Kniphofia uvaria aka Red Hot Poker

Taxonomy

Genus Kniphofia Family Asphodelaceae Order Asparagales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Kniphofia uvaria, also known as tritomea, torch lily, or red hot poker, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It is prized for its tall, showstopping flower spikes in bright red, orange, and yellow colors. The leaves resemble those of a lily, and the flowerhead can reach up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in height. Red hot pokers are not true lilies and there are over 60 species in the Kniphofia genus, with most of the varieties available today being hybrids. One common species plant, Kniphofia uvaria, reaches 3 to 4 feet in height. Red hot pokers bloom for much of the summer, making them a popular choice for gardens. They are also resistant to damage by deer and slightly salt tolerant. Hybrid cultivars of red hot poker are available. To propagate, either sow seeds or divide the plants in spring. The flowers bloom from the bottom upward and fade to yellowish green as they senesce. Dwarf cultivars have clumping foliage reaching 1 to 2 feet high and flower stalks that stand over 2 feet tall. Red hot pokers are best planted in spring and will reach full height within each growing season.

Common names

Red Hot Poker, Pokerplant, Torch Lily

How to care for Red Hot Poker

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Red Hot Poker is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Red Hot Poker should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Red Hot Poker 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 Red Hot Poker 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.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Red Hot Poker as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Red Hot Poker’s native range is S. Africa.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Kniphofia Genus

Kniphofia uvaria Red Hot Poker