Coral drops Bessera elegans

Water

The Coral Drops should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This typically means watering once a week, depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment, with approximately 16-24 ounces of water. During its dormant period in the winter, watering should be reduced to every other week or less, depending on the soil moisture. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure proper drainage in the pot.

Light

Coral Drops thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a south-facing window that receives plenty of light but is shaded from the direct harsh rays of the sun during the peak hours of the day is ideal. Avoid placing it in full shade, as this will hinder its growth and flowering potential.

Temperature

Coral Drops prefer temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside their ideal range can stress the plant. They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold drafts.

Pruning

Pruning of Coral Drops is not typically required for health but can be done to remove spent flower stalks and encourage new growth. After flowering, cut back the flower stalks to the base. If any leaves yellow or become damaged, they can also be trimmed away. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering has ceased.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Coral Drops prefer a well-draining soil mix composed of equal parts loam, sand, and peat, which ensures good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for Coral Drops (Bessera elegans) is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Coral Drops (Bessera elegans) should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their pot. It's best to repot them in the spring, at the start of their active growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Coral Drops (Bessera elegans) thrive in moderate humidity levels; it is best to maintain around 40-50% relative humidity for optimal growth conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity for indoor Coral Drops.

• Outdoor

  Coral Drops need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil in outdoor settings.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Bessera elegans, also known as Coral drops, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is planted in well-drained soil in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. The bulb sends up narrow, strap-like leaves and a flower stalk as temperatures warm, with delicate bell-shaped flowers appearing in summer. After the flowering stage, the plant focuses on energy storage and sets seeds that can be dispersed to grow new plants. In autumn, the foliage begins to die back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy within the bulb for the next growing season. Bessera elegans bulbs require a dry, cool winter period to successfully enter dormancy and rejuvenate for the following spring. When conditions are favorable in the following spring, the cycle begins anew with leaf and stalk growth, followed by flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• Bessera elegans, commonly known as Coral Drops, is primarily propagated through division of the corms. The best time to divide and propagate Bessera elegans is in the spring, just as the plant begins to emerge from dormancy. The process involves unearthing the parent corms and gently separating the smaller corms that have formed at the base of the mother plant. Each separated corm should have at least one growing point, and after ensuring that the corms are dry and free of rot, they can be replanted. They should be placed in well-draining soil with the top of the corm just below the soil surface, at a depth of about 2 inches (which is roughly 5 centimeters), and spaced approximately 4 inches apart (about 10 centimeters). Adequate sunlight and occasional watering will encourage growth and the development of new Coral Drops plants from these corms.