Butter lily (Gloriosa modesta)

Butter lily

Also known as: Littonia

Butter lily is a captivating climber, adorned with flamboyant, wavy-edged flowers, usually in vibrant shades of yellow and red. Its tendril-tipped leaves enable agile ascent up supporting structures, an adaptation tailor-made for thriving in dense habitats. The tuberous roots of butter lily are both a survival cache and a propagation vault, ensuring resilience in the variable climates of its native terrains.

Scientific classification

Species

Butter lily (Gloriosa modesta)

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

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Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Butter lily

Care Guide for Butter lily

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from tropical regions, butter lily thrives in high humidity and requires weekly watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Typically grown indoors, it needs adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging while mimicking its native habitat's humid environment.

Fertilize: Fertilize your butter lily every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus to enhance bloom size and foliage health. Cease fertilization after the flowering period ends.

Pruning: Butter lily thrives with proper pruning in early spring, removing dead stems and thinning crowded areas to promote circulation. Pinching tips enhances bushiness. Regular pruning supports blooming and vigor. Use clean, sharp tools to minimize stress and avoid contamination.

Propagation: Butter lily, from the Colchicaceae family, propagates through division during dormancy. Separate tubers with growth points, plant in well-draining soil, and maintain moisture without waterlogging. Provide warm, indirect light for rooting while avoiding deep planting to promote sprouting.

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