We admire the long, green leafy shoots and the red, crown-shaped flowers. However, we pay no attention to the tuber in the ground. It is she who tirelessly takes care of the crown of glory. We should turn to it by autumn at the latest. Because of the whole plant, only it remains and must be safely overwintered.
How do I properly overwinter a Gloriosa tuber?
To overwinter a Gloriosa tuber properly, it should be kept in a pot at temperatures between 2-18°C (ideally 5-10°C) in a dark room with approx.70% humidity should be stored. The tuber does not require any care during wintering and should be left alone.
Toxicity
Gloriosa rothschildiana is highly poisonous. The highest concentration of poison is in the tuber. Since you will be holding the tuber in your hand when you plant it in spring at the latest, you should know about it and act accordingly. Wearing gloves (€9.00 on Amazon) prevents plant sap from getting on the skin.
Care
During the growing season, attention is paid to the above-ground parts of the plant. If you receive this appropriate care, the tuber will also do well. In particular, weekly fertilization and constant moisture allow the Gloriosa to thrive.
As soon as the shoots begin to wilt, care is stopped. The tuber is getting ready to spend the coming time dormant.
Wintering
The tuber stays in the pot, but has to move to suitable winter quarters, where it stays until the beginning of March.
- at least 2 °C, max. 18 °C
- 5 to 10 °C is ideal
- the room should be dark
- if possible with 70% humidity
Tip
Leave the tuber alone during wintering. She doesn't need any care and doesn't like to change locations every now and then.
Planting daughter rhizomes
In the spring, shortly before budding at the end of February, you must inspect the tuber. To do this, get them out of the ground. Dried pieces are removed, strong daughter tubers get their own pot.
The plant is propagated by separating the tubers. Each piece will develop into a large plant in the summer. Planting Gloriosa should therefore be done straight away in a sufficiently large pot.
Forwarding in the house
When the first green leaves the tuber at the beginning of March, there is still a risk of frost outside. The tuber must stay indoors. On a bright and warm windowsill, it can form the first shoots. If the conditions are not ideal, you can plant them under glass.
