A Complete Guide On How To Care For Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, is a favourite for its vibrant colours and incredible longevity. These charming flowers can brighten up a vase for up to two weeks and flourish in a garden with the right attention. 

Whether you have just received a beautiful bouquet or are thinking of planting your own, this guide provides everything you need to know. We will cover expert tips on caring for both cut alstroemeria flowers and the plants themselves, ensuring you can enjoy their beauty for as long as possible.

Understanding the Alstroemeria Flower

Before diving into the details of care, it helps to understand a little more about this delightful flower. Knowing its background and what it represents can deepen your appreciation for every bloom. Alstroemeria is not just beautiful; it is also rich in history and meaning, making it a thoughtful choice for gifts and home decor.

What is Alstroemeria?

Native to the mountains of South America, particularly Peru, Brazil, and Chile, Alstroemeria was named after the Swedish botanist Baron Clas Alströmer, who brought its seeds to Europe in the 18th century. It is most commonly known as the Peruvian Lily due to its origin and lily-like appearance, though it is not a true lily.

Each stem of alstroemeria produces a cluster of flowers, and the leaves have a unique characteristic of twisting as they grow, so the bottom of the leaf faces upwards. 

In the language of flowers, alstroemeria symbolises friendship, love, strength, and devotion. The different colours can also carry their own meanings, making them a versatile and meaningful flower for any occasion.

Popular Alstroemeria Varieties in Singapore

In Singapore’s tropical climate, certain varieties of alstroemeria thrive better than others. Many modern hybrids have been bred for better heat tolerance and more compact growth, making them suitable for both gardens and pots.

Dwarf varieties, often called 'Princess Lilies', are particularly popular for container gardening as they do not grow too tall and produce a profusion of blooms. You will find them in a stunning array of colours, from deep reds and bright pinks to soft yellows and pure whites.

When purchasing alstroemeria bouquets, you will likely encounter a mix of these beautiful hybrids, chosen for their strong stems and long-lasting flowers that can withstand our warm and humid environment.

How to Care for Cut Alstroemeria Flowers in a Vase

One of the most rewarding aspects of alstroemeria is how long it lasts. With just a little bit of proper care, your cut flowers can easily last for two weeks, sometimes even longer. Following these simple preparations and maintenance steps will ensure your bouquet remains fresh and beautiful.

Preparing Your Alstroemeria Bouquet

The first few moments after you receive your flowers are crucial for locking in their freshness. Proper preparation helps the stems absorb water efficiently, which is the key to a long vase life.

• Step 1: Unpack with care. As soon as you get your flowers, gently remove all packaging. This allows the flowers to breathe and prevents any moisture from being trapped against the petals, which can lead to mould.
• Step 2: Trim the stems. Using a sharp pair of scissors or a knife, cut about 2-3 centimetres from the bottom of each stem. It is best to cut them at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stems from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase, which could block water uptake.
• Step 3: Remove lower leaves. Carefully strip off any leaves that will fall below the waterline of your vase. Leaves submerged in water will quickly begin to rot, creating bacteria that can contaminate the water and shorten the life of your flowers.

Choosing the Right Vase and Water

The container you choose and the water you use are just as important as the flowers themselves. A clean environment is essential for preventing bacteria from harming your fresh blooms.

Always start with a spotlessly clean vase. Any lingering bacteria from a previous bouquet can drastically reduce the lifespan of your new alstroemeria. Wash it with soap and warm water, then rinse thoroughly. Fill the vase with fresh, room-temperature water. Avoid using very cold or very warm water, as this can shock the stems.

If your bouquet came with a small sachet of flower food, be sure to use it. This packet contains a specially formulated mixture of sugar to feed the flowers, an acidifier to help the stems absorb water, and a biocide to inhibit bacterial growth. If you do not have flower food, you can make a simple substitute by adding a teaspoon of sugar and a couple of drops of household bleach to the water.

