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Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily) is a kind of flowering plant which can be developed from seed or from cuttings. It is typically considered an indoor plant; however, it can be grown outdoors in warmer climates.
Besides showing you how to grow alstroemeria from cuttings, this article will help you understand how to properly take care of alstroemeria stems so they can transform into beautiful blooms.
Can you Grow Alstroemeria From Cuttings?
Yes, you can trim the stem down a few inches off the soil to create a plant that has been dormant in winter (late November to March).
It is necessary to clean all dirt from in the bottom third before placing it in a well-drained potting mix or soil. Ensure it is kept hydrated and away from direct sunlight until the new growth emerges around four weeks later.
Suppose your Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) isn’t dormant in the winter months. In that case, however, it shows evidence of wear, such as leaf drooping with brown edges instead of green; you should not cut the branches since they’re unlikely to grow even though there could be new stems shortly.
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How to Grow Alstroemeria From Cuttings – Guide
- Separate the rhizomes of alstroemeria in the spring. Approximately 10 to 15 days before dividing the rhizomes, cut the plants 6 to 8 inches above the soil.
- Rhizomes of alstroemeria grow 12 to 15 inches above and 3/4 inches underground. Make sure to remove all the roots along with the growing tips when you remove the rhizomes from the ground. Don’t touch the newest shoots.
- A plant that is one year old should provide 10 to 15 rhizomes that are acceptable for planting, and a plant that is two years old should yield 20 to 25 usable rhizomes.
- As long as the soil is well-drained, alstroemeria may thrive in any type of soil. Plant them in rows or containers 12 to 18 inches apart and 6 inches deep. Ten to fifteen weeks after planting, alstroemeria usually begins to bloom.
- After the stems start to thin, they will continue to bloom beautifully for another two to four years, at which point you should divide the rhizomes and plant fresh starts.
Alstroemeria is a genus that includes plants that include over 200 species. They are part of the lily family and are found in meadows and forests, mountain meadows and rocky soils in areas ranging from South America to North America and Eurasia.
Cuttings can be cut when new growth starts to emerge however, as soon as fresh green leaves emerge (not dead wood) this is the best cutting point since the bacteria won’t have been given enough time to begin growing yet. The most commonly used method of removing cuttings is to cut off branches of the union of branches.
These points serve as essential nodes to buds which will later develop into roots once planted in pot soil or other gardening substrate materials. You’ll need sharp, clean cutting tools or knives and a tool to safeguard your hands when working with plants.
Many people prefer to use rooting hormone when they are taking cuttings. It’s a synthetic plant growth stimulant that helps stimulate root growth by enhancing cell division within the root.
It is generally used as a powder applied to the cutting surface before planting it in potting soil or any other garden substrate material This process can help prevent air pockets which can lead to decay at the base of young shoots if not treated.
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How do I water alstroemeria?
Alstroemeria requires watering at least twice per week. Be cautious not to go overboard with them.
Make sure the soil is moist however, do not let it to dry out Be aware that there are variations in the seasons in frequency, with watering less frequent during summer months, when it is likely to dry faster due to the high temperatures of the air.
Observing the leaves is one way to determine whether your alstroemeria requires water. Wait until they begin to droop or curl before you give them more water. This indicates that the roots could be over-saturated and suffering due to root rot.
If excessive water is poured on, the wilting process begins. Remove immediately any excess water. It is possible to tell if the Alstroemeria has received inadequate water when the leaves begin to change green and shrink.
We suggest watering plants until you see at minimum 30 percent of the potting mixture being released from the roots. This is enough to ensure a healthy, well-watered, and well-maintained plant.
When is the best time to divide Alstroemeria?
If you’re planning to divide your alstroemeria plant, it’s recommended to do it after the plant has stopped flowering. If it’s in bloom and you want to plant more this year, you can cut the flower heads of healthy stems. It is important to note that new cuttings require time to establish roots before planting in the soil or the medium for growing.
Cut the stem at the point where it joins to the flower’s head. You should leave at least 1 inch of a healthy stalk at the very top. Cut a bit more if you’ve cut too much and you want to add two inches more for roots-building hormones like the one I used with my Alstroemeria cuttings in the photo below.
