Pineapple Lily Eucomis Maui = 'Gsalkele' (PBR) (Aloha Lily Series)
ABOUT
The Eucomis Maui, part of the Aloha Lily Series and nicknamed 'Gsalkele' with plant breeders' rights (PBR), is a distinctive and ornamental plant known for its striking appearance. This plant features a rosette of wavy-edged, broad leaves that are lush and dense, creating a sturdy base for its unique floral display. It boasts an impressive bloom stalk that is topped with a cluster of star-shaped flowers. These flowers are most often a gentle shade of mauve, lavender, or soft purple, with delicate, darker spots dotted across the petals. The flowers are densely packed around the spike, resembling a pineapple's arrangement, which is a characteristic look for this plant's family. They are capped by a crown of small, green leaf-like bracts that add an exotic and tropical flair to its overall appeal. The Aloha Lily Series is particularly beloved for its robust and long-lasting blooms, which exude a sweet fragrance, attracting pollinators and admirers alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Maui Pineapple Lily, Maui Eucomis
Common names
Eucomis comosa, Eucomis regia, Eucomis punctata, Eucomis vandermerwei, Eucomis autumnalis, Eucomis bicolor, Eucomis zambesiaca.
ToxicityTo humans
Eucomis, commonly known as pineapple lily, is not widely recognized for severe toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, it is advisable not to ingest any part of the plant, as it can potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction.
To pets
For pets, Eucomis, or pineapple lily, could be mildly toxic if ingested. Consumption may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. While this plant is not known to be significantly toxic, it's best to prevent pets from eating any part of it to avoid these potential adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Eucomis Maui, commonly known as Pineapple Lily, is easy to cultivate and does not require complex care, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, making it ideal for gardens in areas with water restrictions or for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscapes.
- Attractive Flowers: The Pineapple Lily produces unique and striking flower spikes that resemble pineapples, adding an exotic touch to any garden setting.
- Long Bloom Period: Its flowers last for several weeks, providing a long period of visual interest throughout the summer months.
- Good Cut Flowers: The blooms are excellent for cut flower arrangements, lasting well in a vase and providing an unusual and beautiful floral display indoors.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Pineapple Lily attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and aiding in the pollination of other plants.
- Compact Size: This plant is relatively compact, which makes it suitable for containers, small gardens, or as a border plant in larger landscapes.
- Deer Resistant: Eucomis Maui is known to be deer resistant, which is beneficial for gardeners in areas where deer predation is an issue.
- Low Pest and Disease Issues: It generally faces few problems with pests and diseases, ensuring that it remains healthy and attractive with minimal intervention.
- Versatile Use: The Pineapple Lily can be used in a variety of garden styles, from tropical-themed gardens to more formal or contemporary designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Educational specimen: Botany students and plant enthusiasts can study the unique morphology of the Pineapple Lily to learn about plant structure and adaptation.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the Pineapple Lily's striking appearance for botanical illustrations or as a motif in design and fabric patterns.
- Photography subject: The Pineapple Lily's unusual flower spike makes it an excellent subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in macro and nature photography.
- Theme gardens: It can be incorporated into exotic or tropical-themed gardens to add an unusual and dramatic flare, contrasting well with foliage plants.
- Culinary garnish: Although not commonly eaten, the flowers could be used as a unique, non-toxic garnish for special culinary presentations.
- Floral arrangements: The long-lasting blooms and striking appearance make Pineapple Lily flowers well-suited for inclusion in cut flower arrangements and bouquets.
- Feng Shui: Some practitioners may use the Pineapple Lily in Feng Shui for its strong visual impact, adding a sense of vitality and uniqueness to a space.
- Craft projects: Dried flowers of the Pineapple Lily can be used in craft projects like homemade potpourri or as decorative elements in scrapbooking and papermaking.
- Children's garden: Pineapple Lily can add an element of surprise and fascination in children's gardens, encouraging a sense of wonder and interest in nature.
- Scented gardens: Although not known for a potent fragrance, the Pineapple Lily can contribute to the overall sensory experience in a scented garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pineapple Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pineapple Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: Eucomis Maui, also known as Pineapple Lily, is known for its unique appearance that resembles a tropical pineapple, symbolizing exotic beauty and allure.
- Welcome and Hospitality: The resemblance to pineapples, which are a universal symbol of welcome and hospitality, suggests that the Pineapple Lily symbolizes a warm reception and friendliness.
- Rarity and Distinction: As a less common garden plant, the Pineapple Lily can represent rarity and distinction, making it a symbol for standing out and being unique.
WaterThe Pineapple Lily should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not soggy. Typically, watering once a week should suffice, but this may vary depending on the humidity and temperature conditions. In warmer months or if the plant is outdoors, check the soil moisture more frequently, as it may need watering every few days. Use about 1 gallon of water for each watering session to ensure the soil is sufficiently moistened. It's crucial not to let the plant sit in water, as it can lead to root rot.
LightPineapple Lily thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Place the plant in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves. An east or west-facing window can be ideal for indoor plants to ensure they get enough but not excessive light.
TemperatureThe Pineapple Lily prefers warm temperatures and does well in a range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures of down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below this, as it is not frost-tolerant. The ideal range facilitates good growth and flowering.
PruningPruning the Pineapple Lily involves removing dead or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season to maintain its appearance and health. After flowering, the flower stalk can be cut back to the base to direct the plant's energy to the bulb for the next season. Pruning is best done after the flower has faded, usually in late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Aloha Lily requires well-draining soil with good organic content. A mixture of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand can be ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingAloha Lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one for the transplant.
Humidity & MistingAloha Lilies prefer moderate humidity around 40-60%. They can tolerate some degree of dry air but perform best when the ambient moisture is kept at this level.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleEucomis Maui, commonly known as the 'Gsalkele' Pineapple Lily or simply Pineapple Lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant bulb, which, when subjected to warm temperatures and sufficient moisture, starts to develop roots and shoots. The emerging shoots grow into rosettes of strappy leaves and eventually produce a central flower spike resembling a pineapple, due to the tuft of leaf-like bracts atop the inflorescence. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed if the flowers have been pollinated. Once seeds mature, they are dispersed, falling to the ground where they can germinate given the right conditions, continuing the life cycle. As the colder season approaches, the above-ground foliage of the Pineapple Lily dies back, and the plant re-enters a period of dormancy, with the bulb sustaining it through the winter months. This cycle repeats annually, with bulbs potentially forming offsets over time, allowing the plant to spread and create a larger clump in its growing environment.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The popular method to propagate Eucomis 'Maui', also known as the Aloha Lily, is by dividing the bulb offsets. This can be done in the late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Carefully unearth the parent plant and separate the small offset bulbs from the base of the mother bulb, making sure that each offset has some roots attached. These offsets can be immediately replanted in well-draining soil, placed about 3 inches deep (approximately 7.5 centimeters) and spaced around 8 to 12 inches apart (20 to 30 centimeters). The newly planted offsets should be watered thoroughly and kept in a warm location with indirect light until they establish and begin to grow actively.
