Astelia solandri aka Perching Lily

Astelia solandri is a moderately challenging plant to grow, particularly outside its native New Zealand habitat. It requires consistently moist, humus-rich soil and protection from cold, drying winds. While adaptable to a range of soil types and pH levels, maintaining the right moisture balance and providing adequate shelter are key to success.

Astelia solandri is a robust, tufted perennial that can reach up to 2 metres in height. Its long, arching to drooping leaves measure 100–200 cm in length and 2–3.5 cm in width, creating a dramatic fountain-like form. Growth is slow, with seed germination alone often taking over 12 months.

Astelia solandri thrives in humus-rich, fertile soil that is well-drained yet moisture-retentive. It tolerates a wide range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, and adapts to mildly acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH. When grown terrestrially rather than as an epiphyte, incorporating plenty of organic matter into the soil is beneficial.

Astelia solandri is moderately hardy, tolerating minimum temperatures of approximately -5 to -10°C (14–23°F), suitable for USDA zones 8–11. In cooler climates, it benefits from a sheltered position protected from cold, drying winds. In regions near its hardiness limits, winter protection may be necessary.

As a native of New Zealand's wet lowland forests where it grows as an epiphyte high in tree canopies, Astelia solandri naturally prefers high humidity. In cultivation, maintaining good ambient moisture through regular misting or grouping with other plants can help replicate its natural conditions, particularly in drier climates.

Astelia solandri benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring. In its natural habitat it derives nutrients from decomposing organic matter accumulated around its roots in tree canopies. When grown terrestrially, enriching the soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter provides a similar nutrient-rich growing medium.

Astelia solandri can be propagated by seed or by division. Seed should be sown in late winter in a greenhouse, but germination is very slow and may take over 12 months. Division of established clumps in spring is a more reliable and faster method. As the plant is dioecious, both male and female plants are needed for seed production.

Astelia solandri produces drooping panicle inflorescences measuring 15–40 cm, borne on long peduncles up to 100 cm. The small flowers have yellowish, pinkish, or maroon tepals 2–4 mm long, blooming from October to June in the Southern Hemisphere. The plant is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for fruit set, which produces small, sweet, edible berries.

Astelia solandri grows outdoors in USDA zones 8–11, tolerating minimum temperatures down to -5 to -10°C. It thrives in sheltered, semi-shaded positions mimicking its natural forest habitat, though it also tolerates full sun with adequate moisture. In colder regions, it benefits from protection against cold, drying winds and may need winter shelter.

In spring, divide established clumps for propagation and apply slow-release fertilizer. Through summer, ensure consistent moisture as the plant does not tolerate drought. In autumn, reduce feeding and prepare winter protection in cooler climates. During winter, shelter the plant from cold, drying winds and frost, particularly in areas near its hardiness limits.

Astelia solandri requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base as needed to maintain the plant's appearance and prevent fungal issues. The long, arching foliage is the plant's main ornamental feature, so avoid cutting healthy leaves. After fruiting, spent flower stalks can be removed at the base.

Astelia solandri is dioecious, producing male and female flowers on separate plants. Pollination is carried out by insects visiting the small, coloured flowers. Both male and female plants must be present in proximity for successful fruit set. The resulting fleshy berries are dispersed by frugivorous birds, an important ecological mechanism in New Zealand's native forests.

The fruit of Astelia solandri is sweet, fleshy, juicy, and pleasant to eat, earning an edibility rating of 2 out of 5. The base of the flowering stems is also edible. The seeds contain oil with approximately 25% gamma-linolenic acid, significantly higher than evening primrose oil (9%). The fruit was traditionally gathered as a food source by Māori.

Astelia solandri is endemic to New Zealand, found throughout the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island. It grows naturally as an epiphyte in wet lowland and montane forests, perching high in the canopy of tall native trees. The species is also found growing terrestrially on forest floors, rock faces, and fallen logs.

Perching Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

To ensure optimal growth, the Perching 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.

Perching Lily is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.