insufficient water and sunlight. Ensure poisonbulb receives apt climate, water, and sunlight for successful pollination.