The plant known as Alstroemeria is a perennial one.If you want the best results, plant bulbs rather than seeds.In your garden, you can plant bulbs in containers.The flowers of an alstroemeria plant range in color from white, pink, and salmon to bright orange, red, or purple.
Step 1: When temperatures do not go over 70 F (20 C), plant.
Depending on your climate, you can plant alstroemeria bulbs in the spring, early summer, or fall.The best time to grow Alstroemeria is at night when the temperature is between 40 and 50 F.If you place the plant in a warm location, you can plant it indoors any time of the year.
Step 2: Good drainage is a must if you want to choose soil.
Alstroemeria plants need good soil to grow.Peat moss, compost, ground bark, or decomposed manure can be mixed with your soil to help it drain.If you plan to grow alstroemeria in a container, you could use a mix of organic and inorganic material.
Step 3: Pick a site that has shade and full sun.
The best places to grow Alstroemeria are in the morning and afternoons.A sunny window ledge is a good place to grow alstroemeria indoors.
Step 4: Put your bulbs in a bucket.
The alstroemeria bulbs should be placed into the water overnight.For 24 hours, soak the bulbs.
Step 5: There are holes in your soil.
There are holes in the medium.If you are planting outdoors, space the holes 24 inches apart to allow room for spreading.If you are planting in containers, make sure to put the bulbs in a large container with drainage holes.
Step 6: The bulbs can be added.
Place one bulb into each hole.Place the bulb in a container of soil or potting medium.Pull the soil or medium around the bulb.
Step 7: The soil is moist.
Freshly planted bulbs should be watered generously.The plant pokes through the surface, keeping the soil moist, but not sopping wet.
Step 8: The alstroemeria needs to be water when it's not wet.
The alstroemeria won't need as much water once it's established.When the soil is dry, lightly water it.Don't overwater your alstroemeria because it will lead to root rot.
Step 9: When alstroemeria is in bloom, give it a fertilization.
During the growing season, alstroemeria can be fed with a high potash fertilization.Potash helps your plants thrive.You can find this type offertilizer at your local garden shop or hardware store.
Step 10: To protect it, cover it with mulch.
It is possible to protect your alstroemeria from extreme temperatures by placing protective mulch around it.It is possible to mulch with straw or bracken.To keep the mulch from rotting at the base of the plant, keep it at least 2 inches from the alstroemeria stem.If you live in a hot climate, you may want to place mulch around your alstroemeria in the summer.You should place mulch around your alstroemeria in the winter if you live in a cold climate.
Step 11: Don't cut the flowers.
You will need to pick out each stem if you want to put some alstroemerias inside a vase or remove spent blooms.Pull the stalks out of the soil.The underground meristems will respond to the damage and die.You won't harm the entire plant if you pull a few stalks.Deadhead spent blossoms in order to encourage growth.
Step 12: There are pests and diseases to be monitored.
There are insects on your alstroemerias.Remove the pests with a strong stream of water and then apply an insecticidal soap.To avoid a disease called root rot, be sure to water only until moist, choose a well-draining soil, and leave room between your plants for air to reach your alstroemerias.
Step 13: The alstroemeria should be divided by the rhizomes for propagation.
If you want to get new plants from the ones you already have, cut them so that they are within 6 inches of the ground.After two weeks, dig all the way around the plant.All of the roots that branch off from the plant's rhizomes should be dug up.If you want to replant the rhizomes of the plant, you have to divide them with a sharp knife.Within 10 weeks of planting, the newly planted rhizomes will grow.During the spring, thin and transplant the rhizomes.