Gladiolus murielae aka Acidanthera

Taxonomy

Gladiolus murielae, also known as Abyssinian gladiolus or fragrant gladiolus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. Native to eastern Africa, from Ethiopia to Malawi, this cormous perennial can reach heights of 70-100 cm. It features long, linear leaves and produces numerous fragrant white flowers with a maroon or occasionally orange blotch in the throat. These flowers are borne on slender nodding stems in late summer. Widely cultivated in western and southern European gardens, Gladiolus murielae is lifted annually and stored in frost-free conditions. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In addition to its outdoor cultivation, Gladiolus murielae can also be grown as a rare houseplant. It thrives with regular watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light, ideally placed less than one foot away from a window. Well-draining soil is recommended for this plant. Repotting is necessary as it doubles in size, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers. Belonging to the Gladiolus genus, Gladiolus murielae is native to Tropical Africa.

Common names

Acidanthera, Abyssinian Gladiolus, Peacock Flower

How to care for Acidanthera

Difficulty

Caring for Acidanthera is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

Acidanthera 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

Acidanthera requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Abyssinian Gladiolus is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Acidanthera should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Acidanthera is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.


More info:
Wikipedia