Gloriosa lily: Easy to grow Perennial climbers with unique flowers
Image by FuzzyDunlop from Pixabay
These climbers are easy to grow and requires very little care. The unique pattern of the Gloriosa lily flowers add beauty to the garden. The backward bent flowers looks like flame.
Quick Details of Gloriosa lily
| Other Common Names | Gloriosa lily, flame lily, creeping lily, fire lily, glory lily, superb lily, climbing lily creeping lily |
| Type | Outdoor flowering climber |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | Late summer |
| Light | Bright direct sunlight to partial shade |
| Water | Regular watering of young plants, Deep water ones a week for mature plants. |
| Temperature | Warm humid conditions. |
| Soil | Well draining potting mix or soil |
| Fertilizer | Liquid fertilizer half the recommended amount |
| Habitat | Africa, Asia |
| Toxicity | Yes |
| Common Diseases | Curling of leaves, stunted growth, lily beetles |
| Scientific name | Gloriosa spp |
Gloriosa lily Buying Instructions
- Buy a healthy and pest free plant.
Overview of Gloriosa lily
These are herbaceous perennial climbers that belong to the family Colchicaceae and native to Africa and Asia. These are tuberous plants and the stems arise directly from the tubers. Each tuber gives raise to 3-4 slender stems which spread and bears the leaves and the flowers. The leaves are long , oval shaped, soft and glossy and arranged oppositely or alternatively. The tip of each leaf has tendrils which help the plant o climb on to the support. The flowers bloom from late summer. The flowers have tepals that face upwards and are placed widely separated from each other. The stamens face downwards projecting below each tepal. The flowers are mostly in a combination of yellow and orange. They are toxic.
Usage and Advantage of Gloriosa lily
- Grown as an ornamental plant.
General Care for Gloriosa lily
Soil
Any well draining potting mix or soil is suitable for their growth.
Water
The young plants and tubers require regular watering to maintain the moisture. ones the plants establish water them only when the soil becomes dry. Deep water the plants ones in a week.
Sunlight
They prefer bright direct sunlight. Can also grow in shade. In places with hot afternoons, place them in spots with shade.
Temperature
They prefer warm humid conditions. Cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. In case of extreme winters make sure to mist the plants or place them over pebble tray to provide enough humidity.
Special Care
They do not require much care. Provide a support for the plants to grow. Cut back the vines during winter. Do not prune them as too much pruning can kill the plants or the growth stops.
Fertilization
Use a dilute liquid fertilizer or any plant fertilizer half the recommended amount. Excess feeding can reduce flowering and encourage foliage growth.
Pests and other problems for Gloriosa lily
Some of the problems faced by gloriosa lilies are:
Dry pale leaves
Caused due to harsh sunlight. Place the plants in partial shade. Provide enough moisture to the plant by either using a humidifier or place a pebble tray below the plant.
Dehydrating tubers
Mostly happens during winters. The tubers start to loose and water and shrink. Make sure to protect the tubers during winters. Since the plants are dormant during winter, water the plants ones a week to avoid dehydration of the tubers.
Tubers rot
When there is excess water in the soil, the tubers begin to rot. Make sure to use a well draining soil. Do not over water the plant.
Stunted plant growth
Can be because of a viral attack, discard the plant.
Leaf curl
Can be due to the attack of aphids or mites. Use a mild insecticide or pesticide.
Slimy spots under the leaves
Caused due to lily beetle. Spray neem oil.
Leaf blight
It is a fungal disease caused by Alternaria alternata. The infected leaves develop small brownish spots which develop into concentric circles. They can spread fast throughout the leaf covering the entire leaf with dark blackish spots. The infected leaves eventually wilt and dry.
Propagation of Gloriosa lily
The gloriosa lilies mostly propagate through tubers. Young tubers can be found growing around the main tuber of the mature plants. These tubers can be collected and planted. Till the soil properly before planting the tubers. A compost or manure can be added to the soil. Dig at least 2-4 inches deep and place the tubers horizontally and cover it with the soil. Placing the tubers deeper helps in producing a more erect plant. Provide enough water and sunlight for its growth.
