Alstroemeriaceae
Peruvian Lily: Air Purifying Plant
Alstroemeria
The Peruvian Lily prefers partial or filtered sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular watering, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season and remove spent flowers to encourage new blooming.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
18° - 30°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Peruvian Lily?
Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria) is a medium-care plant from the Alstroemeriaceae family. The Peruvian Lily, scientifically known as Alstroemeria, is a popular ornamental plant prized for its vibrant and long-lasting flowers. Native to South America, it grows from rhizomes and produces upright stems with lanceolate leaves. The flowers, which come in a wide range of colors and patterns, a...
Peruvian Lily grows up to 3.0m, with spread of 200cm, watering every 7 days, 18°C – 30°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Peruvian Lily?
TLDR: Peruvian Lily needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 18-30°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Peruvian Lily?
Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2-3 cm) of soil is dry to the touch. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as water accumulation can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant or growing more slowly.
How Much Light Does Peruvian Lily Need?
Position your Peruvian Lily in a location that receives morning sun or filtered light for most of the day. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight during the hottest hours, as it can burn the leaves and flowers.
What Is the Best Soil for Peruvian Lily?
The Peruvian Lily thrives in soils rich in organic matter that drain very well. A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal to ensure aeration and prevent root rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Peruvian Lily?
Use pots with good drainage, preferably terracotta, which help keep the soil more aerated and prevent moisture buildup at the roots.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Peruvian Lily and Where Does It Come From?
The Peruvian Lily, scientifically known as Alstroemeria, is a popular ornamental plant prized for its vibrant and long-lasting flowers. Native to South America, it grows from rhizomes and produces upright stems with lanceolate leaves. The flowers, which come in a wide range of colors and patterns, are often bicolor and have distinct petals, with the lower ones usually marked. It is an excellent choice for flower beds, borders, and as a cut flower due to its long vase life.
How to Propagate Peruvian Lily?
Rhizome Division
- Perform the division preferably in early spring, before new growth begins.
- Ensure cutting tools are clean to avoid introducing diseases.
- 1 Dig up the plant
Carefully dig up the mother plant, trying to preserve as much of the root system as possible.
- 2 Divide the rhizomes
Separate the rhizomes into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one bud or eye.
- 3 Plant the new sections
Plant each rhizome section in its own pot or garden location, with the buds facing upward.
Materials needed:
Sowing
- Alstroemeria seeds can have slow and variable germination.
- Cold stratification can improve germination rates.
- 1 Prepare the substrate
Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- 2 Sow the seeds
Scatter the seeds over the surface of the substrate and lightly cover with a thin layer of vermiculite or substrate.
- 3 Maintain moisture and temperature
Keep the substrate moist and the temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C). Germination can be irregular.
- 4 Transplant the seedlings
When the seedlings have a few true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Peruvian Lily Grow?
TLDR: Peruvian Lily can reach up to 3.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
2.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
The Peruvian Lily is often associated with friendship, devotion, and prosperity. Its long-lasting flowers symbolize strong and enduring bonds, making them a popular gift for friends.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | ⚠️ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Mandevilla | Medium | Bright indirect | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |