Aztec Lilies are tender perennial bulbs that produce vibrant red blooms measuring six inches wide, consisting of three upper arching petals and three drooping petals. These flowers bloom in the late spring and can sometimes rebloom in the fall. Aztec Lilies love full sun and can reach up to 12 inches tall when planted outdoors in mild climates and are evergreen.
History, Etymology, and Meaning
The etymology of Aztec Lily, Sprekelia formosissima, has not been thoroughly researched or published. But, the Aztec Lily is a treasured flower for its vivid red blooms and regal bearing. As a tribute to its beauty, the Mexican people gave the flower the name “reina” or “queen”.
In Aztec culture, red symbolizes power, invincibility, courage, war and achievement. The Aztec lily flower embodies all these powerful traits and was seen as a protector of the Aztec people. The flowers were often found planted around temples and other sacred places. The Aztec lily was also a favourite bloom amongst Aztec royalty and was used in celebratory processions to honor the Aztec rulers.
Planting and Growing
Aztec Lily should be placed in a sunny place, as they prefer full sun. Plant them in a sheltered area, like near a house wall, as they are tender and may need some protection from cold winter winds. They should also be given a healthy, well-drained soil. If the soil is too acidic, establish an alkaline soil or change it to a sandy loam or loam-based soil.
Aztec Lilies require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and blooming and need to be kept moist at all times. When watering, be sure to water the soil, not the flower itself. In addition, it is important to make sure that the soil’s pH is between 6.0 and 7.5 and that it supports good drainage.
Flower Varieties
There are several varieties of Aztec Lily, each with unique characteristics. The most common variety is the red Aztec lily and the white version, both of which are native to Mexico and Central America. Other varieties of the Aztec lily include the pink, yellow, and orange variations.
The red Aztec lily features deep red blooms, measuring around six inches in width, consisting of three upper arching petals and three drooping petals. The white variety has similarly shaped blooms but they are light cream in color. The pink, yellow, and orange varieties are a mix of their red and white counterparts, with a pinkish hue, yellow hue, and orange hue, respectively.
Potting and Repotting
Aztec lilies should always be planted in containers that are designed for bulb plants, such as a terracotta or glazed ceramic pot. Start by filling the pot with a high-quality potting soil that contains fertilizer, compost, and material that provides adequate drainage. Once the soil is firmly packed, add the bulbs to the pot and loosely cover with more soil. You may need to tamp the soil down and add a bit more potting soil around the container.
Once the bulbs are planted, water them slowly and evenly and be sure to keep the potting soil consistently moist. It is important to not over-water them or they will be prone to root rot. To avoid this, water when the top of the soil is dry and use a potting mix with humus to increase drainage.
When it’s time to repot your Aztec Lily, make sure to use a pot that is one size larger than the original bulb. Loosen the soil in the existing pot and gently transfer the bulbs to the new pot. Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil, water, and press the soil down firmly around the bulbs.
Pruning
It is important to prune Aztec lilies regularly to encourage strong growth and blooms. Pruning helps to keep the plant healthy and attractive and encourages blooming. It is advisable to prune the plant in late winter, which helps the plant to store more energy to produce more flowers. To prune the plant, trim away any dead or diseased foliage and flowers, as well as any leaves that are excessively long or scraggly.
Propagation
Propagating Aztec lilies is relatively easy and can be done in two ways; division or seed. To propagate through division, you will need to carefully divide the bulb into several pieces with sharp scissors and remove any dead foliage from the portion that was underneath the ground. Plant the pieces in separate containers and make sure to water them lightly and keep them in a warm and sunny area.
To propagate via seed, the seed will need to be planted in well-draining soil and it should then be left in a dry and very warm area for a few weeks. Once the seed has germinated, keep it well-watered and ensure that it has enough light.
Common Pests and Diseases
Aztec Lilies can be susceptible to several pests and diseases, such as aphids, slugs, snails, and stem rot. To prevent these pests and diseases, be sure to keep the plant in a sunny spot that is well ventilated and provide appropriate levels of moisture. Additionally, it is important to inspect the plants regularly and remove any pests that may be found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the typical size of an Aztec Lily?
A: The typical size of an Aztec Lily is 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide.
Q: How much water does an Aztec Lily require?
A: Aztec Lily is a drought tolerant plant, but it does need evenly distributed moisture to survive and grow. It is important to water the soil, not the flower itself, and to water evenly and consistently.
Q: How much sun does an Aztec Lily need?
A: Aztec Lily does best in full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Fact Sheet
Aztec Lily | Sprekelia formosissima |
Family | Amaryllidaceae |
Plant Type | Tender perennial bulb |
Mature Size | Up to 12 inches tall |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Loam-based soil |
Soil pH | 6.0 – 7.5 |
Bloom Time | Late Spring |
Flower Color | Red, Pink, Yellow, Orange, White |
Hardiness Zones | 9 – 11 |
Native Area | Mexico, Central America |
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