As already mentioned, acidanthera can make a slow start in cool or dry conditions, so be patient. It has erect grass-like leaves and slender stems up to a metre tall, each one bearing several nodding funnel-shaped white flowers with purple throats. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w-----How to Plant Peacock Orchids. If you enjoy the information on this site, then you'll love my book: The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide. Introducing acidanthera your gardens must have summer plant, How to Send Flowers to Someone in Another State, The Best Memorial Day Flowers, Arrangements & Gifts. Abyssinian sword lily is native to Africa. The peacock orchid likes full sun. Use a 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks until the end of the growing season. During the growing season your acidanthera corms will produce smaller corms (known as cormlets). Acidanthera (or Abyssinian Gladiolus) are half hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to around -5C. Otherwise, it would be a good idea to keep them in containers. This is just a sample of some of the names this plant goes by! If you are planting them directly into your garden, wait until the soil is warm -- around tomato-planting time. This plant is known by many names, including peacock lily, Gladiolus murielae, Gladiolus callianthus and Abyssinian gladiolus. Acidanthera (USDA zones 7 through 11), commonly called peacock orchid, is a summer-blooming bulb that thrives in the heat of summer when many similar plants decline in the hot conditions.. Store the corms in a dark, dry place with good air circulation. Acidanthera platypetala it grows on the Cape Peninsula.It has about 3 flowers per plant, white flowers with a purple hue. When feeding your plant, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season. For the best display, acidanthera needs fertile soil that is moist and well-drained, but it can also be planted in well-drained soil as it tolerates some drought. The plant belongs to the Gladiolus genus in the Iris family (Iridaceae), which means that it is not an orchid. You can grow them on in temporary pots and plant them out into borders after risk of frost has passed. Sword lilies prefers light and should be grown in areas that receive full sunlight. Just like when growing dahlia tubers, a good rule of thumb is to plant your corms around the same time as you would tomatoes. The fragrance starts in the evening when the air is still.I found them at Costco the past 2 years for 100 for $8. When planting, put it at a depth of 4 to 6 inches. When it comes to climate, one of the first things to know about peacock orchids is that theyre late bloomers. Subscribe to BBC Gardeners World Magazine and get an essential Spring Bundle worth 44.97. In more temperate regions, they should be hardy barring a catastrophic winter (read: 10 F). LOL You will still have to wait quite a while for the bloom, but at least you have green leaves to look at instead of bare ground. A small 6 to 8 inch pot will hold between 5 to 8 plants. Iridaceae. Plant spring-blooming anemone in fall, approximately six weeks before the first expected frost. Here is a link that might be useful: Fragrant gladiolus at NPR. Gladiolus murielae is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to eastern Africa, from Ethiopia to Malawi. Using seed propagation, gardeners have to wait a long time for the plants to bloom, so this method is rarely used by gardeners. In all but the warmest hardiness planting zones, many summer and fall flowering bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers will not survive a cold winter. You can plant them separately. The dark red-brown corms are relatively small - only about 3/4 inch in diameter (those of G. aequinoctialis are larger, over an inch in diameter). If youre in zone 6 or 7, where the temperature can be borderline for the plant, you can leave the corms in the ground and protect it with a heavy layer of mulch to help them get through the frost. Atcidanthera is a flower with a thin, delicate stem and the same elegant large flowers about 10 cm (3.9 inch) in the shape of a star. Alternatively, when winter comes, many gardeners dig up their corms and store them indoors. a friend planted some last year in her yard in sterling and said they were fabulous all summer. They are superb for . If you're planting the previous autumn (undercover) or growing them in pots for the greenhouse, plant 5 corms to a pot around 11cm (4in). As such, it likes warm conditions. Acidanthera (USDA zones 7 through 11), commonly called peacock orchid, is a summer-blooming bulb that thrives in the heat of summer when many similar plants decline in the hot conditions. As such, youll want to be patient. 