Black fritillary 'Martha Roderick' Fritillaria biflora 'Martha Roderick'

Water

For the Chocolate Lily, it's key to mimic its natural habitat which includes periods of dryness. Water thoroughly when the soil surface appears dry, typically once a week during active growth. In cooler seasons or during dormancy, reduce watering frequency to bi-weekly or less, allowing soil to dry out more between watering. When watering, apply water gently near the base of the plant until it begins to run through the drainage holes, signaling that the soil is saturated. Chocolate Lilies typically require around 1 inch of water every one to two weeks, depending on climate and soil conditions, or roughly half a gallon for medium-sized pots.

Light

Chocolate Lily thrives best in partial shade to full sun, making dappled sunlight its ideal lighting condition. Place the plant in a location where it receives morning light and protection from the intense afternoon sun. A bright spot with filtered light that mimics its natural woodland settings will encourage healthy growth.

Temperature

Chocolate Lilies prefer moderate temperatures and can be sensitive to extreme heat or frost. The ideal temperature range is between 50°F and 75°F. They can survive temporarily outside of this range but should not be subjected to temperatures below 30°F or above 85°F for sustained periods. Ensuring proper insulation during colder months can help maintain these temperature parameters.

Pruning

Pruning Chocolate Lilies is typically not necessary as they are not prone to excessive growth. However, after flowering, spent blooms can be removed to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed formation if desired. The best time for any necessary pruning is in the late fall or early spring, just before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Chocolate lily prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter, and thrives in a soil pH of 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Chocolate lilies should be repotted every two to three years to replenish the soil and accommodate bulb growth.

Humidity & Misting

Chocolate lily requires moderate humidity levels but is generally adaptable as long as the soil moisture is well-maintained without waterlogging.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place chocolate lily in bright, indirect light; ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled shade or morning sun, protect from harsh elements.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Chocolate Lily or Fritillaria biflora 'Martha Roderick' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which lies dormant underground during the summer. In the fall, with cooler temperatures and the onset of the rainy season, the bulb sends up a shoot. By late winter to early spring, the plant flowers, producing chocolate-colored, bell-shaped flowers that are pollinated by insects, typically bees. After flowering, the Chocolate Lily sets seed which will be dispersed by wind or animals, or the plant may reproduce vegetatively through bulb offsets. The foliage then dies back as the plant enters a summer dormant period to conserve energy for the next growing season. During this dormancy, the bulb remains in the soil, awaiting the environmental cues to begin the cycle anew in the fall.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The most popular method of propagating Fritillaria biflora 'Martha Roderick', commonly known as the chocolate lily, is through bulb division. This process is typically done in the late summer after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. Gardeners carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any offsets, which are smaller bulbs that have formed at the base of the parent bulb. These offsets can be replanted immediately at a depth of about 3 inches (approximately 7.5 centimeters) in well-draining soil with some added organic matter. It is important to space the bulbs about 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate room for growth. Care should be taken not to damage the bulbs during division as they are quite delicate. After planting, it is important to water the bulbs in, and then wait for them to emerge in the following growing season.