How to Grow Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria is a perennial plant also known as Lily of the Incas or Peruvian lily. For best results, plant bulbs rather than seeds. You can plant bulbs in containers or directly in your garden. An alstroemeria plant may grow as tall as 48 inches (120 cm), and its flowers range in color from white, pink, and salmon to bright orange, red, and purple.

Part 1

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Choosing a Location

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1
Plant when temperatures do not exceed 68° F (20° C) daily. You can plant alstroemeria bulbs in the spring, early summer, or fall, depending on your climate. Alstroemeria grows best when temperatures do not exceed 68° F (20° C) daily and range from 40 and 50° F (4 to 10° C) at night.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you plant alstroemeria indoors, you can do so any time of the year as long as you place the plant in a temperate location.
Alstroemeria plants need soil with good drainage so the roots don’t rot. You may want to mix your soil with peat moss, compost, ground bark, or decomposed manure to help it drain.^{[2]XResearch source} Alternatively, you could use a mix of 1:1 perlite and vermiculite or 1:1 organic and inorganic material if you plan to grow your alstroemeria in a container.^{[3]XResearch source}
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Alstroemeria grows best in locations with full morning sun and some shade in the afternoons.^{[4]XResearch source} If you’re growing alstroemeria indoors, pick a sunny window ledge or a spot with lightly filtered sunshine.^{[5]XResearch source}

Part 2

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Planting Alstroemeria

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Fill a bucket with water, and then place the alstroemeria bulbs into the water overnight. Soaking the bulbs for 24 hours will jump-start their germination process.^{[6]XResearch source}
Dig 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) holes in the potting medium.^{[7]XResearch source} If you’re planting outdoors, space the holes 24 inches (60 cm) apart to allow room for spreading. If you’re planting in containers, plant each bulb in a large container (1 gallon or 5 liters) with drainage holes.^{[8]XResearch source}
Place 1 bulb into each hole, with the pointy side facing up. Cover the bulb gently with soil or potting medium. Lightly tamp down the soil or potting medium around the bulb.^{[9]XResearch source}
Generously water your freshly planted bulbs. Monitor their moisture level daily until the plant pokes through the surface, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not sopping wet.^{[10]XResearch source}

Part 3

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Caring for Alstroemeria

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Once your alstroemeria is established, it won’t need as much water. Lightly water when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry. Too much water will lead to root rot, so take care not to overwater your alstroemeria.^{[11]XResearch source}
You can feed alstroemeria with a high potash fertilizer each week during the growing season when your flowers are blooming. Potash fertilizer contains potassium to help your plants thrive. You should be able to find this type of fertilizer at your local garden shop or hardware store.^{[12]XResearch source}
3
Mulch alstroemeria to protect it. Placing protective mulch around your alstroemeria can protect it from extreme temperatures. You can mulch with straw or bracken. Keep the mulch at least 2 inches (5 cm) from the alstroemeria stem to avoid rotting at the base of the plant.^{[13]XResearch source}
- If you live in an extremely hot climate, you may want to place mulch around your alstroemeria in the summer.
- If you live in a cold climate, you should place mulch around your alstroemeria in the winter.
4
Pick, rather than cut, the flowers. Whether you want to bring some alstroemerias inside to put in a vase, or you need to remove spent blooms, you’ll need to pick out each stem. Pull one or more entire stalks out of the soil or potting medium. Don’t cut the flowers, as the underground meristems will respond to the damage and die.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Each flower has its own stalk, so you won’t harm the entire plant by pulling a few stalks.
- In order to encourage growth, regularly deadhead spent blossoms.
Look out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies on your alstroemerias. If you find these pests, remove them with a strong stream of water then apply an insecticidal soap. To avoid a disease called root rot, be sure to water only until moist, choose a well-draining soil, and leave room between your plants for air to reach your alstroemerias.^{[15]XResearch source}
6
Divide your alstroemeria by the rhizomes for propagation. If you want to get new plants from the ones you already have, cut the plant so that it’s within 6 inches (15 cm) of the ground.^{[16]XResearch source} Two weeks later, dig all the way around the plant. Dig up the plant’s rhizomes, or horizontally-running root networks, as well as all of the roots that branch off from them. Divide the rhizomes of the plant with a sharp knife and then replant the rhizomes 6 inches (15 cm) deep and 12 inches (30 cm) apart.
- Expect the newly planted rhizomes to flourish within 10 weeks of planting.
- Thin and transplant the rhizomes every 2-3 years during the spring.

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How long do freshly cut alstroemeria flowers last?
Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
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These are considered a long-lasting flower and can stay fresh for nearly 2 weeks.
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When can I split Alstroemeria?
Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
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It is best to divide the plant in the spring. Plan to split Alstroemeria at this time for best results.
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Is Alstroemeria toxic?
Maggie Moran
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Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
Maggie Moran
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Yes, the flower is mildly poisonous. Avoid ingesting any part of this plant.
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Tips

Put alstromeria shoots in a vase with a drop of bleach and freshen the water every 3-5 days. This should make them last for 2-3 weeks.
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Warnings

Although all parts of the plant are poisonous and cause skin irritation, they are often grown for use as a colorful addition to cut flower arrangements. Wear gloves when handling alstroemeria to avoid skin irritation. Do not eat alstroemeria.
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