Bulbous Plants
In nature there are certain plants which have modified underground stem in which food material is stored to overcome the unfavorable season. In Horticulture the plants which are propagated through modified under-ground stems are called as ‘Bulbous plants’ and these modified underground stems are available in different forms like
1) Bulbs
2) Corms
3) Tubers
4) Rhizomes.
These bulbous plants are divided into two categories i. g. 1`. Hardy types and 2. Tender bulbs.
The hardy types can be left in the ground and separated after 2-3 years for their multiplication (e.gh. Amaryllis, Tuberose, Canna etc.) On the contrary the tender types cannot be left in the ground after flowering and are to be lifted from ground on maturity. After their treatment against diseases they are to be stored in cool storage or/cool places during off season for next year planting e.g. Gladiolus, Dahlia etc.
Propagation:
The plants are propagated by –
Bulbs: 1. Tuberosc 2. Lilly
Corms:1. Gladiolus 2. Caladium
Tubers:1. Alocacia 2. Dahlia 3. Begonia 4. Colacacia.
Rhizome:1. Canna 2. Glorisa 3. Ware lily.
A bulbous plant has normally three phases during a year i.e. vegetative growth, flowering and dormancy. After growth and flowering the plants in most cases enter into rest period and the duration of dormancy, temperature and humidity.