Gloriosa rothschildiana

Germination

Sow indoors Feb-Apr. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a fine sprinkling of soil or vermiculite. Place in a Propagator at 20-30°C. Germination takes 30-40 days approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Offer a support for the climbing shoots. In autumn the plant will die off and the tuber should have formed. Lift tuber and store in a dry, frost-free place. Replant the following spring in a 13cm pot and grow on under glass.

Growing

Requires a minimum temp. of 5⁰C. Water regularly but allow to almost dry out between waterings. Liquid feed once per week when in growth if desired. After flowering, in approx. October cease watering. The foliage will die down and the bulb should be lifted and stored in dry, frost-free conditions for the winter. Repot tuber the following spring. Grow on under glass until the plant is growing well and frost has passed. May be placed outside in warm weather. Bulbs should be planted 10cm deep approx.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed. Bulbs will not need to be lifted if the plant in grown in a warm conservatory. In this case leave foliage on the plant unless it yellows and dies.