Parrot lily Alstroemeria psittacina

Water

Parrot lily plants should be watered once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week. Use lukewarm water, pouring it slowly at the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, to ensure the roots are getting moisture without becoming waterlogged. Depending on the size of the container and the environment's temperature, that could be around 16 to 32 ounces of water. During active growth in the spring and summer, watering frequency may increase to twice a week, whereas in the dormant winter months, watering should be reduced.

Light

Parrot lily thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal spot is a location where it can receive morning light and partial shade in the harsh afternoon sun. Avoid placing parrot lilies under direct intense sunlight as this can scorch their leaves.

Temperature

Parrot lily prefers temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter months, it's crucial to protect the plant from frost, as it cannot survive in temperatures below freezing.

Pruning

Prune parrot lilies to remove spent flower stems and dead or damaged foliage, which encourages fresh growth and more blooms. The best time to prune is after flowering or in late winter before new growth begins. Pruning can be done several times throughout the growing season as needed to maintain plant shape and health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Parrot Lily prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Ideal soil pH for the plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.1 and 7.0. A good soil mix would contain two parts peat or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part compost to provide nutrients and improve drainage.

Repotting

Parrot Lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and encourage healthy growth. It is essential to avoid disturbing the roots excessively during repotting as they can be delicate.

Humidity & Misting

Parrot Lily thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%. Avoid exposing the plant to excessively dry air which can cause stress.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Alstroemeria psittacina, commonly known as the Parrot Lily, begins its life cycle as a tuberous rhizome that sprouts in spring. The rhizome sends up shoots that develop into sturdy stems and linear leaves. By mid to late summer, the plant reaches maturity and produces unique, colorful, parrot-like flowers that attract pollinators and facilitate cross-pollination. After flowering, the plant sets seed if pollination has been successful, and these seeds can be dispersed by gravity, water, or animals to grow in new locations. As temperatures drop in late autumn, the above-ground parts of the Parrot Lily die back, and the plant enters a dormant period where it conserves energy in its rhizomes throughout the winter. The cycle resumes the following spring when temperatures rise and new growth is triggered.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Alstroemeria psittacina, commonly known as the Parrot Lily, is through division. This process involves the separation of the plant's rhizomes, which are the underground stems from which new shoots emerge. Propagation through division is typically done in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy or in the fall after the flowering period has ended. Gardeners should carefully excavate around the plant, lift out the clump, and gently tease apart individual rhizomes, ensuring that each section has at least one healthy shoot or eye. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at a depth approximately 5 inches (about 12.7 centimeters), spaced about 12 to 18 inches (around 30 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. Regular watering and avoidance of deep burying are crucial, as the crown of the plant should be just below the soil surface. This method of propagation allows for a rapid increase in plant numbers and is efficient for maintaining the health and vigor of Parrot Lily clumps.