Can my alstroemeria and my pets be friends?
Are alstroemeria really just little lilies?
Do I need to leave my alstroemeria in my will?
Ok that last one is a bit of a stretch. But that can be true for some flowers! Like peonies!
In this two-part series we’re answering some of the questions you may have about alstroemeria. Perhaps it’s a bit of a mystery plant to you? Are you intrigued by it and want to get to know it better?
Well you’ve come to the right place.
Are Alstroemeria Lilies?
The short answer is no.
The longer answer is that despite their lily-like appearance and being known as Peruvian Lily and Lily of the Incas, alstroemeria are not true lilies. They belong to the Alstroemeriaceae family and grow wild in South America.
Why is my Alstroemeria Dying?
Here are some possibilities:
- Slugs and snails are sliding around and can make light work of alstroemeria, especially them young and juicy ones
- Tubers may not be planted deeply enough making them vulnerable to winter frost. They need to be planted deeply and mulched over winter
- Root rot. Alstro can get a bit claustrophobic if mulched too determinedly. When the mulch is pushed too far down that it’s touching the roots, it can bring on the rot. So be sure to give those roots their personal space (at least 2”)
- Too much water and soil that doesn’t drain well – soggy feet are a no-no!
- Not enough sun. Lay off the sunscreen (shade) and get those babies tanning!
Why are my Alstroemeria not Flowering?
Too much shade may be the problem. Or the pot they’re in may be too small. As we learnt in the previous point, alstroemeria need their space!
Also, the way you harvest the flowers matters. Yanking rather than cutting encourages more vigorous growth.
Why are my Alstroemeria's Leaves Turning Yellow?
Again, not enough sunlight could be the culprit or even too much water. Otherwise, check your soil’s PH level. It should be no more than 7.
Can Humans Eat Alstroemeria?
At a restaurant and presented with some lovely alstroemeria decorating your meal? Rather keep enjoying them with your eyes and not your mouth. Eating them may lead to stomach upsets for some people.
Can my Pets and my Alstroemeria be Friends?
As established earlier, alstroemeria are not lilies. And while lilies can be dangerous for your furry friends, alstroemeria are very friendly. There’s a chance they may get a bit of an upset tummy from eating them but if you need to leave Fluffy and Felix alone with your alstro, rest assured they’ll all be just fine.
Do Deers like Eating Alstroemeria?
Deers love lilies. But now that we know alstroemeria are not true lilies you can be sure they'll be safe around these dear creatures.
We hope this helped clear up at least some of the mysteries - knowledge is power!
And keep your eyes peeled for part 2 coming soon...