4. That plant is native to East Africa. Acidanthera carry sword shaped leaves with long pointed white flowers. Also, keep spacing at least 4 inches, ideally closer to 8 inches between plants. If the soil is too wet, the corms could be damaged by mould or gladiolus corm rot. The sword-like foliage in the 2nd photos is acidanthera - 25 in the center of the pot and fertilized heavily with Bulbtone. The plant does not do well when waterlogged. Deadhead after flowering to ensure the plant does not put any energy into producing seeds. Manage Settings While the Acidanthera flowers is one of the most popular plants in this group, there are a few popular options. Peacock orchids bloom time runs from late summer or early fall. BTW i'm in Natick. When you first plant the bulbs, they only need light watering. The plant grows slowly throughout the first half of the season. Come wintertime, you can scaled back on watering as the weather gets cold and its growth slows down. We aim to enrich everyone's life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. You can separate these when you lift the parent corms and store them for planting the following year. today is a lovely day for getting my hands a little dirty and motivating me to what's coming--yay-warm days and nights. So, youll want to inspect any nearby plants if theyve been infected as well. Houzz nutzt Cookies und hnliche Technologien, um Ihre Benutzererfahrung zu personalisieren, Ihnen relevante Inhalte bereitzustellen und die Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu verbessern. Instead of a nub the size of a chestnut! The fragrance is just wonderful - its like jasmine wafting by if they are in the right place. Both bulbs should flower, a little later then usual. Cover the corms with soil and water until the soil is moist. How to Care for Canna Lilies in the Winter, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Missouri Botanical Garden: Gladiolus murielae, Clemson Cooperative Extension: Summer- and Fall-Flowering Bulbs, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests, Identification of a Flowering Bulb Kind of Like a Gladiolus, How to Store a Dying Amaryllis Plant in Winter. Fertilizer may be added when you first start to notice growth, which typically occurs in the late spring. Just add water! Expect flowers in 10 to 12 weeks. In one place, acidanthera grows for 5 years. A temperature range of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit is best for these plants. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soilseedandgarden_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soilseedandgarden_com-banner-1-0');More importantly, it isnt frost tolerant. Once the peacock orchid completes its blooming, decrease the amount of water the plant receives. They are best suited for the USDA hardiness zone 7 to 11. Theyll produce foliage for the next few seasons and are likely take a few years before they reach flowering size. Allow the corms to dry for several weeks and then store indoors in a well-ventilated area. This flowering perennial produces elegant, star-shaped white flowers with a sweet scent. If you have a heavy, water retentive soil, grow acidanthera in rich, peat-free compost in large pots. Perianth with rounded lobes. The new growth of acidanthera may be damaged by slugs. It can even survive in zone 7 if planted deep enough and insulated with a good layer of mulch. So get planting acidanthera and enjoy the fragrant joy of this flower during long, lazy summer days. For more information on how we use cookies and how you can control them, please review our Privacy Policy. Find Your Zone Planting Depth: 3-6" Plant Spacing: 4-6" Plant Type: Corm About Acidanthera is native to Ethiopia and Madagascar and is a family member of the gladiolus. Attic: Features of Construction and Advantages of Operation, Skumpia Reflection Of The Fiery Element, Five Unpretentious Ornamental Plants With Gorgeous Blooms, Autumn Anemones: Where To Plant And How To Propagate, How To Cut Hedges: Golden Tips From The Master Of Topiary Art, Forget-Me-Nots In The Garden: How To Grow And Care For, Landscape Design Of The Plot In Detail: Small Forms In The Garden. It is best to plant Acidanthera bulbs at a depth of 9 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches). Acidanthera needs warm, very well drained soil and lots of sun. Of course, digging up your bulbs and storing them in a cool, dry place through the cold winter months before replanting is another option for these colder regions. When the bulbs are dry, the ground part can be rotated to cut the roots. Instead belongs to the genus Gladiolus. Additionally, after planting and throughout the growing season, especially when outdoor conditions are hot and dry, make sure to keep the planting sites soil consistently moist. Occasionally these may need to be divided. It is best to plant Acidanthera bulbs at a depth of 9 to 15 cm, and a spacing that is 15 to 30 cm apart in the late spring. Plant oxalis bulbs 3-4 inches apart. Spread a 7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inch) layer of mulch over the bulbs. Although the plant can tolerate different kinds of soil, the best ones for optimum growth are sandy or loamy soil. Peacock orchids make attractive and showy additions to the garden and flowering displays for hardscape areas such as patios, balconies and entranceways. Acidanthera appreciates the warm weather of summer and are very simple to plant and grow. Dry in a well-ventilated area. If you are growing acidanthera in containers, you can get started a couple weeks earlier. It is not superfluous to feed the soil with mineral and organic fertilizers. This is much higher than what most homes have. Acidanthera brevicollis bright purple flowers with a short tube. It grows well in drained, neutral or slightly acidic soils. in what he was doing. That said, heres how to store the bulbs for propagation.