The alstroemeria psittacina, also known as the parrot lily or Peruvian lily, is a stunning flower prized for its vibrant colors and exotic appearance Though native to South America, these beauties have become a mainstay of gardens worldwide. With proper care, the alstroemeria psittacina will thrive for years, delighting you with its vibrant blooms. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to successfully grow this eye-catching plant
Overview
The alstroemeria psittacina is a herbaceous perennial in the Alstroemeriaceae family. It’s an rhizomatous plant, meaning it spreads through underground rhizomes. Each rhizome produces a cluster of lance-shaped leaves and brightly colored flowers resembling parrot beaks, hence the common name parrot lily. These beauties bloom in late spring through fall in colors like crimson, orange, yellow, white, purple and pink. Mature plants reach 1-4 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide.
Though not extremely common, the alstroemeria psittacina can be found at some garden centers and nurseries. You can also purchase bulbs online. For best results, select a reputable source and choose plump, firm bulbs that show no signs of rot or damage.
Growing Conditions
To keep your parrot lily thriving happily provide the following growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun daily is ideal.
Soil: Well-draining loam or sandy soil amended with compost. Neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0-7.0.
Water: Consistent moisture, especially in summer. Around 1-2 inches per week. Reduce in winter.
Temperature: Prefers 60-80°F during the day. Can tolerate highs up to 90°F.
Humidity: Thrives in 50-60% humidity. Ensure good airflow.
Hardiness Zone: Zones 7-10. May require winter protection in colder climates.
Planting Bulbs
For best results, plant parrot lily bulbs in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Follow these tips when planting:
-
Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Amend clay soils with compost.
-
Space bulbs 12-18 inches apart and plant 3-4 inches deep. Place them horizontally with the roots facing down.
-
Water thoroughly after planting and cover the area with 2-3 inches of mulch to retain moisture.
-
Mark the location with plant tags if planting bulbs among other plants. The foliage won’t emerge for several weeks.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is key for parrot lilies. Water thoroughly after planting and whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Apply around 1-2 inches of water per week through rainfall or irrigation. Reduce frequency in winter. Container plants need more frequent watering. Take care not to overwater as soggy soil can lead to rot.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the active growing season from spring through early fall. Slow release granular fertilizer can also be used. Discontinue fertilizing after September to allow the plant to harden off for winter. Container plants need more frequent feeding than in-ground plants.
Pruning and Maintenance
-
Remove spent flower stems to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
-
Cut back any damaged foliage or diseased parts promptly.
-
Divide congested rhizomes every 2-3 years in early spring when new growth emerges.
-
Pick off any insect pests instead of using pesticides.
-
Keep debris cleared away from the base of plants.
-
Provide winter mulch in cold climates for insulation.
Propagating Parrot Lily
Parrot lily is easily propagated through division in early spring. Here’s how:
-
Carefully dig up mature plants. Shake off excess soil.
-
Use a sharp, sterilized knife or pruners to separate the rhizomes.
-
Divide into sections with 3-4 inches of roots and at least one growth bud.
-
Replant divisions at the same depth, water well and keep moist.
Seeds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out. But division is quicker and more reliable.
Common Problems
Poor flowering: Insufficient sun, overcrowding, overfeeding, drought stress or extreme heat can inhibit blooms.
Leaf spots/blights: Improve airflow and reduce watering duration to prevent foliar fungi in humid climates. Apply organic fungicides as needed.
Root rot: Plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering and allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
Pests: Aphids, spider mites, thrips. Remove by hand or use natural insecticidal soap as needed.
Overwintering Parrot Lily
Parrot lily is winter hardy to USDA zones 7-10. It will die back after hard frosts in fall. Where winters are cold, take these steps to protect dormant roots:
-
Cut back foliage as it yellows and browns.
-
Mulch over roots with 2-4 inches of shredded leaves, straw or pine needles for insulation.
-
Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Reduce watering frequency.
-
Apply a high phosphorus fertilizer to stimulate root growth.
-
Remove mulch in spring once danger of frost has passed. Do not cut back new growth if it emerges early.
With its brightly hued, exotic flowers and easy care nature, the alstroemeria psittacina brings a unique, tropical flair to gardens. Follow this guide for optimal growth and enjoyment of this uncommon beauty. A little attention to its sun, soil, moisture and fertilizer needs will keep your parrot lilies flowering happily for years to come.
How to fertilize Peruvian-Lily
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
It’s likely that your plant will need a bigger pot by the time it’s used up all the nutrients in its soil.
