Cape cowslip 'George' Lachenalia bulbifera 'George'

Water

Cape Cowslip should be watered once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering every 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions, but always check the soil moisture first. When watering, provide enough water to saturate the soil until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot; this might equate to about 16 to 32 ounces. During the dormant period, after the leaves have died back, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to remain dry.

Light

Cape Cowslip thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade. It is best to place the plant in a north-facing or east-facing window where it receives some morning sun but is protected from the harsh midday rays. Avoid exposing it to direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Temperature

Cape Cowslip prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F, which is ideal for its active growth phase. It's crucial to keep the plant away from cold drafts and to avoid temperatures below 50°F, as it cannot survive freezing conditions. The plant enjoys cooler temperatures during its dormancy period in the winter months, with a minimum of 50°F being necessary for its survival.

Pruning

Pruning Cape Cowslip is not often required, but it can be beneficial to remove spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth and a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning is right after flowering, as the plant begins to enter its dormant phase. Prune sparingly, as the plant needs to store energy in its bulb for the next growth cycle.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cape Cowslip prefers well-drained soil mix with good aeration, such as a blend of loam, sand, and peat. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.5 to 7, is suitable for its growth.

Repotting

Cape Cowslip should be repotted every two to three years, or when the bulb outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Cowslip thrives in moderate humidity levels but does not require specific humidity conditions as long as the soil moisture is well-maintained.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Cape Cowslip in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in dappled sunlight and protect from harsh elements.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Cape hyacinth 'George', or more commonly, Lachenalia bulbifera 'George', begins its life cycle when the bulb, containing embryonic plant material, breaks dormancy in late summer or early autumn. The plant then sends up a spike of leaves and sometimes a stem that will bear the colorful flowers for which it is known. Following leaf and flower development, it typically flowers in winter to spring. After pollination, seed formation may occur, and these seeds have the potential to disperse and generate new plants, completing the sexual reproductive phase. When the above-ground foliage dies back, the plant enters a dormant period through the late spring and summer, during which the bulb conserves energy and resources. Throughout its life, it can also propagate asexually via offsets, small bulbs that develop in close proximity to the parent bulb, increasing the spread of the plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Cape Cowslip, known botanically as Lachenalia bulbifera 'George', can be propagated through a popular method which involves the division of the small bulbils that the plant produces. Typically, the best time to propagate is after the foliage has died down, which usually occurs in late spring or early summer. To propagate Cape Cowslip, gently remove the offset bulbils that have formed around the base of the mother plant. These bulbils are fully formed mini bulbs that can be carefully detached and potted individually. Plant the bulbils in a well-draining soil mix, at a depth of approximately 1 inch (or about 2.5 centimeters), and water them lightly to encourage root development. Keep the newly potted bulbils in a warm, well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight, until they establish themselves and begin to grow, at which point they can be treated as mature plants.