Alstroemeria care made easy: 5 maintenance tips to note
What's the story
Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a colorful and long-lasting flower that can add a touch of vibrancy to any garden.
Not only are these flowers beautiful, but they are also relatively low-maintenance, making them a favorite among gardeners.
This article provides five key tips for caring for Alstroemeria to ensure they flourish and produce abundant blooms.
Location
Selecting the right spot
Alstroemerias like a spot that gets full sun (at least six hours a day), but they can handle a bit of shade too.
They do best in well-drained soil that's neutral to a little bit acidic.
So, when you're planting alstroemeria, pick a place in your garden that fits this description.
That way, they'll be happy and healthy, and you'll get lots of those beautiful blooms!
Watering
Proper watering techniques
These plants need constant moisture, particularly during the growing season.
Water your alstroemerias deeply once or twice a week, permitting the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.
Prevent overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
During hot spells or dry periods, you might need to water more frequently.
Feeding
Fertilization for healthy growth
Fertilize your alstroemerias with a balanced 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through fall).
This provides them with the necessary nutrients for growth without encouraging excessive foliage that might compete with blooms for resources.
Over-fertilizing can result in lush leaves but fewer flowers, so stick to this schedule for the healthiest plants and most vibrant blooms.
Support
Supporting your plants
Alstroemeria stems can get pretty tall and a bit floppy, and they may need some support to keep them from toppling over under their own weight or in the wind and rain.
Pop in some stakes or plant supports early on in the season before they get too tall.
Tie the stems gently to supports with soft ties that won't harm them.
Winterizing
Winter care and mulching
In areas where temperatures fall below freezing, you should mulch heavily around the base of your plants with organic material like straw or leaves in late fall.
This will insulate roots and prevent frost damage during the winter.
Remove the mulch in early spring when frost is no longer a threat, to give new shoots space to grow.