Montbretia Crocosmia 'Krakatoa'

Water

Montbretia 'Krakatoa' should be watered deeply to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant approximately once a week during the active growing season, giving it about 1 inch of water each time, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. In hot, dry weather, increase the frequency to two times per week, but always check the soil moisture first to prevent overwatering. During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering significantly, providing only enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Always use a gentle watering method, like a watering can with a shower head, to avoid disturbing the soil or damaging the plant.

Light

Montbretia 'Krakatoa' thrives best in full sun conditions, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Place it in a spot where it will get plenty of light, but be cautious of intense afternoon sun in very hot climates, which might require some partial shade to prevent scorching. If grown indoors, ensure it's near a sunny window.

Temperature

Montbretia 'Krakatoa' prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but for optimal growth, maintain temperatures within the ideal range. Avoid placing your Montbretia in areas where temperatures can drop below the minimum tolerance or spike to extreme highs.

Pruning

Montbretia 'Krakatoa' should be pruned to remove spent flowers and to tidy up the plant, which encourages a second bloom and maintains its shape. The best time to prune is right after the first flowering has finished. Cut the flower stems back to the base, and remove any damaged or yellowing leaves. Prune the plant again in late fall or early winter, cutting it back to the ground to prepare for the next growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Montbretia 'Krakatoa' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A mix containing equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand can provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. Ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Repotting

Montbretia 'Krakatoa' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years. Overcrowded clumps can be divided and repotted in spring just before active growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Montbretia 'Krakatoa' grows best in average to high humidity conditions outdoors but does not have specific humidity needs. Adequate air circulation is more important than humidity level for preventing disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Montbretia 'Krakatoa' in bright, indirect light indoors with regular watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant Montbretia 'Krakatoa' in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Crocosmia 'Krakatoa', commonly known as Krakatoa montbretia, begins its life cycle as a corm, a bulb-like underground storage organ, which remains dormant during the winter. In spring, shoots emerge from the corms, developing into strappy green leaves and soon after, flower spikes start to form. Throughout summer, striking reddish-orange flowers bloom along the stems, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which may drop to the ground and potentially grow new plants if conditions are favorable. During the autumn, the foliage begins to die back as the plant enters a period of dormancy. Throughout its dormancy in the winter, the corm survives underground, ready to initiate the next cycle of growth as temperatures rise in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Spring-Early Summer

• Crocosmia 'Krakatoa', commonly known as montbretia, is typically propagated through the division of corms. The ideal time for this is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed but before the plant has begun to put forth a lot of growth. To propagate montbretia by division, carefully dig up the clumps of corms and gently separate them using your hands or a knife if necessary. Each corm should have a piece of the basal plate (where roots grow from) to ensure it can produce a new plant. Replant the corms at the same depth they were growing before, spaced about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart, and water them in well after planting. This method leverages the plant's natural reproductive cycle and results in clones of the parent plant, ensuring that the unique qualities of Crocosmia 'Krakatoa' are preserved.