Gloriosa superba FLAME LILY (10 seeds)

Malabar Glory Lily, also known as Flame Lily or Gloriosa superba in Latin, is a fast-growing, rhizomatous, climbing perennial. This tender plant belongs to the Liliaceae family. Native to tropical Africa and India, it grows rapidly to reach a height of 1.50 to 2 meters.

It features alternating leaves, generally strap-shaped or lance-shaped, and green in color. They are arranged in a spiral around the stem, with slightly wavy edges. The leaves have tendrils at the tips that help the plant climb onto supports.

Its flowers are particularly spectacular and appear in clusters. They are cup-shaped and can reach a size of 10 to 15 cm in diameter. The petals are bright red to orange with reflexed (back-rolled) edges, creating a very attractive appearance. The center of the flower is tinged with yellow or sometimes brown, giving the plant a very luminous effect.

After flowering, it produces elongated fruit capsules containing the seeds. These fruits are generally green and can reach up to 10 cm in length. As they ripen, they dry out and split open to release the seeds.

Flame Lily seeds are brown, rounded, and textured, featuring a small burgundy-red downy coating that may assist in wind dispersal.

- Uses:

It is frequently used in horticulture to beautify gardens and floral compositions due to its spectacular and exotic blooming. It is highly prized as a cut flower in professional floral arrangements. This beautiful vine is planted in ornamental gardens. In pots at the foot of a fence, a bower, or a pergola, it will climb and enhance the living environment.

In traditional medicine, certain parts of this plant are used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Note: The plant contains toxic compounds (colchicine), requiring careful handling.
WARNING: Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The best period to sow Malabar Glory Lily starts from late May until the end of July.
• Soak the seeds for 6 hours in lukewarm water to break dormancy.
• Sow them 5 millimeters deep in an acidic pH substrate.
• Use small 5 cm pots filled with previously moistened peat.
• Water the culture gently using a hand sprayer.
• Place the small pots in a greenhouse in a warm spot at a temperature close to 30°C.
• Germination generally takes 3 to 5 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Flame Lily needs soil rich in organic matter and a relatively acidic pH. Drainage is very important; therefore, place a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot.

- Watering / Irrigation:

It requires plenty of water at the base during its growth period. Stop watering when the plant is in its dormant phase during the summer (after the foliage dies back).

- Exposure / Light:

This variety requires a lot of light to bloom well. It should be placed in full sun or a slightly shaded area. Regarding artificial lighting, HPS or MH bulbs are preferred.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

It grows very fast when temperatures range between 25 and 35°C. It is a cold-sensitive plant that does not withstand freezing temperatures. Its USDA hardiness zone is 9b.

- Reproduction / Multiplication:

It can be reproduced by seed, by dividing its roots (tubers), or by semi-woody stem cuttings (cutting branches of about 10-15 cm and planting them in a mix of soil and sand to encourage rooting).

- Diseases / Pests:

Occasionally, this exotic vine may experience yellowing leaves, often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Regarding pests, the plant is sometimes attacked by sap-sucking aphids which can weaken the specimen.