Peruvian Lily Alstroemeria Inticancha Imala = 'Tesima' (PBR) (Inticancha Series)

Water

The Peruvian Lily, commonly known as Alstroemeria, needs consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to encourage deep root development. Depending on the weather and soil conditions, this generally means providing about one to two gallons of water per week. During hot spells or if you notice the leaves wilting, increase the frequency but be careful not to waterlog the soil. During the winter months, reduce watering to every other week or when the soil feels dry to the touch, as the plant requires less moisture when not actively growing.

Light

Peruvian Lily thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. The best spot for this plant is where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, protecting it from the intense midday sun. Avoid placing it in full shade as this can reduce flowering; likewise, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the blooms.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for the Peruvian Lily is between 65°F to 80°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F and a maximum of around 90°F. For optimal growth, try to avoid temperatures that drop below the minimum, as frost can damage the plant, and keep it out of excessively hot conditions which can stress the plant and lead to poor blooming.

Pruning

Prune Peruvian Lily to remove spent flowers and encourage reblooming. Cut back the stems after flowering to stimulate new growth; doing this every few weeks during the blooming season can help maintain a tidy appearance and promote continuous blooms. The best time for pruning is when the flowers start to fade, as this encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing new blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Peruvian Lily 'Tesima' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix composed of equal parts potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand. The optimal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular incorporation of organic matter like compost will enhance soil fertility and structure, contributing to the health and blooming of the plant.

Repotting

Peruvian Lily 'Tesima' typically requires repotting every two to three years as it can quickly outgrow its container. It's best to repot in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. Choose a container only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid overpotting, which could lead to water retention issues.

Humidity & Misting

Peruvian Lily 'Tesima' prefers moderate humidity levels around 40-60%. While it can tolerate lower humidity, maintaining a steady moderate level will support its health and flowering. Avoid placing it in overly dry or drafty areas as this can stress the plant and cause leaf problems.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Bright indirect light, keep moist, feed monthly in growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun/part shade, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Alstroemeria Inticancha Imala, commonly known as Inca Lily, begins its life as a rhizome, which, once planted, will sprout into a seedling. As it grows, the plant develops a strong stem and foliage, entering a vegetative state where it focuses on leaf growth. During its flowering phase, which can occur multiple times throughout the growing season, the Inca Lily produces a profusion of colorful blooms that are often used for cut flowers. After blooming, if conditions allow, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, where it rests and conserves energy for the next growing season. With the return of favorable conditions, the Inca Lily exits dormancy, begins a new growth cycle, and can continue this process for several years given proper care. Eventually, as the plant ages, it reaches the end of its life span and will die, but it can produce offspring through its rhizomes or seeds before this stage.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Alstroemeria, commonly known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for multiplying these plants. This technique involves gently separating the rhizomes of an established plant while it is dormant, typically in the fall or early spring. Care must be taken not to damage the roots while dividing the clusters into smaller sections, each with one or two growth points or "eyes." These sections are then replanted into a well-draining soil mix, ideally at the same depth as they were previously growing. Watering should be light until new growth appears, indicating the division has been successful. It is crucial to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged as the new plants establish themselves.