| Description: |
Sword-shaped leaves held upright, often in two ranks, produce a slender stalk with several spreading flowers. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the East/West |
| Planting Depth: |
Plant the 'bulb' so it is covered by more than twice the height of the bulb. |
| Soil Type: |
A GOOD general purpose potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well) will suffice. Check purchased soil to see that it is well aerated and add sand or perlite and peat moss if it seems to pack too tightly. Give the plants a chance to settle in before going back to whatever fertilization program has been successful for you. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part moist peat or humus (leaf mold) and a light dusting of lime.
Always use a pot with a hole.
|
| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. Remember to reduce watering during the winter or dormant season. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed monthly spring through fall with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division of corms/ seeds
in the spring.
It is best to propagate seeds in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent the moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while. Remove (when dormant) and plant corms in their regular potting mix.
|
| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Keep cool and after plant dies down, dig up the corms and store in a dry place until you're ready to plant them.
|