Description
A bulbous plant from Mexico, Guatemala and Peru, known in Europe since the 16th century. Its appeal comes not only from its beautiful, spotted colouring but also from its shape. The three outer tepals are larger and bent slightly downwards, unlike the smaller, upright inner ones. The flowers are about 10–15 cm across, on stems 30–50 cm tall. The leaves are sword-shaped and up to 40 cm long. Thanks to the many varieties, there are plants with wonderful colouring, e.g. white, red-speckled, yellow with red spots and vice versa, or pinkish with crimson spots. The drawback of tiger flowers is that each lasts only one day, opening before noon and wilting by evening. The tiger flower grows from a bulb that produces one to several stems, each with 2–5 buds that open in succession.
Requirements
It grows well in humus-rich, free-draining soils in sunny, warm places. During drought it needs generous watering. Feed the plant 2–3 times during the summer with a compound fertiliser.
Propagation
Besides separating offset bulbs, the plant can be grown from seed sown in April. In the first year from seed it is better not to let the plants flower, so as not to weaken them. In the following season the bulbs should reach 5–7 cm in circumference.
Care
During vigorous growth water it in dry weather. Plant outdoors after 15 April and lift in October when the leaves turn yellow, before harder frosts. Lift carefully without cleaning off the soil, cutting the leaves a few centimetres above the bulb. Store the bulbs together with their offsets in peat at about 5°C; a higher temperature stimulates the bulbs to grow sooner, which may end in rot. Offset bulbs are grown on for a year or two before they flower.
When plants get sick
It is a resistant plant – if you meet its requirements, it will not get sick.
Before you buy
The bulbs should be undamaged and firm.
Average lifespan: – Can live for several years.
Difficulty of care: – To make it flower, you must provide the right conditions.