Peruvian Lily Alstroemeria Inticancha Dark Purple = 'Tesdarklin' (PBR) (Inticancha Series)
ABOUT
The Alstroemeria Inticancha Dark Purple, also known as Peruvian Lily, boasts stunning, eye-catching flowers. Its blossoms are a rich, velvety dark purple hue, which provide a dramatic flair to gardens or arrangements. Each flower is comprised of six petals, featuring a smattering of darker speckles and streaks that create an intricate and alluring pattern. The petals can sometimes show a gentle fade to lighter shades near their edges, adding to the flower's depth and visual appeal. The Peruvian Lily's leaves are slender, vibrant green, and lance-shaped, which gracefully accentuate the flowers. These leaves may appear slightly twisted at their base, giving the foliage an interesting spiral-like feature that is characteristic of the Alstroemeria genus. The overall appearance of the Peruvian Lily is quite lush and exuberant, with the dark purple blossoms rising above the foliage and creating a beautiful contrast that attracts the eye. The plant is well-suited for cut flower arrangements, adding both elegance and a sense of luxury to any floral composition.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Dark Purple Inticancha Alstroemeria, Peruvian Lily, Lily Of The Incas, Parrot Lily.
Common names
Alstroemeria Inticancha Dark Purple = 'Tesdarklin' (PBR) (Inticancha Series).
- Toxicity
To humans
The common name for Alstroemeria Inticancha Dark Purple = 'Tesdarklin' (PBR) (Inticancha Series) is Peruvian Lily. Peruvian Lily is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, sensitive individuals may experience dermatitis or skin irritation from handling the plant without gloves. Ingesting parts of the plant is not recommended, as it might cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but it is not known to have severe toxic effects.
To pets
The common name for Alstroemeria Inticancha Dark Purple = 'Tesdarklin' (PBR) (Inticancha Series) is Peruvian Lily. Peruvian Lily can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The primary concern is the presence of tulipalin A and tulipalin B, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy as symptoms of poisoning. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms, such as kidney damage, especially in cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, seeking veterinary care is recommended to manage the symptoms and prevent more severe health issues.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Dark purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Long flowering period: The plant blooms generously throughout the summer and into the fall.
- Attractive flowers: Features stunning, deep purple blooms that add visual interest to gardens and arrangements.
- Hardiness: Resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Compact growth: Its moderate size makes it ideal for containers or small gardens.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Attracts pollinators: Flowers are appealing to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- As a natural dye: The deep purple blooms of Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian Lily, can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Edible decoration: Although not commonly consumed, the petals of the Peruvian Lily can be used as a colorful and exotic garnish for desserts and salads.
- Photography prop: The striking dark purple color of the Peruvian Lily makes it a sought-after subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Craft projects: The dried stems and flowers can be incorporated into various craft projects such as handmade paper, wreaths, or dried floral arrangements.
- Educational tool: Its distinct appearance and diverse colors make the Peruvian Lily useful as a tool for teaching botanical illustration and plant structure.
- Scented sachets: When dried, the flowers can be used in sachets to add a subtle, fresh fragrance to drawers and closets.
- Bookmarks: Pressed flowers of the Peruvian Lily can be laminated to create unique and decorative bookmarks.
- Special occasions: Live plants can be gifted as a symbol of friendship and devotion for events such as Mother's Day or anniversaries due to their long-lasting flowers.
- Cultural ceremonies: In some cultures, the blooms may be used as part of ceremonial garlands or decorations.
- Plant Breeding: Hobbyists or professionals may use the Peruvian Lily for ornamental plant breeding experiments, aiming to create new varieties with unique colors and patterns.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Peruvian Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Peruvian Lily is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Wealth and Prosperity: Alstroemeria, commonly known as Peruvian Lily, often symbolizes wealth and prosperity due to its lush and colorful blooms that mirror a bounty of riches.
- Devotion and Friendship: They are frequently given as gifts to express a strong bond and the mutual support within a friendship.
- Achievement of Aspirations: The natural vigor and beauty of the Peruvian Lily can signify the pursuit and accomplishment of personal dreams and goals.
- Fortitude and Resilience: The plant's ability to adapt to various climates and its long-lasting flowers reflect traits of endurance and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Mutual Support: Given the plant's growth patterns, where multiple stems support one another, it is often associated with strong and interdependent relationships.
- Water
The Peruvian Lily should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant approximately once a week, providing about one gallon of water each time. However, allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In fall and winter, reduce the frequency to every other week or according to the plant's needs, as growth slows down and less water is required.
- Light
Peruvian Lily thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the cooler hours of the morning, it is best to shield it from the intense afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn. An ideal spot would be a location that receives morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon, providing a balance of light throughout the day.
- Temperature
The Peruvian Lily prefers a temperature range between 65°F and 80°F, which is ideal for its growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 45°F, but frost can be detrimental to the plant. To ensure vigorous growth and blooming, keep the plant in an environment that avoids extreme temperature fluctuations and is protected from harsh cold.
- Pruning
Pruning the Peruvian Lily is important for maintaining its health and encouraging robust growth. After the flowering season, trim back spent flower stems to the base to promote new growth. Pruning is recommended once a year, preferably in the spring before the new growth begins. This helps to rejuvenate the plant and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For Princess lily, the best soil mix is well-draining, fertile, and loamy with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Incorporate organic matter like peat or compost to improve drainage and fertility.
- Repotting
Princess lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure it has adequate room for growth and to refresh the soil.
- Humidity & Misting
Princess lily thrives in moderate humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Alstroemeria Inticancha Dark Purple begins with seed germination, where the plant starts as a seed and, once exposed to the correct conditions of warmth and moisture, the seed germinates and a small seedling emerges. Next, the seedling grows into a vegetative stage, developing a set of true leaves and establishing a root system to absorb water and nutrients. The plant then enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive dark purple flowers that attract pollinators; this is the stage where sexual reproduction occurs, and if pollinated, the flowers will develop seeds. After the flowering stage, if conditions are unfavorable or at the end of the growing season, the plant may enter a dormancy period where growth slows down or ceases, and the above-ground parts may die back, only to regrow again from the roots or rhizomes when favorable conditions return. In the case of cultivated Alstroemeria plants, they can be propagated through division of rhizomes or tubers during the dormant or early vegetative stage, leading to the growth of new plants that are genetically identical to the parent. Finally, the plant reaches maturity and will continue this cycle, flowering and potentially entering dormancy seasonally until the end of its lifespan, which can be several years with proper care.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Alstroemeria Inticancha Dark Purple, commonly known as Peruvian Lily, is by division. This is best done in the late winter or early spring just before the new growth begins. Carefully uplift the plant from the soil and gently pull the rhizomes apart, ensuring that each division has several growth points or eyes. After separating, the divisions are replanted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to encourage root development and facilitate the plant's establishment in its new location.