Peruvian Lily Alstroemeria Princess Carmina = 'Stasilva' (Princess Series)

Water

Princess lilies, including the Alstroemeria Princess Carmina, require regular watering to ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly once a week with approximately half a gallon of water per plant, allowing the water to penetrate deeply into the soil. In hot, dry conditions, increase the watering frequency to twice a week, ensuring each time that excess water can drain freely to prevent root rot. During the cooler months or times of rainfall, reduce the amount of water to prevent overwatering. Be sure to check the soil moisture level before each watering to adjust the amount as needed.

Light

Princess lilies perform best in full sun to partial shade conditions. For optimal growth and flowering, place Alstroemeria Princess Carmina in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown indoors, situate the plant near a bright window that offers ample morning sunlight and diffused afternoon light to protect it from intense heat.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for growing Princess lilies is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost or prolonged exposure to cold can damage the plant. Protect Alstroemeria Princess Carmina from extreme heat by providing afternoon shade in regions where temperatures exceed the upper range of its comfort zone.

Pruning

Prune Princess lilies to remove spent flower stalks and encourage further blooming. Deadhead the Alstroemeria Princess Carmina as flowers fade by gently pulling the entire flower stem from the base; this also promotes the growth of new stems. Perform any additional pruning to shape the plant or remove any damaged or diseased tissue during the early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for the Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria Princess Carmina) should be well-draining, fertile, and loamy. A mixture of two parts garden soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part peat or compost would provide a suitable environment. The soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Peruvian Lilies should be repotted every two to three years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth. They prefer to be slightly root-bound, so frequent repotting is not necessary. When repotting, it's critical to handle the fragile roots with care to avoid damage.

Humidity & Misting

Peruvian Lilies thrive in moderate humidity conditions, ideally between 40-60%. They are not particularly humidity-dependent, but ensuring there is good air circulation around the plant will support its overall health and vigor.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sunny to partial shade spot with sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Alstroemeria 'Princess Carmina', commonly known as Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring, developing into a small plant with a rhizomatous root system. As it matures, the plant sends up sturdy, green stems with lance-shaped leaves, leading to its vegetative growth stage. From early summer to fall, the Peruvian Lily enters its flowering stage, producing vibrant pink to red blooms with attractive streaks and spots. After the blooming period, the plant sets seed if the flowers have been pollinated, completing its reproductive stage. In response to cooler temperatures and shorter days, the Alstroemeria 'Princess Carmina' enters a period of dormancy during winter, with above-ground growth dying back. With the return of warm weather in spring, the cycle starts anew as the plant breaks dormancy and resumes growth, using stored energy in its underground tubers to fuel the next season's growth and reproduction.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Alstroemeria, commonly known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time to divide Alstroemeria is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, gently lift the clump of tubers from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring minimal damage to the tubers. Once the clump is out, tease apart the individual tubers, each with a section of root and shoots attached, using your hands or a sharp knife if necessary. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart, and water them in well to help establish the new plants. This method not only creates new plants but also maintains the vigor of the existing ones by preventing overcrowding.