Ideal Placement for Your Alstroemeria Bouquet

Where you place your vase of alstroemeria can have a significant impact on how long they last. The right environment will keep them looking vibrant, while the wrong one can cause them to wilt prematurely.

Find a cool spot in your home away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to strong sun or heat from appliances like televisions or kitchen ovens will cause the flowers to dehydrate and fade quickly. Also, keep the bouquet away from drafts from open windows or air conditioning units.

It is also very important to keep your flowers away from your fruit bowl. Ripening fruit releases a colourless, odourless gas called ethylene, which is a natural plant hormone that accelerates the ageing process in flowers, causing them to wilt and drop their petals much faster.

Ongoing Care for a Longer Vase Life

A little bit of daily or bi-daily attention will go a long way in extending the enjoyment of your alstroemeria. This simple routine helps maintain a fresh environment for your flowers.

You should change the water in the vase completely every two to three days. This prevents the build-up of bacteria. When you change the water, give the stems another fresh trim. This re-opens the water-absorbing channels and ensures the flowers can stay hydrated.

As the days go by, you may notice some individual flowers in the cluster starting to fade. Gently pull these spent blooms from the stem. This not only keeps your bouquet looking fresh and tidy but also encourages any unopened buds on the stem to bloom.

How to Grow and Care for Alstroemeria Plants

Beyond enjoying them in a vase, alstroemeria are wonderful perennial plants for gardens and pots. They produce an abundance of flowers throughout their blooming season and, with the right flower care, will return year after year. Growing them yourself can provide a continuous supply of fresh flowers for your home.

Planting Your Alstroemeria

Getting the planting process right sets your alstroemeria up for a healthy and productive life. Choosing the right spot and preparing the soil are the most important first steps.

In Singapore's climate, it is best to choose a location that receives full morning sun but is protected with some light shade during the intense heat of the afternoon. Too much direct, hot sun can scorch the leaves and stress the plant.

Alstroemeria needs fertile, well-draining soil to thrive. They are susceptible to root rot if their roots sit in waterlogged soil. Before planting, amend your garden bed with plenty of compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and fertility. If planting in a pot, use a high-quality potting mix.

When planting alstroemeria tubers, handle them gently as their fleshy roots are quite fragile. Dig a hole that is about 15-20 cm deep, place the tuber in it with the growth points facing up, and cover it with soil. Do not plant them too deep, as this can inhibit flowering.

Watering Your Alstroemeria Plant

Consistent and correct watering is key to a healthy alstroemeria plant. They prefer moist soil but are very sensitive to overwatering.

Water the plants regularly, especially after they are newly planted and during dry periods. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A good general rule is to provide about an inch of water per week, either from rainfall or watering. 

Always check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Reduce watering during cooler, wetter months. For potted plants, check the soil moisture more frequently, as pots can dry out quickly in the sun.

Sunlight and Temperature Needs

As mentioned, alstroemeria flourishes with a good balance of sun and shade. They need at least six hours of morning sunlight to produce a healthy number of flowers. However, protection from the harsh afternoon sun is crucial to prevent the plant from overheating.

These plants perform best in cooler temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 26°C. In Singapore, high temperatures can sometimes cause the plants to enter a dormant state where they stop producing flowers. Providing afternoon shade and ensuring the soil does not get too hot can help mitigate this.

Fertilising for Abundant Blooms

To encourage a continuous display of vibrant flowers, you will need to feed your alstroemeria plants during their growing season.

Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in the spring to give the plants a good start. Once they begin to flower, switch to a fertiliser that is high in potash (potassium). Potash is essential for promoting flower production rather than just leafy growth. A liquid feed applied every two to three weeks during the blooming period will keep your plants flowering profusely.

Pruning and Deadheading Alstroemeria

Pruning alstroemeria is done quite differently from most other plants, and getting it right is the secret to encouraging more flowers.

