Alstroemeria is a perennial plant also known as Lily of the Incas or Peruvian lily. An alstroemeria plant may grow as tall as 48 inches (120 cm), and its flowers range in color from white, pink, and salmon to bright orange, red, and purple.
Alstroemeria, commonly called the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Alstroemeriaceae. They are all native to South America although some have become naturalized in the United States, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Madeira and the Canary Islands. Almost all of the species are restricted to one of two distinct centers of diversity, one in central Chile, the other in eastern Brazil. Species of Alstroemeria from Chile are winter-growing plants while those of Brazil are summer-growing. All are long-lived perennials except A. graminea, a diminutive annual from the Atacama Desert of Chile. The genus was named after the Swedish baron Clas Alströmer (1736–1794) by his close friend Carl Linnaeus.
If your plant is not getting enough light, the most common sign is the yellowing and dropping of leaves, stunted leaf growth, elongated stems, and a dull-green color. If your plant is getting too much light, then its leaves will have singed tips, burned patches, or will be falling off (yikes!).
They need well-drained, moisture-retentive soil, so add lots of organic matter when planting. In heavy clay soils, plant the bulbs on a layer of coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Feed lilies when they come into flower. Lilies are heavy feeders. As they come into flower, feed them with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser – such as tomato feed – every two weeks. Continue feeding lilies after they have finished flowering to help the bulbs grow and ensure a good display the following year.
Any dying or yellowing leaves can be removed for aesthetic reasons, while any small leaves that grow off the main trunk, often called suckers, should be removed.
Alstroemeria grows best when temperatures do not exceed 68° F (20°C) daily and range from 40 and 50°F (4 to 10°C) at night.
To grow potted lily plants, you will need these few things: ... A medium to large, well-draining pot – Proper drainage is very important for lilies. While they like moist soil, sopping wet soil will cause the bulbs to rot. Make sure you select a container with drainage holes on the bottom
