Crocus nudiflorus aka Knights Of St John Crocus
Taxonomy
Crocus nudiflorus, also known as Autumn Crocus, is a species of dwarf, deciduous perennial belonging to the Crocus genus of the family Iridaceae. It is found in western Europe, from southwestern France to Spain, and is known for its long-tubed, goblet-shaped, or bell-shaped flowers that bloom in autumn or at the end of summer. The plant grows from rhizomes or corms, which spread out into clumps of plants by stolons. Crocus nudiflorus has been cultivated since Tudor times in Great Britain and is now naturalized there. As a houseplant, Autumn Crocus requires regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window. The plant prefers well-draining soil and typically does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. Overall, Autumn Crocus is a rare and beautiful addition to any garden or indoor space.
Common names
Knights Of St John Crocus, Naked Flowering Crocus, Autumn CrocusHow to care for Knights Of St John Crocus
Difficulty
Knights Of St John Crocus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Knights Of St John Crocus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Knights Of St John Crocus 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 Knights Of St John Crocus prefers bright diffused 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 cold period, it is common for Knights Of St John Crocus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The Knights Of St John Crocus should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Knights Of St John Crocus’s native range is S. Europe - S.W. France to N.E. Spain.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Crocus Genus
Crocus sativus Saffron
Crocus biflorus Silvery Crocus
Crocus vernus Spring Crocus
Crocus serotinus Crocus Serotinus
Crocus flavus Dutch Yellow Crocus
Crocus pallasii
Crocus tommasinianus Woodland Crocus
Crocus luteus Crocus
Crocus speciosus Bieberstein's Crocus
