What is a forest lily?

Forest Lily, velheimia bracteata, is the winter of growing bulb in his native countries of South Africa. The genus is called in honor of the German botanist August Ferdinand Graf von Veltheim, the genus consists of only two species. v. Capensis , otherwise known as Sand Lily, is another form. Both species can also be recognized under the names of sand onion or winter red -brown poker. Pale to dark pink flowers are sometimes seen green on the tip. This gives the plant the appearance similar to hot poker. v. bracteata, "Lemon Flame" is a green yellow variety. The flowers appear at the end of winter until the beginning of spring in their native environment or from the summer until the fall in the United States. In addition, they are quite attractive for hummingbirds. Once the forest lilies disappear, the area has been replaced by the papal semi -pods. Soon after these ripening, the whole plant begins to die back with the new leaves that appear as soon as its short dormancy ends. However, it is not uncommon in the regions without frostThis plant will remain green all year round. Since the plant is used to warm, dry climate South Africa, forest lily do not tolerate cold, so it should be protected from severe frost and freezing temperatures.

With a suitable climate, the plant can be easily grown outdoors, people living in colder areas can be easier to grow forest lily in the container. This allows you to move inside for hibernation. Forest lilies require well drainage, preferably rich in humus, soil. They need a light sun for a partial shadow or bright light inside. Like Amaryllis bulbs, they are located with necks just above the soil line.

care for these plants is just so simple. During active growth, forest lily should be provided with a balanced, water -soluble fertilizer at least every other week. Once they have died, the flower stems can be removed. Is also a good idea to give a poler on the pest, because outdoor plants can be susceptible to attacks of slugs, snails and caterpillars. Indoor and outdoor forest lilies can sometimes be influenced by mistakes.

These plants can be promoted by seed, cuts or compensation. The seeds are generally sown and germinate in two to three weeks. The leaves of the leaves can be taken in summer and planted in sandy soil, where roots or bulls should begin to form in about a month. Offsets should be taken at the end of summer, as soon as the leaves have disappeared, otherwise forest lily plants can be raised and divided every two to three years.