Peruvian lily 'Orange Gem' Alstroemeria 'Orange Gem'

Water

Peruvian lilies, including 'Orange Gem', should be watered deeply and then allowed to dry out slightly before watering again. This typically means watering once a week, but this may vary based on climate and weather conditions. During the growing season, deliver about 1 inch of water per week, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons for a standard-sized plant. In the hottest parts of summer, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent moisture, but always check the soil moisture first to prevent overwatering.

Light

Peruvian lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. For the best growth and flower production, 'Orange Gem' should receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that gets morning sunlight but is shielded from the intense afternoon sun is ideal, ensuring the plant receives sufficient light without being exposed to potential scorching.

Temperature

Peruvian lilies prefer temperate climates and 'Orange Gem' thrives in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost and freezing conditions can damage the plant. It's best to plant 'Orange Gem' in an area that generally stays within this temperature range throughout the growing season.

Pruning

Pruning Peruvian lilies is important to stimulate growth and maintain plant health. For 'Orange Gem', pruning should be done to remove faded or dead flowers and to trim back any damaged or diseased stems. This is typically done after a flowering cycle or as needed throughout the growing season. The best time to heavily prune 'Orange Gem' is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Peruvian Lily, or Alstroemeria 'Orange Gem', thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). For best results, mix two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite to ensure good drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Peruvian Lilies should be repotted every two to three years. When roots become crowded, repot in spring before the growing season starts.

Humidity & Misting

Peruvian Lily prefers moderate humidity levels. Keeping the humidity around 40-50% is typically conducive to their growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade and protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Peruvian Lily 'Orange Gem' begins its life as a rhizomatous tuber, which, when planted in early spring after the last frost, will sprout into shoots. Seedlings emerge and develop into a clump of lance-shaped foliage, during which the plant establishes a strong root system. As the plant matures, it produces sturdy, upright stems that bear clusters of striking orange flowers with distinctive flecks and streaks, typically blooming in late spring through summer. After the flowering period, the plant enters a dormancy phase in the winter, especially in cooler climates, where it may die back to the ground. However, in milder climates or with proper mulching, the foliage may persist year-round. Unfertilized flowers will fade, and seeds may form, but propagation is commonly done by dividing the tubers every few years in the spring, thus continuing the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Alstroemeria 'Orange Gem', also known as Peruvian Lily, is by division. This process is ideally done in the spring, just before the growing season begins when the plant is not in active growth. You should carefully unearth the clumps of tubers and gently separate them by hand, ensuring that each division has at least one or two shoots attached. You can then replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 cm). Water adequately after planting to encourage good root establishment. It's important not to damage the tubers during division as they can be quite brittle.