Alstroemeria aurea aka Peruvian Lily
Taxonomy
Alstroemeria aurea, also known as yellow alstroemeria or Peruvian lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Alstroemeriaceae. It is native to Chile and Argentina but has been naturalized in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. This beautiful flower is widely cultivated as an ornamental and is popular for bouquets, table arrangements, and wedding decorations.
This vigorous, clump-forming perennial grows to about 1 meter tall and has mid-green leaves. It features upright stems with up to 7 branches, each bearing 1 to 3 bright yellow flowers. The upper petals of the flowers are streaked with reddish-brown, adding a touch of color. The petals themselves come in various colors including yellow, orange, pink, red, white, and purple. The center of the flower is a cluster of yellow and orange stamens, which makes it easily distinguishable.
Alstroemeria aurea is one of the hardiest alstroemerias and can survive temperatures as low as -10 °C. It is a herbaceous perennial with brittle, fleshy roots and narrow leaves. The plant blooms in early to midsummer, displaying its orchid-like flowers in brilliant shades of yellow and orange. The flowers may also be heavily spotted or striped with red or brown.
Despite its name, the Peruvian lily is not native to Peru. However, it is still commonly referred to as such, along with other species of Alstroemeria. The Latin specific epithet aureum means "golden," reflecting the golden hues of the flower.
To thrive, Alstroemeria aurea requires a sheltered spot in sun or part shade. It is a fast-spreading plant under favorable conditions and can reach a width of 0.5 meters. The leaves grow in a fan-like pattern, adding to its visual appeal.
In summary, Alstroemeria aurea is a stunning perennial plant with vibrant yellow flowers streaked with reddish-brown. It is a popular choice for decorative purposes and can withstand cold temperatures. Despite its common name, it is not native to Peru but has earned its place as a beloved flower in many parts of the world.
Common names
Peruvian Lily, Golden Lily Of The Incas, Alstroemeria Colorita RedHow to care for Peruvian Lily
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Peruvian Lily, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Peruvian Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Peruvian Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Peruvian Lily prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Peruvian Lily plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Peruvian Lily has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Peruvian Lily’s native range is S. America - S. Chile.
More info:
Wikipedia
