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

Red Hot Poker 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 Pokerplant is always in the right place to thrive.

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

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