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'soilseedandgarden_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',160,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soilseedandgarden_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); Often, youll find peacock orchids grown outdoors. If you plant the bulbs or corms at a depth of 15cm, the flower stems will not need staking as they grow. Many gardeners eagerly anticipate the arrival of the flowers and may mistakenly assume that they arent coming. Planting and Growing Brodiaea. Required fields are marked *. NB the Acidanthera has recently been classified into the Gladiolus plant genus. With acidanthera murielae height reaching up to a meter, these flowers, when they do arrive, offer drama, spectacle, and beauty that, if you space your planting wisely, you can enjoy from August right through to September. Otherwise, you have two options: dig up the corms, compost them and plant fresh corms the following year, or lift them, allow them to dry and store them in a dark, cool, frost-free place before planting them out again in late spring or early summer. The bulbs should be planted in early spring in full sun after the threat of frost has passed. The soil for this flower should be moist, for this after planting it can be mulched with the same peat. Beautiful in bouquets. While its not strictly necessary, soaking the corm in room-temperature water for a few hours before you plant it, can stimulate it into growth more quickly. They are the mechanism that will get a novice gardener hooked! Deposit one Brodiaea 'Queen Fabiola' bulb in each hole, bud side up. Corms about 3 cm (1.2 inch), milky white in a brown layer. The late summer flowers are a welcome surprise, opening when most other perennials have already come and gone. By entering your email address you agree to receive a daily email newsletter from Plant Care Today. By the way, there are about 40 types of Acidanthera. When tulips, daffodils and lilies burst into bloom, you're probably not thinking much about the part of the plant that's underground: the bulb. Plant freesia corms straight out into the ground in April or May after the risk of frost has almost passed. This will make the mix retain enough water to keep the plant happy while still be well draining. The acidanthera is recognizable due to its sword-like foliage and white flowers that start to bloom in the mid-summer. Dig a 2 in (5 cm) hole for each corm you want to plant. Anemones aren't fussy about soil pH, but will thrive best in slightly acidic soil. Gladiolus callianthus. Acidanthera can be quite slow to appear after planting, first developing its root system underground, but once foliage appears, it grows very fast. It takes three to four months for a plant to bloom, and each blooms a week to 10. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'soilseedandgarden_com-box-4','ezslot_3',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-soilseedandgarden_com-box-4-0');Meanwhile, the last place you want to keep it is facing north where there isnt a lot of light. As mentioned in colder areas (zones 3-7), you can either treat acidanthera as annuals, discarding them and replacing them with fresh corms the following spring. Place the corms indoors on newspaper to dry, Store the dry, clean corms in a paper bag filled with peat moss, Keep the bag in a cool, dark spot through the winter. Acidanthera at the beginning of flowering, it can be planted in pots in March and grown in a heated greenhouse, on a windowsill or planted in the garden. Unlike hardy bulbs, which require a period of cold in order to bloom, these "tender bulbs" can't handle the cold and need to be dug up, stored, and protected in colder climates. The color can be pale white or light purple with dark purple in the center (two-color acidanthera). Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. The plant has foilage similar to iris leaves at first. The Acidanthera corms are slow-growers and may get taken over by faster growing plants. The smaller corms may only need to be about four inches deep. Use a 5-10-10 blend applied according to package directions, watering the product into the planting site after applying. If you do spot any of them, make sure to immediately separate the plant from other plants near it. However, it is worth the wait. Advertising Disclosure. For zones 8 (and sometimes 7) to 10, you can leave your corms in the ground over winter, covering them with a protective layer of mulch, watering only in times of drought or if soil is completely dry. Also known as a "peacock orchid . Shes covered numerous DIY home topics and has hundreds of articles published on gardening topics. Acidanthera bicolor white flower with a diameter of 12 cm (4.7 inch), with a large black-red spot in the center. Its easy to see the difference in quality when you compare two acidanthera corms side by side. It will produce its stunning flowers about three months after planting, in late summer or early autumn, and its foliage will look good until the first frosts. These are very tall, rather elegant plants when in grown in tubs under cover. Your peacock orchid likewise enjoys humid conditions. Dahlias are a gorgeous addition to any garden. Question: Will Acidantheras grow outdoors, like gladioli? Sword-shaped medium green leaves (to 2 . Iris bulbs grow best where they receive several hours of direct sunlight throughout the day. You dont need to fertilize during the wintertime. You can then move them to a suitable location later in the season after the flowers bloom. Last spring I backslid again and ordered some. Large corms grow into big plants that will give you a more beautiful display of foliage and flowers than smaller-sized bulbs. If you are going to grow a flower at home and immediately plant it in the ground, then you need to hide it when it gets a little colder. Providing movement and light to a border, it's best planted in groups where it can drift through the border, or in containers where their fragrant flowers can be best appreciated. Plant the bulbs about 2 inches (5 cm.) If youre gardening in coastal and mild areas in the south of the UK, you can leave acidanthera in the ground over winter, allowing the foliage to die back and covering the area with a thick mulch to insulate the corms. When to Plant: The corms will not tolerate freezing temperatures. This plant appreciates regular feeding to produce the most flowers. Your peacock orchid likes moist soil. Flower bulbs are actually a type of food storage organ, a way that plants stash their homemade nosh to help fuel future growth and flowers. If growing from root, submerge tubers and plant with roots pointed downwards about 1 to 2 inches deep, depending on bulb size. It should be stored at a temperature of 10-15 C (50-59F) in a dry, ventilated area. It can even survive in zone 7 if planted deep enough and insulated with a good layer of mulch. Alternatively, once flowering has stopped and the foliage has become damaged by frost, you can dig up the corms, drying them off completely and remove the foliage before putting them in a dry, dark, and cool location. As such, you want to be careful when watering your plant. It also is a great way to perk up a flower bed as spring flowers are beginning to go dormant. The moisture will get them going again and you should have a couple babies in there too. If you have a basement window, that would be ideal. However, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, peacock orchids are toxic to dogs, cats and horses, so keep plants out of reach to prevent accidental poisoning. As such, its botanical name is asGladiolus acidanthera. how to plant freesias. For a nice, full look, plant acidanthera bulbs approximately 5" apart (on center) in the garden and 3-4" apart in containers. Its long stems and delicate flowers add both elegance and sophistication to a bouquet. However, many of them have their bulbs started in pots. If you live in a warm climate area where the sun can get intense during hot summers or mid-afternoons, it is best to place the plant in part shade or slightly shaded area. Plant about 8 corms per 12 pot. Acidanthera capensis white flowers with purple red veins. Angiosperms. In fact, you may not see any leaves until late June. There are many cultivars in the Peacock Gladiolus genus which the Acidanthera belongs to. The Website Content, including any rating and scoring are provided by us as-is. And, leaving it at this condition will cause root rot. This means they flower later in the summer to early fall. When should acidanthera bulbs be planted? Other common names include sword lily, fragrant gladiolus, peacock gladiolus and Abyssinian gladiolus. Thanks. The best way to propagate acidanthera is to wait until the end of the season when you remove the bulbs. This will allow water and air to pass through easier. [2] It has been given a number of English names, including Abyssinian gladiolus and fragrant gladiolus. Corms of Gladiolus murielae. The first impression of this flower is multifaceted, it seems that we have already seen it. "Plant the small, round corms in spring and wait for their three-foot spikes to emerge, covered with orchid-shaped blooms," she says. If you have a heavy, water retentive soil, grow acidanthera in rich, peat-free compost in large pots. Acidanthera works well in cottage gardens and prairie-style planting designs, particularly when planted