| Description: |
Thick, strap-shaped leaves about 18 inches (45cm) long. Flowers 10-18 in a cluster, deep orange-red or variations of this. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West |
| Planting Depth: |
Plant the 'bulb' just below the surface (about half of bulb showing). |
| 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.
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| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks for a six week period during spring with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to spider mites and mealy bugs. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division of offsets/ seeds
in the spring.
It is best to propagate seeds when ripe 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 offsets and plant in the bulb's regular potting mix.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Plant is poisonous if ingested. Do not keep around children. Do not turn the pot when it is in bud or in flower. Likes to be pot bound and to be cool in the winter.
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| Toxicity: |
Species of this Genus can be harmful to pets. |