Suicide Lily Gladiolus flanaganii

Water

For the survival flower (common name of Gladiolus flanaganii), water it deeply to moisten the soil completely every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water every 5 days. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it penetrates the soil to reach the bulb's roots. Decrease watering after the flowers have bloomed and the leaves begin to yellow and die back, which is a sign the plant is entering dormancy.

Light

The survival flower thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it in a spot where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth.

Temperature

The survival flower can endure a temperature range from 35 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it prefers a temperate climate with ideal conditions around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during its growing season. It is not frost-tolerant, and temperatures below 35 degrees can damage or kill the plant.

Pruning

Prune survival flowers by deadheading spent blooms to encourage new flowers and to prevent seed formation which can reduce vigor. Trim back foliage only after it has died back naturally in the fall. This helps redirect the plant’s energy back into the bulb for the next growing season. It's best not to prune the foliage while it is still green, as it is needed for photosynthesis to nourish the bulb.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Gladiolus flanaganii, commonly known as Suicide Lily, should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix containing loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure is ideal to provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.

Repotting

Suicide Lily should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the corms become overcrowded. Repotting is best done in the spring just before the growing season starts to minimize stress on the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Suicide Lily prefers moderate to high humidity levels, with ideal conditions being around 40-60%. They cope well with the typical outdoor humidity but may need extra care to maintain humidity if grown indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and maintain humidity for Suicide Lily.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade for Suicide Lily.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Gladiolus flanaganii, commonly known as Suicide Lily, begins its life cycle with seed germination, occurring in a warm and moist environment typically after a period of dormancy. The seeds develop into small corms, which are specialized stem tissues that store nutrients. These corms sprout and give rise to sword-shaped leaves and a central flower spike, featuring striking red to orange flowers, which usually bloom in the summer months. Bees and birds often pollinate the flowers, leading to the production of seeds that are then dispersed by wind or animal action. After flowering, the plant goes through a period of senescence where the above-ground parts die back, and the corms enter a dormancy phase, particularly in regions with dry winters or summers. The cycle repeats when conditions become favorable again, with the corms producing new growth and continuing the plant's life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Gladiolus flanaganii, commonly known as the Suicide Gladiolus, is best propagated by division of corms, which are the plant's bulb-like storage organs. The ideal time to propagate this plant is in the late summer to early fall when the foliage has died back, indicating the plant is entering dormancy. To propagate, carefully unearth the mature corms and gently separate the small cormels that have formed around the base. These cormels should then be allowed to dry for a few days in a location with ample air circulation and no direct sun. Once dry, they can be planted about 3 to 4 inches deep (approximately 7 to 10 centimeters) and spaced about 6 inches apart (15 centimeters) in well-draining soil. They usually flower after a couple of seasons when they have reached an adequate size. This method is effective because it maintains the genetic integrity of the species and enables larger propagation from a single plant.