Care of the bulbous plant Moraea ochroleuca or Apricot Tulp |
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The genus Moraea, family Iridaceae, comprises 40 species of bulbous and tuberous plants native to Africa and Australia. Some species are: Moraea ochroleuca, Moraea polystachya, Moraea sulphurea, Moraea ciliata, Moraea pavonia, Moraea edulis, Moraea glaucopsis. Common names: Apricot Tulp, Giant Tulp. This species is native to the northwest and the southwest Cape, South Africa. They are plants with bulbs (they are actually corms) that reach 60 cm (232.6") in height. They have 1-2 light green ribbed linear leaves. The abundant flowers last a few days but do not stop sprouting; They can be yellow, orange, salmon, or various colors. Bloom from mid-summer to early fall. They are used in pots and planters, in rockeries, on sunny slopes and to form groups together with other bulbous plants. Moraea ochroleuca grows in full sun or semi-shade exposure. In winter they resist the cold up to 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil should have an excellent drainage for which we can use 1/3 of commercial potting substrate and 2/3 of coarse siliceous sand. Always water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. When the leaves dry, stop watering. Fertilize once in spring with slow release mineral fertilizer. They do not require pruning. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering; they can be attacked by mites in poorly ventilated greenhouses. They propagate from seeds sown in spring or fall. |
Images of the bulbous plant Moraea ochroleuca or Apricot Tulp |
 Moraea ochroleuca  Moraea ochroleuca  Moraea ochroleuca  Moraea ochroleuca  Moraea ochroleuca  Moraea ochroleuca |