Peruvian lily 'Christine Marsh' Alstroemeria 'Christine Marsh'

Water

Peruvian lily should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water thoroughly once a week, supplying about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the size and the weather conditions. Ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil to encourage deep rooting. Reduce the frequency of watering during the dormant period in the winter but do not let the soil dry out completely.

Light

Peruvian lilies thrive in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate partial shade. The best spot for them would be a location where they receive morning sunlight and are protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their foliage. These plants can also adapt to full sun conditions if gradually acclimatized and adequately watered.

Temperature

Peruvian lilies favor temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle minimum temperatures down to about 23 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure optimal growth, protect the plant from extreme cold and frost by providing mulch or bringing them indoors if potted during colder months.

Pruning

Prune Peruvian lilies to remove spent flower stalks and encourage further blooming. Deadheading regularly will promote a continuous display of flowers. Cut back the foliage to the ground level in late fall or early winter, after the first frost, to keep the plant healthy and prepare it for the next growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Peruvian lilies, like Alstroemeria 'Christine Marsh', thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. Adding organic matter like well-rotted compost can improve soil structure and provide nutrients.

Repotting

Peruvian lilies typically need to be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate their growing root systems. Repotting is best done in the spring before the growing season starts.

Humidity & Misting

Peruvian lilies prefer moderate to high humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier air found in most homes without issue. There is no specific humidity requirement, but avoiding excessively dry air can help maintain healthy foliage.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright indirect light and keep soil moist for indoor Peruvian lilies.

• Outdoor

  Plant in fertile, well-draining soil with partial to full sun outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Peruvian Lily 'Christine Marsh' begins with seed germination, where conditions such as light, temperature, and moisture trigger the growth of a new plant from a seed. Next, it enters the vegetative stage, developing roots, stems, and leaves as it matures. This herbaceous perennial then enters the flowering phase, typically in late spring or early summer, when it produces colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers that are rich in nectar and attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers are followed by the formation of capsule-like fruits that contain seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As autumn approaches, the above-ground parts of the plant may die back, with the root system remaining dormant over winter. When spring arrives, the cycle starts anew from the underground rhizomes, ensuring its survival and propagation for the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Alstroemeria 'Christine Marsh', also known as Peruvian Lily, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for propagating this plant. The ideal time to propagate Peruvian Lilies by division is in the early spring or late fall when the plant is not actively blooming. The process involves gently digging up the clumps of tubers and rhizomes from the ground and carefully separating them by hand, making sure each division has at least one or two shoots or growth points. These divisions are then replanted in well-draining soil, ideally in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Proper watering after replanting is crucial to ensure the divisions establish themselves and start a new growth cycle.