in drifts. How to Decorate the Cover of the Septic Tank. Acidanthera are coming into bloom (Photo by Brendan Zwelling) Early last spring, when I was haunting garden centres looking for anything encouraging, I happened to find some corms for Abyssinian gladiolus (Acidanthera murielae).These small, frost-tender corms are planted in spring for their scented, late-summer bloom, and they're coming into flower now. Smaller corms will prefer shallower depths (4 inches). From late July into October, Acidanthera bicolor murielae produces a succession of large white fragrant flowers with maroon blotches at their centres. You might also hear the plant called by another name, sword lily, which is a nickname that comes from the fact that its leaves look like swords and its flowers resemble lilies. The most common pests associated with peacock orchids include aphids, spider mites and thrips. It is at the edge of a wetland, with running surface water in spring and damp soil all . Here is a link that might be useful: Fragrant gladiolus at NPR dfaustclancy 16 years ago Hi Jardinista - The peacock orchid (Acidanthera)is a lovely mid to late summer and early fall plant with a strong fragrant-flowers and a unique appearance. Flowers appear in late spring to early summer. This is partly due to its unusual name (for more funny and extraordinary plant names, check out this guide for an educational giggle!) 2.8K 97K views 1 year ago Here's how to grow ranunculus. The soil in which Acidanthera plants grow should be well drained. Though acidanthera flowers only last for a few days, each stem blooms at least a dozen flowers that open one after the other giving these plants a constant display of dancing white blooms. Genus: Acidanthera Before planting, you can improve the soil by adding compost, leaf mold, or other organic matter. Your growing zone and particular growing situation will dictate when your ranunculus should be planted. When to Plant Oxalis go dormant in the summer rather than the winter and prefer being planted in the spring, as this lines up with their regular blooming period. ACIDANTHERA Iridaceae A. species. You definitely don't want one at a time - it would be funny looking.Try to plant them upright or they will lean like a gladiolus does. At the end of each season, youll see bulbs form at the corns of your peacock orchid. Water regularly while growing and in bloom so that water will reach the roots. Wait until the foliage starts to grow before transplanting. A less-familiar type of gladiolus is also known as acidanthera or peacock orchids ( Gladiolus callianthus ). If you have a place where they will get sun, but will be shielded from a frost, that's good too. Then, prepare the soil by digging a hole. Acidanthera typically flowers from late summer to autumn. Take the corms out when spring arrives. Acidanthera Murielae. This plants flowers are borne in clusters on slender stems that rise from the base of the plant. The most common species is Acidanthera bicolor, grown as an annual. If you desire to get a jump on the season, start the corms in containers and transfer the transplants into the garden after your last spring frost and once the weather and soil warms. I hope this helps. If you're planting more than 1 Liatris, leave 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) of space between each corm. Once planted, treat your acidanthera like any other herbaceous perennial. They will: (1) have to be dug up in the fall and brought into the house to go dormant for the winter, or (2) consider them an annual and leave them in the ground to croak in the garden over winter and repeat the entire process the following year or (3) if in a pot, just bring the pot in before frost and put it in a dark place, don't water and you will have these bulbs ready to go for next March already in a pot. Although Acidanthera tolerates a variety of well-drained soils, planting in an organically rich, humusy soil with good drainage promotes the best growth. Acidanthera is very susceptible to putrefactive diseases, so it can and should be treated with fungicides. If so, quarantine all the affected plants and treat them. When to Plant: Spring Blooms: Summer to Early Fall Light Requirements: Full Sun Plant Height: 24-36" Hardiness Zones: Grow as Perennial in zones 7-11. Then, prepare the soil by digging a hole. Thus, it does best when the temperature is kept between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Its six-petaled blooms appear almost like stars in a glorious shade of purest white fanning out from a deep burgundy center. Its not as cloying as some of the big oriental lilies - its a light fragrance, but very present. Plant them pointy end up at about 2-5cm (1-2in) deep. - Regards Carol. Zone: Acidanthera corms are winter hardy in zones 7-11. