What a Novice Has Learned About Gloriosa in the Last Month

What I've Learned About Gloriosa

1. Get high quality, healthy bulbs from a good source (critical).
2. Believe what you read when told that each bulb has only 1 growing tip. This applies even after they have started growing and climbing the trellis. NEVER try to force the vine up and through the trellis structure. It will snap very easily and that particular plant is done. No further growth and very possibly certain death to the bulb as it will not thrive. I know this to be true as I did it. They will find the trellis and hang on by the curls on the tips of the leaves. (critical)
3. Put at least 5 to 6 bulbs in big pots (22 inches or larger). I wouldn't hesitate to put 3 or 4 in a pot as small as 15 inches.
4. Lay them parallel to each other about 2 inches below the surface.
5. Put in your trellis BEFORE you plant and think about the vines growing straight up when they come out of the ground. Plant accordingly. That way you will not be tempted to bend them over to reach the trellis and damage or destroy your vine from that bulb, as I did. (critical)
6. Sun, water, and fertiilizer are needed on a regular basis. Sunshine and plenty of water are vital to good growth. I fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced no-urea fertilizer.
7. Well-draining soil is a must to accommodate the frequent watering. I used 50% Miracle Grow Soil, 15% sand, 15% peat, 10% Vermiculite, and 10% Perlite. Make sure your container has adequate drainage. I like to see water pouring out of the bottom when I water. If you are placing the container on a flat surface, I suggest putting it on one of those roll-around plant plates to allow free drainage. (critical)
8. Be prepared for phenomenal growth when they start. 1 week after planting bulbs, I had a foot and a half of new growth with the warm weather. They will quickly overtop almost any trellis you can put in a pot. My plants are about 4 feet tall after 3 weeks or so of growth, with flower buds actively showing. I expect blooms at any time.
9. Be prepared to have a beautiful plant that will last year after year if you have properly taken care of the bulbs after they are done for the year. If done properly, all you have to do is everything you've done in steps 2 through 9. You have become your own source for high-quality bulbs as they will mutiply each year.
10. Do not hesitate to ask for advice from the great folks here at All Things Plants. What a tremendous resource they have been to me and will be to you as well.

The photo posted is not my plant, but I hope to be able to show you very soon what a novice can do if he takes information to heart and understands what he has read and has been told to do.

• Flame Lily (Gloriosa)
• Uploaded by jmorth