Though not as popular as daisies or roses, alstroemerias are hands down one of the most unique and lovely flowers out there.
Despite being called The Lily of the Incas or Peruvian Lily for short, they’re not related to lilies, but they sure resemble them a lot with their attractive trumpet-shaped blossoms and distinct line marks.
As well as having a wide range of colors, these attributes are attention-grabbers in your house or garden. Best of all, taking care of alstroemerias is an enjoyable and fulfilling task to do, and we’ll be showing you how through our guide here.
Basic Alstroemeria Care
To grow fast and well, alstroemerias need full sun exposure in the morning and partial sun in the afternoon.
The plant thrives in damp, fertile, and well-drained soil. You can always gauge the moisture level of the soil by touching it with a finger or a popsicle stick.
They are flexible in terms of when you can plant them, whether it be in summer, spring, or fall. However, ensure that the ideal temperature for them doesn’t go beyond 68°F every day.
On the other hand, most varieties can withstand wintry weather between 0℉ to 40°F. But for extreme cold, put mulch around the flowers in order to protect them while enriching their soil.
Similar to other kinds of flowers, watering has to be enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering the soil will cause root damage, which will negatively affect the plant’s ability to grow.
Only fertilize the flowers after they have bloomed. We suggest using high potash (soluble potassium) plant food for the plant to bear more flowers and resist certain pests and diseases.
At times, you may have to pull up the stem of the alstroemeria to encourage new blossoms. Don’t cut the stem because this can hurt the plant.
Additionally, you have to take off spent flowers to keep the flowers looking wonderful and prevent them from overmultiplying.
FAQs about Caring for Alstroemerias
- Are alstroemerias an evergreen or perennial plant?
Almost all alstroemerias are perennial plants. They can live through many growing seasons and can endure winter conditions from 10℉ to 30°F.
While the top part of the plant wilts and dies each winter, it comes back in the next spring alive and beautiful.
After you’ve planted them, they generally need less watering to survive. Thus, it can benefit people living in a dryer environment and wanting to conserve their water use.
- How do you repot alstroemerias?
Before repotting, moisten the alstroemeria soil with water a few hours before. The water should then come out of the drain holes so the soil won’t be sodden.
This is important since this will make the soil and roots stable and easier to take out with the flowers later on.
Now, take out the whole flowers along with the soil and roots. Spread the roots around its new home, whether you plan to put them into a new pot or a raised garden bed.
Arrange and pack the soil and give it one inch of water. And acclimate the plant to its new location by watering it every two to three days for three weeks before watering them like usual.
- What do alstroemeria flowers symbolize?
Alstroemeria flowers symbolize friendship and constant support through life’s hard challenges. Aside from that, they can also mean humor, patience, empathy, and respect.
