Gloriosa superba aka Flame Lily

Taxonomy

Gloriosa superba, also known as flame lily, climbing lily, creeping lily, glory lily, gloriosa lily, tiger claw, agnishikha, and fire lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Colchicaceae. It is a deciduous, summer-growing climber that can reach up to 1.5m tall, with slender stems that grow up to 4m long and tuberous roots. The leaves are shiny, bright green, and have tendril-like tips that cling to anything they touch. The plant produces 6-parted flowers on long stalks that are yellow or red with wavy margins. However, it is highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested. The stems die back in late summer, and the tubers are dormant during winter.

Common names

Flame Lily, Climbing Lily, Creeping Lily

How to care for Flame Lily

Difficulty

Flame Lily is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

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

Soil

Flame 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

Flame Lily 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 Flame Lily will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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.

Region of origin

Flame Lily’s native range is Tropical and southern Africa, through the Indian Ocean and tropical Asia to Malaysia and Indonesia.


More info:
Wikipedia