Alstroemeria 101
Alstroemeria grows from a cluster of tubers, having both, sterile and fertile stems. Few stems might reach up a height of 1.5 meters. The leaves of Alstroemeria are arraganged alternately and are twisted on petioles so the undersides remain face up. The leaves can be in diverse shapes, whereas the blades have even edges. They have 6 curving stamens. The stigma has 3 lobes. The fruit is a capsule having 3 valves. Alstroemerias are famous as an inferior monocot, which means that the petals are situated on top of the ovary, and the leaves are matching.
If you look at an Alstroemeria stem you can occasionally see a spiral growth pattern on stems. This is caused by the production of new cells in spiral sequence and this is why the head moves the way it does.
If the soil temperature rises too high (more than 22 degrees Celsius) the Alstroemeria plant puts all its effort in producing larger tuberous roots at the cost of flowering shoots. With few varieties this may bring about production of completely blind non flowering stems with no flowers.
Few things to consider with Alstroemeria:
- Names: Alstroemeria, universally called the Peruvian Lily or Parrot Lily or Lily of the Incas.
- Varieties: The South American species has around 50 species of blossoming plants, primarily from hilly regions in the Andes.
- Colors: They come in several shades of orange, red purple, white and green speckled and striped with darker colors.
- Scent: No scent
- Freshness: Stops producing blossoms if it gets too hot.
- Vase Life: Around 2 weeks
- Availability: All year
- Costs: Economical
- Meaning: Devotion and Friendship
Growing Tip: If you observe Alstroemeria stem you can at times notice a spiral growth on its stem. This is caused by the production of fresh cells in the spiral sequence and this is why the head moves the way it does. If the soil temperature goes up too high (above 22 degrees Celsius) then Alstroemeria sets its effort in producing larger tuberous roots at the cost of flowering shoots. In some varieties this may lead to creation of completely blind non flowering stems with no flowers.
Alstroemeria varieties available with us:
– White/Pink
– White
– Pale Green
– Lavender
– Pink
– Purple
– Orange
– Yellow
– Red
– Hot Pink
– Assorted