Then, dip the cuttings into the rooting hormone (this procedure is optional), after which you place them in containers or pots filled with moistened perlite mix until they’re planted above the ground to ensure that there is no trace of them in the soil. This will help improve root growth once the roots are established.
Place them in a plastic bag and seal it for around three weeks before planting them again outside. Be aware that these plants shouldn’t be kept in the shade for too long as they can be prone to fading and losing their vibrant colors.
You could also use an organic herbicide spray, such as B-Nine or Dip’N’Grow, instead of dipping your cut flowers directly into it. This method generally works quicker but is more expensive than an alcoholic sauce made of sugar and water.
If you can afford this product’s price, you should give it a go. An inexpensive alternative is to use three tablespoons of white vinegar that you can mix with 35 oz (1 Liter) of water.
I’ve had both methods in the past and am happy to choose either method should you need to. If you live in colder climates, the most suitable time to transplant cuttings of alstroemeria is in the middle to late autumn.
Make sure that all danger of frost is gone Then, dig in twice as deeply to give space for the growth of new roots.
Fill it with soil that has been well-adjusted (or use potting mix) and then gently lift the cut from the plastic bag or container, leaving only the roots in place since they’re fragile at this point – be careful not to damage the roots when working with them.
Begin by putting one end in the hole or ground and then carefully dig it in using both hands to feel the resistance before pushing further dirt into it. Water thoroughly once the plant is done However, try not to touch the top of the leaves; otherwise, the leaves could change color and fall off.
Propagating Alstroemeria Indian Summer
Indian Summer alstroemeria stem cuttings are ideal for harvesting in late summer. The ideal time to do this is when the flowering has finished and before new shoots emerge, usually in August, around the time of the first new shoots.
For alstroemeria to grow successfully from cuttings, you’ll need ample light, but not direct sunlight. The soil shouldn’t dry out; therefore, water it often (once or twice per week) during dry times and at least once per day when it is wet when it is it is necessary.
This will help keep the plant in good health, promote growth in the root, and help it grow more quickly than expected.
Pruning also helps to accelerate growth by removing old leaves that could interfere with sunlight for newer ones, accelerating their growth.
How long will alstroemeria last?
The flowers of Alstroemeria last for about one week in water and can be kept for as long as a year when given the right maintenance.
Does Alstroemeria bloom in the shade?
Alstroemeria can thrive in partially shaded areas. However, it prefers full sunshine. The leaves won’t appear as vibrant green if grown under low-light conditions.
If you are considering growing them in shading trees or even overhangs, select plants that bloom early and later in the season to get the most effective results.
Fertilizing Alstroemeria
Fertilizing Alstroemeria is easy. Fill a container up with water and add 1 teaspoon of a tablet for time-release fertilizer per gallon (or adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging).
Allow it to sit for around an hour before pouring on the flowers until they’re soaked. You can also spray them each morning using diluted plant food if you don’t wish to thin them out outdoors.
This will give them precisely what they require to flourish throughout the summer without harming flowers already established in pots outside. Make sure to adhere to this procedure throughout the harvest season.
In other circumstances, these delicate perennials could die from malnutrition before mid-summer, when their flowering days turn to the autumnal cloud.
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Harvesting alstroemeria
To harvest alstroemeria, carefully remove the ends of each stem using an abrasive knife. The stems will grow new shoots. You can use stems to begin new plants.
Cut about an inch from the ends of the main stems using precise Shears and garden shears.
Cut at the point at which the three leaves join on the stem, as it is at this point that the rooting hormones are the highest concentration They aid in the growth of roots in that area.
Before you proceed, ensure that the area you cut is cleaned, for instance, by spraying the area with ruby alcohol.
This can prevent the spread of the spread of bacterial infections within the newly established alstroemeria group and is recommended while working outdoors around animals and people who may be exposed to microorganisms that cause disease earlier during the daytime.
Dip both ends of your cut into the container, then plant them in the depth you want (usually at least a few inches below the surface).
After planting in moist potting dirt, mix thoroughly by covering the soil with plastic wrap for at least 24 hours before taking it off to ensure they receive enough water as they grow roots.
Conclusion
We have learned how to grow Alstroemeria from cuttings and other essential factors you need to consider.
If you’re not planning to wait until next year to see fresh flowers blooming in your garden, the following ideas will allow you to start now.