Pineapple lily 'Zeal Bronze' Eucomis 'Zeal Bronze'

Water

Pineapple lilies, including Eucomis 'Zeal Bronze', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to once every week or two, depending on local weather conditions. During active growing seasons, spring and summer, you might water using roughly 1-2 gallons for outdoor plants, ensuring the water penetrates deeply to reach the roots. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot, so allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions is crucial. During the dormant period in winter, reduce watering frequency to once a month or less, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.

Light

Pineapple lilies like Eucomis 'Zeal Bronze' thrive in full sun to partial shade. This means they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day but can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. The ideal spot for these plants would be in a garden bed or container that gets morning sun and afternoon dappled light, protecting them from the intense late-day sun.

Temperature

The pineapple lily, or Eucomis 'Zeal Bronze', prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F. However, it can survive temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F. To ensure optimal growth, protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F, as cold weather can cause damage to the leaves and roots.

Pruning

Pruning of the pineapple lily, or Eucomis 'Zeal Bronze', is primarily necessary to remove spent flower stalks and any yellowed or dead foliage to encourage healthy growth and enhance aesthetic appeal. Pruning should be done after flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. It is not a regularly required task but should be done annually to keep the plant neat and tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Pineapple Lily requires well-draining soil mixed with organic matter or compost. A soil pH around 6.0 to 7.0 is optimal for its growth.

Repotting

Pineapple Lilies should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when noticeable pot-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Pineapple Lilies do best with moderate humidity levels; they don't require high humidity environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade with well-draining soil and shelter from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA.

Life cycle

The life of a Eucomis 'Zeal Bronze', commonly known as Pineapple Lily, begins with seed germination, where the plant emerges from a small, hard seed typically after a dormancy period that may require cold stratification. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the growth of basal leaves, as the plant develops a small bulb underground. During the vegetative stage, the Pineapple Lily grows larger and its foliage becomes more robust, with the bulb increasing in size to store nutrients. The flowering stage occurs in mid to late summer, when a tall flower spike with star-shaped flowers and a tuft of leafy bracts at the top develop, resembling a pineapple, hence the name. After pollination and flower senescence, the plant sets seed, which is then dispersed, and the foliage dies back as the plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months. In the following growing season, the plant resumes growth from the bulb, repeating the cycle, and mature bulbs may also produce offsets (small daughter bulbs) that can develop into new, independent plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Eucomis 'Zeal Bronze', commonly known as the Pineapple Lily, is typically propagated through bulb division. The optimal time for this is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. During this process, the offsets or small bulbs that form around the base of the parent plant are carefully separated and replanted. These offsets should ideally have some roots attached to ensure successful growth. After separation, the smaller bulbs can be planted about 4 inches (10 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil and spaced approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. They should then be watered thoroughly to help establish the new plants.