Care of the climbing plant Gloriosa rothschildiana or Flame lily |
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The genus Gloriosa, family Colchicaceae, comprises 12 species of tuberous herbaceous plants native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Some species are: Gloriosa rothschildiana, Gloriosa modesta, Gloriosa simplex, Gloriosa carsonii. Common names: Flame lily, Gloriosa lily, Climbing lily, Fire lily. They are climbing plants with simple or branched stems that reach 3 m (9.84 feet) in length. The leaves are bright green and oval in shape with a pointed end; they have tendrils for climbing. The curious and beautiful flowers have 6 petals with curled edges and can be red and yellow or pink. They bloom in summer. They are used as terrace or balcony plants and for cut flowers. They are delicate growing plants that need supports to climb. Gloriosa rothschildiana needs semi-shadow or soft light exposure. The winter temperature should not be lower than 12 ºC (53.6 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of peat with 1/3 of coarse sand. Plant tubers 5 cm (1.96") from the surface of the substrate. Water regularly with lukewarm water but waiting until the substrate has dried. Suspend irrigation after flowering. Fertilize every week with mineral fertilizer from when the flowers sprout until they wither. They are quite resistant plants to pests and diseases but sensitive to cold and sudden changes in temperature. They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by division of the rhizome in winter; they are not easy processes. |
Images of the climbing plant Gloriosa rothschildiana or Flame lily |
 Gloriosa rothschildiana  Gloriosa rothschildiana  Gloriosa rothschildiana  Gloriosa rothschildiana  Gloriosa rothschildiana  Gloriosa rothschildiana |