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Watering the acidanthera is also not recommended to avoid stagnation of water and rotting of the bulb. This will allow it to produce full, vibrant flowers with their best color. Does not ship to AK, HI, PR, VI, or Guam. However, be careful not to let soil get wet or soggy. Acidanthera bicolor Hochst. I've tried over the years to grow Gladiolus murielae (syn. Acidanthera bulbs are graded by size, measured in centimeters. For healthy growth, grow peacock orchids in a site receiving six hours of full sun daily and protected from windy conditions, which can damage the foliage and flowers. Before you transplant them into the ground, youll want to wait for the orchids to product foliage. They work well in borders and mixed beds, as well as in containers and make striking additions to cut flower displays. Its leaves are likewise stunning with their blade like shape and green color. It causes skin irritation for some people. The trick is growing it. will they overwinter if i put them in a bed? As such, it is a good idea to keep them out of reach of curious kids and pets who might play or chew on them. Tuberous begonias are hardy to zone 10. Keep in mind that if you want full, bright flowers from the late summer flowering bulb, make sure the plant gets enough water throughout the season. Acidanthera is a summer-blooming bulb in the gladiolus family. As such, makes the plant vulnerable to foliage disease. Non-Standard Examples of Kitchen Gardens Design, How to plant a Saskatoon around the house, Sea Buckthorn Oil: What Cures And How To Cook It, 10 Microwave Superpowers You Didnt Even Know About, How To Turn a Manhole Of a Technical Well Into a Country House Decoration, Wells: Pros and Cons and How to Choose the Best Option, Septic Tank For a Private Home: Which One To Choose (Part 1), Hosta And Its Secrets: Nuances Of Growing And Care, How to Choose an Automatic Gate for Country House, Rare Bulbous Plants of the Family Amaryllidaceae. It is a cheap and quick way of measuring relative humidity. For 20 years, shes owned a garden center and landscaping/consulting business and holds numerous horticulture certificates. If you grow it in a pot, position it in a place where you can get close enough appreciate the rich fragrance of its blooms. So, in addition to looking for damage and signs of infestation you want to check the backsides of foliage as well. Acidanthera murielae (Abyssinian Gladiolus / Fragrant Gladiolus), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC. Once the plants get going, they grow quickly. You should keep a minimum distance of 18 inches between these plants. They are somewhat late bloomers in that they flower later in the summer to early fall. A small 6 to 8 inch pot will hold between 5 to 8 plants. Soggy Home for a Native Beauty. When the flowers arrive, they open from the bottom, revealing funnel-shaped white flowers. Acidanthera murielae Seed Type Bulb Also known as Acidanthera Bicolor, Abyssinian Glad, Peacock Llily, Sword Lily This species of Gladiolus has a large number of common names, including Abyssinian gladiolus, Fragrant gladiolus, Sword lily and Peacock orchid. I did them in enormous pots on my deck last year surrounded by dahlias and verbena bonariensis and it was so nice on summer nights to step out there. I will be able to lift the entire pot, cut off the foliage and put them pot and all in brown paper bags to store for the winter inside the basement. Your email address will not be published. By potting them up now and then replanting into the garden by end May, or relocating the pot outdoors, you will have gained the entire month of April and May (8-9 weeks growth time). When it comes to soil, the most important thing to remember is that is must drain moisture well. In more temperate regions, they should be hardy barring a catastrophic winter (read: 10 F). Do so at a temperature of 10 to 13 degrees Celsius (50 to 55F). Sie knnen nicht notwendige Cookies ber Einstellungen verwalten ablehnen. As with other orchids, it will need more water during the warmer months when it is actively growing. Each bloom sits on tall, arching stems surrounded by sword-like leaves. Spade the soil deeply to decompact the soil Add river sand or gravel to the bottom of the hole Add a good shovelful of compost Fill in Water copiously Mulch with compost to keep the roots cool during the summer In a jar The substrate should be very draining to avoid standing moisture. A good way to do this is to add compost to improve organic content. In milder areas a thick dry winter mulch may suffice Propagation Propagate by separating cormlets when dormant Et voila! He was lying down on the ground with his camera right up to the flower! Before planting, mineral and organic fertilizers are applied to the soil to get a good flowering and growth of the flower bulb. Soil allowed to completely dry out can negatively affect the plants growth. It has about 3 flowers of a crimson hue with a spot of white. This way you'll have flowers coming into bloom over a six-week period, right up to frost. Yes, Acidanthera will grow outdoorswhere the growing season is long. Once the foliage appears, add liquid plant feed to the water every few weeks to encourage flowering.