Gloriosa Superba (Flame Lily)

Fact sheet

from David’s Exotic Plants

Caution! All parts of the flame lily are toxic!

Watering

The flame lily should be watered thoroughly but then allowed to dry out almost completely before re-watering.  Note – they don't like to be over-watered, and in the rest period (winter) they should not be watered at all.   When growing begins in the Spring they should be given phostrogen feed once a week, to encourage new growth.    

Over-wintering in the UK

Gloriosa tend to die down in the winter months.   Simply place the pot in a cupboard/warm shed over the winter not below 5°C.  As soon as the frosts finish for the winter, place the pot back into the greenhouse/conservatory, and water the pot every now and then (when the soil dries out).

Summer months

The flame lily requires as much sunlight and ventilation as possible. Feed once a week with a phostrogen feed to help encourage flowers.  The flowers usually come through in around June/July. Train the lily along a frame, to help keep it upright.

Pests

White fly and greenfly are the main culprits and if you find any of these the best solution is to wash your plant with soapy water every few days to cut down the insect numbers, or simply give it a good hose down.

Potting

As the tuber of the flame lily becomes bigger, it would be wise to repot it into the next size pot. Gloriosa tends to do very well in loam-based compost with either grit or bark chippings to aid drainage.  The optimum pH is 6.5.