PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full direct sunlight for at least 6 hours daily to support robust blooming; avoid shaded planting locations
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during the active growing season; avoid waterlogging to prevent corm rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25℃ during growth; dormant corms tolerate light frost down to 5℃ when stored properly
Characteristics
- Leaf: Linear, sword-shaped bright green leaves arranged in flat, fan-like basal clusters
- Flower: Ruffled funnel-shaped blooms in pink, purple, white, or red, borne on unbranched vertical spikes
- Corm: Underground storage organ covered in a brown papery tunic
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply 2–3 times weekly to keep soil evenly moist
Fertilization
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks to support bloom development. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flower production over leaf growth
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations and odorPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly to redirect energy to corm growth instead of seed production
- Cut back foliage only after it turns completely yellow and dies back naturally to allow nutrient transfer to corms
- Remove damaged or diseased leaves immediately to prevent spread of fungal pathogens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to alkaloid content; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy
Humans: Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and vomiting
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes strength, integrity, and remembrance in Western floral traditions
Usage: Ornamental garden plant, cut flower for floral arrangements