When a flower stem has finished blooming, do not cut it with scissors. Instead, hold the stem firmly near its base and pull it upwards with a gentle, sharp tug. The stem should come away cleanly from the rhizome (the underground root structure). This unique method of removal stimulates the rhizome to produce a new shoot and, consequently, more flowers. Cutting the stem leaves a stub behind, which does not encourage new growth in the same way.

Growing Alstroemeria in Pots

Alstroemeria does very well in pots, which is an excellent option for balconies and patios in Singapore.

Choose a large, deep pot to give the roots plenty of space to grow and to help prevent the soil from drying out too quickly. A pot with a diameter of at least 30 cm is a good start. Ensure the pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.

Use a good-quality potting mix and be prepared to water more frequently than you would for garden plants. Potted plants also require more regular feeding, as nutrients leach out of the soil with each watering. A liquid feed every two weeks during the growing season will be beneficial.

Common Alstroemeria Problems and Solutions

While generally hardy, alstroemeria can sometimes face issues with pests or diseases, or you might wonder why your plant is not flowering as you expected. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.

Pests and Diseases

The most common pests you might encounter are aphids, slugs, and spider mites. These can usually be managed with organic insecticidal soap or by encouraging natural predators in your garden. The biggest disease threat is root rot, which is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent this, ensure your soil is well-draining and be careful not to overwater.

Why Aren't My Alstroemeria Flowering?

If your plant is not producing flowers, it is usually due to one of a few reasons. The most common cause is a lack of sunlight; ensure your plant is getting at least six hours of morning sun. Another reason could be excessive heat, which can cause the plant to go dormant. Finally, make sure you are pruning correctly by pulling the spent stems instead of cutting them.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves on an alstroemeria plant can be a sign of a few different issues. The most common cause is overwatering, which leads to root rot and prevents the plant from absorbing nutrients. It can also be a sign of underwatering or a nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture first, and if that seems correct, consider feeding your plant with a balanced fertiliser.

Conclusion On Caring for Alstroemeria

Whether you are tending to a fresh bouquet in a vase or nurturing a plant in your garden, alstroemeria is a wonderfully rewarding flower. Its long-lasting blooms and vibrant colours bring so much joy and beauty to any space. 

By following these simple guidelines for watering, placement, and pruning, you can ensure your Peruvian Lilies remain healthy and stunning. The key is to provide a clean environment for cut flowers and well-draining soil with the right amount of sun for your plants.

If you have any more questions or would like to order a beautiful bouquet for yourself or a loved one, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Care for Alstroemeria

How Do You Keep Alstroemeria Fresh in a Vase?

To keep alstroemeria fresh, trim the stems at an angle and remove any leaves that will be below the waterline. Place them in a clean vase with fresh water and flower food. Change the water and re-trim the stems every two to three days. Keep the vase in a cool location away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit.

Should I Cut Back Alstroemeria?

No, you should not cut back a spent alstroemeria flower stem in the traditional way. The correct method is to deadhead by holding the base of the stem and pulling it firmly from the ground. This stimulates the plant's rhizome to produce new growth and more flowers.

How Long Do Alstroemeria Flowers Last?

As cut flowers, alstroemeria are known for their impressive longevity. With proper care, a bouquet can easily last for up to two weeks in a vase. When grown as a plant, alstroemeria can bloom for several months during its growing season.

Do Alstroemeria Need Full Sun?

Alstroemeria needs a good amount of light to flower well, but they do not like intense, hot sun. The ideal location is one that receives at least six hours of full morning sun, followed by light or partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon.

What Do You Do with Alstroemeria When It Has Finished Flowering?

Once an individual flower stem has finished blooming, you should remove the entire stem by pulling it from the base of the plant. This encourages the plant to produce new shoots and more flowers. At the end of the entire blooming season, you can leave the foliage to die back naturally.

Are Alstroemeria Hard to Care For?

No, alstroemeria are not considered hard to care for. They are quite hardy and forgiving plants. As long as you provide them with the basics—well-draining soil, the right amount of sunlight, and proper watering—they will reward you with a long season of beautiful blooms.