Botanical Name: Veltheimia bracteata
Common Name: Veltheimia, Forest lily
Type of Plant: monocot: bulb
Character Summer deciduous
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape thick, fleshy bulbous plant with glossy foliage forming a basal rosette – may go completely dormant during the summer months
Height to 2'
Spread to 2'
Growth Rate moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure in/outdoor direct, bright (south) light indoors; half-shade outdoors
Soil prefers a well-drained potting soil – add perlite
Hardiness tender to cold (keep above 55 degrees)
 
Morphology:
Leaves strap-shaped, dark green and glossy, to 1' long, 4" wide – margins distinctly undulate, dark purple mottling at base
Flowers terminal raceme of tubular pink to violet flowers, 1" long, scape to 2' long
Fruit small 3-valved capsule
 
Propagation:
seeds, division of offsets
 
Usage:
good flowering houseplant for winter color – use in a prominent spot during growth and bloom – but keep out of sight while foliage dies back in summer.
 
Landscape Care:
Watering needs regular watering during growth and flowering – allow to dry out after bloom dies
Fertilizing low N fertilizer during active growth –none after blooming
Pruning remove dead leaves and flower stalk, can cut back in spring
Pests/Diseases no major pest problems
Special Conditions/Other plant bulb high in soil to prevent root rot
 
Origin: South Africa
Family: Liliaceae

Notes:
 
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