Tasman flax-lily Dianella tasmanica

Water

Tasman Flax-lily should be watered moderately, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. During the growing season, typically spring through summer, it may need water once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions. In the cooler months, watering can be reduced to every couple of weeks or less, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. It's essential not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. As a guideline, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water every two weeks should be sufficient, but always check the soil moisture before watering again.

Light

Tasman Flax-lily thrives in partial shade to full sun. The best spot for the plant is one where it can receive bright, indirect light or morning sunlight with some afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in full afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.

Temperature

Tasman Flax-lily prefers temperate conditions and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 25°F and as high as 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 60°F and 80°F. Sudden temperature drops or frost can damage the plant, so it should be protected or brought indoors in regions where extreme cold is common.

Pruning

Prune Tasman Flax-lily to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its shape and size. Light pruning can be done at any time of year, but the best time for a more thorough trim is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning once a year is typically enough to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tasmanian Flax Lily thrives in a well-draining, humus-rich soil blend with an acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of two parts peat or coconut coir, one part perlite, and one part compost would be ideal to ensure proper drainage and nutrient availability.

Repotting

Tasmanian Flax Lily should be repotted every two to three years to prevent it from becoming root-bound. Over time, refreshing the soil mix can also replenish nutrients. Repot in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.

Humidity & Misting

Tasmanian Flax Lily prefers moderate humidity levels, similar to what it would experience in its native environment. Aim for humidity levels between 40% to 60% for optimal growth, supplementing with a humidifier or a pebble tray if necessary to maintain these conditions indoors.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Dianella tasmanica, also known as the Tasman Flax-lily, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates when soil conditions are warm and moist. The seed develops into a seedling, which consists of basic root structures and the first leaves known as cotyledons. As the seedling matures, it forms a clump of slender, strappy leaves, and the plant establishes a more complex root system to draw nutrients from the soil. Once mature, the Tasman Flax-lily produces small, blue to purple flowers typically in spring and summer, which are followed by small, berry-like fruits that turn from green to a deep purple as they ripen. These fruits contain seeds that, when dispersed, can initiate new growth elsewhere. The plant can also spread vegetatively, through rhizomes under the ground, forming colonies that expand over time.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Dianella tasmanica, commonly known as Tasman Flax-lily, is by division. This is ideally done in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate by division, gently lift a clump of the plant from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring that you have a generous amount of roots attached. Gently tease apart the clump into smaller sections, each with a healthy piece of root and a few stems. Replant these divisions into prepared soil, ensuring they are spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method is simple and effective, providing new plants that will be genetically identical to the parent.