Dierama pulcherrimum aka Angel's Fishing Rd

Taxonomy

Genus Dierama Family Iridaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Dierama pulcherrimum, also known as Angel's Fishing Rod, is a species of evergreen flowering plant in the iris family Iridaceae, native to South Africa. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and 0.5 meters wide, with thin, wiry, branching stems that may bend and droop when in flower. Its linear blades have thick longitudinal veins and may have no midrib. The inflorescence is a panicle of several spikes of flowers that may hang like bells or grow erect. The bell-shaped flowers are typically rosy pink, but red, purple, yellow, and white taxa also exist. The bracts around the flowers are usually dry, thin, membranous, translucent, and streaked or veined with brown. The plant was introduced to British gardeners in 1866 by the Yorkshire botanist James Backhouse, and it has several common names, including hair bell and wand flower. Dierama pulcherrimum is hardy but requires a sheltered position in full sun. The Latin specific epithet pulcherrimum means "most beautiful." The plant is slow to establish and once established, does not like to be moved.

Common names

Angel's Fishing Rd, Angel's Fishing Rod, Hair Bell, Wand Flower

How to care for Angel's Fishing Rd

Difficulty

Angel's Fishing Rd requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Angel's Fishing Rd should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Angel's Fishing Rd 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

Angel's Fishing Rd requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Angel's Fishing Rd will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Angel's Fishing Rd 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 Angel's Fishing Rd 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.

More info:
Wikipedia