Repot your Peruvian Lily when it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. This will give the plant new nutrients.
Peruvian-Lily prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. You can use our water calculator to get personalized watering advice based on your area, or you can download Greg to get more detailed advice for all of your plants.
Peruvian-Lily requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Just pick your area to see how the current weather there affects the placement in your home
Peruvian-Lily is not safe to consume. You, a family member, or a pet that has eaten any amount of plant matter should call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222 or see your vet. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Peruvian-Lily does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will have a lot of organic matter, like coco coir, and perlite or vermiculite to help water drain away. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!.
Peruvian-Lily should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer as long as you change it every year. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!.
USDA Hardiness Zone Peruvian-Lily can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
It’s not always a bad sign when a plant has yellow leaves; it can be a normal part of its life cycle. Most likely, your plant is just getting rid of old leaves unless brand-new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once.
Most problems with Peruvian-Lily are caused by too much water and root rot, since they don’t like it when the soil is too wet. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Change the wet soil to dry, new soil, and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets too much water again.
To fix a houseplant that looks sad, first look for signs of distress in its leaves, like yellowing, browning, or drooping ones. This could mean that the plant is getting too much water or not enough nutrients.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Check to see how much light the plant is getting. Too much or too little light can hurt the plant.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Finding light for Peruvian-Lily in your home
Peruvian-Lily love being close to bright, sunny windows .
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Peruvian-Lily does not tolerate low-light .
Click on your region to see how the current weather in your area affects where you should put your Peruvian Lily
How to care for Alstroemeria, Peruvian Lilies
FAQ
Do princess lilies need full sun?
How long do Peruvian lilies last?
How do you winterize Alstroemeria?
Should you deadhead Alstroemeria?
How do you care for Alstroemeria?
Here are some plant care tips and tricks to help keep your Alstroemeria at its healthiest. Sunlight: Alstroemeria flowers should be planted in an area of your garden that is mostly sunny. They thrive when receiving full morning sun and some partial shade in the afternoons. Water: These plants do best when they’re watered regularly.
Is there any cure for teratozoospermia?
The treatment for teratozoospermia will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. If an infection is causing the condition, then antibiotics may be prescribed. If the condition is due to exposure to certain chemicals or medications, then avoidance of these substances may be recommended. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a varicocele. Artificial insemination (IUI) is an other option. Sperms that have been washed and concentrated are placed directly into the uterus around the time the ovary releases one or more eggs to be fertilized. This can be used in cases of mild teratozoospermia. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is another fertility treatment that can be used for men with teratozoospermia. This procedure involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them in a lab. The fertilized eggs can then be implanted into the uterus. In-vitro fertilization is carried out by selecting the best of the man’s sperms, in case of moderate teratozoospermia. Also, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used in severe cases of teratozoospermia or if all the above methods have failed. ICSI involves microinjection of the selected sperm into the ovum for fertilization so as to improve chances of fertilization. The fertilized egg can then be implanted into the uterus. Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) is a variation of ICSI with improved sperm recruitment by observing under high magnification light microscope. However, there are some lifestyle changes that may improve your sperm health overall. These include: Quitting smoking Eating a healthy diet Exercising regularly Reducing stress levels-Avoiding exposure to chemicals and toxins Treating any underlying medical conditions Making these lifestyle changes may improve your sperm health and increase your chances of fathering a child. However, it is important to speak with a fertility specialist to determine the best course of action for you.
Does Alstroemeria psittacina grow in shade?
Ideal for the garden, Alstroemeria psittacina thrives best in full sun or partial shade. With its vibrant blooms, it adds a touch of exoticism to borders, beds, and containers. Alstroemeria aurantiaca (Peruvian Lily) is a robust, clump-forming perennial. This plant can grow up to 48 inches (1.2 m) in height.
How do you repot Alstroemeria?
Repotting: When repotting your Alstroemeria, water the soil a few hours before you intend to remove it from the pot. Apply enough water so that you can see it come out of the drainage hole. This will allow the soil to stay intact when you remove the plant.
How do you grow Alstroemeria aurantiaca?
Alstroemeria aurantiaca (Peruvian lily hybrid), picture by 阿橋 HQ; CC. This plant is best grown in a well-drained, fertile soil. Use a location that is subjected to full sun or partial shade. In a garden setting, it is widely used in beds and borders, where it is loved for its bold, summer-long color.
How do you propagate Alstroemeria?
Alstroemeria plants thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade exposure. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Providing support for the tall flower stems is recommended. These plants can be propagated through division or by planting seeds or rhizomes.