African Lily Agapanthus 'Isis'

Water

Lily of the Nile, or Agapanthus 'Isis', should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Provide about one to two gallons of water per plant, ensuring that the water reaches the root zone without waterlogging the soil. During the dormant season, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil is dry to the touch, especially if the weather is cool or overcast. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage.

Light

Lily of the Nile prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving best in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be a south-facing or west-facing garden bed that is sheltered from harsh afternoon sun in extremely hot climates.

Temperature

Lily of the Nile can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best in conditions between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's hardy to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but any prolonged exposure below this can damage the plant. The ideal temperature helps ensure prolific blooming and healthy foliage growth.

Pruning

Prune Lily of the Nile after it has finished blooming to remove spent flower stalks and encourage additional blooms. Cut back halfway to the base of the plant to promote bushier growth and deadhead regularly. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

African Lily (Agapanthus 'Isis') prefers well-draining soil with a blend of potting soil, compost, and sand or perlite to ensure good drainage. The ideal soil pH for African Lily is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

African Lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, as they prefer to be slightly root-bound. The best time to repot is in the spring before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

African Lily thrives in average humidity levels, around 40% to 60%. They do not require high humidity and can tolerate the drier air found indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; keep at room temperature.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot; protect from extreme cold.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Agapanthus 'Isis', commonly known as the African Lily or Lily of the Nile, begins with seed germination, which occurs in a moist, well-drained substrate under warm temperatures. Seedlings emerge with their first set of true leaves and continue to develop a strong root system. Vegetative growth proceeds with the formation of strap-like leaves that form a dense clump as the plant matures. In summer, flowering stalks shoot up above the foliage, bearing clusters of trumpet-shaped blue or purple flowers. After blooming, seeds are formed in pods that eventually dry and split open to disperse seeds for the next generation. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the cooler months, especially in climates with cooler winters, where the foliage may die back before regenerating in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Agapanthus, commonly known as the Lily of the Nile, can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method. This process is typically done in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of Agapanthus strains after the flowering season when the plant is dormant, ensuring minimal root disturbance. Use a sharp spade or knife to separate the clump into smaller sections, each with at least one or two growing points or fans of leaves. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before and water them thoroughly, allowing for about 15 to 18 inches (approximately 38 to 46 cm) between each plant to give them enough space to grow. The soil should be well-draining, and the plants should be kept moist until they are established.