Contrary to popular belief, this squill comes from Peru, but its home is in Spain. Due to its Mediterranean origins, it has different care requirements than other Szilla representatives. But what are they in detail?
How do I care for a Peruvian squill?
The care of the Peruvian squill includes regular watering, monthly fertilization in the growth phase, overwintering at 7-20 ° C, moderate pruning and a rest period in summer with reduced watering and fertilization.
How often and with what should pot culture be fertilized?
The Peruvian squill, which is usually kept in pots in this country due to its poor frost tolerance, needs fertilizer at the right time and in the right dosage. From September until flowering, it should receive regular fertilizer. This extends its flowering period.
But basically it is enough to supply it with a suitable liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) once a month. Alternatively, you can repot your Peruvian squill in fresh soil every fall. Then there is no need to fertilize.
Is overwintering absolutely necessary for survival?
As this is a Mediterranean plant, overwintering is necessary if you do not want the plant to die. As a potted plant, it should be kept in a place that is 10 to 20 °C warm throughout the winter. The minimum temperature is 7 °C.
Does this plant need pruning?
It is enough if you remove old, withered, diseased and yellowed leaves as soon as they come into your sight. It also makes sense to cut off the withered inflorescences. Conventional scissors are sufficient for this.
Does the Peruvian squill need to be watered regularly?
The following should be taken into account when watering this squill:
- keep soil dry in summer (resting phase; onion survives in the soil)
- Increase watering from late summer onwards to stimulate sprouting
- keep the soil slightly moist from autumn to spring
- Never let the soil dry out completely
How is this plant oversummered?
Oversummering is necessary. For the Peruvian squill, summertime means a closed and resting time. He retreats into his onion. Place it in a warm place, do not fertilize it and water it very sparingly or not at all.
Tip
If you notice yellow tips on the leaves of the Peruvian squill in early summer, don't worry! This is simply an indication that the plant is slowly entering its dormant period. From now on it's time to water less!
