In winter, the energy of the Gloriosa rests in a rhizome. She then neither wants to be touched nor cared for. But what is it like in summer when its tendrils grow meters high and are decorated with impressive flowers? Is the tropical plant still modest, or does it require daily care?
How do I care for a Gloriosa plant?
Gloriosa care in summer includes regulating the water balance, weekly fertilizing, providing a climbing aid and repotting the daughter tubers. In winter the plant needs rest and should be overwintered in a frost-free and dark place.
Regulate water balance
Since we are far from tropical conditions in this country, we have to regulate the water balance of the Gloriosa rothschildiana with sensitivity, starting with the advancement of the Gloriosa from the end of February/beginning of March.
- Keep substrate moist throughout
- it must not dry out or be wet
- spray leaves and flowers on warm days
- with warm, low-lime water
- If cultivating indoors, set up a humidifier
- otherwise place the plant on pebbles
- Fill the coaster regularly with water
Fertilize
With the first fresh shoots of the new year, fertilization is started and maintained until the plant wilts in autumn. Gloriosa rothschildiana is supplied weekly with a commercially available liquid fertilizer (€19.00 on Amazon), always in conjunction with watering.
Avoid cutting
The crown of glory sprouts in spring and causes all above-ground parts to wilt in early autumn. They are then collected and disposed of. During the growth period there is no need for pruning because every shoot contributes to the beauty of the plant.
Provide trellis support
The shoots quickly become very long and remain thin. They need a trellis to hold them up. You must provide this to her in good time.
Tip
Always wear gloves when handling this tropical climbing plant. Direct skin contact can have unpleasant consequences because Gloriosa rhotschildiana is poisonous.
Repotting
In spring there is no real plant yet that requires repotting. But it is important to plant the vital daughter rhizomes of the crown of fame:
- Take the Gloriosa tuber out of the ground
- dispose of dried-out parts
- Replant strong daughter tubers
- choose a large pot
- approx. Insert 5 cm deep
Wintering
In winter, Gloriosa rothschildiana has no chance of survival outside. You have to overwinter the plant or its tuber after it has dried.
- Leave the tuber in the pot
- place dark and frost-free
- 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 70% are ideal
- Do not allow the temperature to fall below 2 degrees Celsius
- it should not be warmer than 18 degrees Celsius
- no maintenance required
Tip
Take the wish for winter rest literally. Leave the pot in the chosen location until the end of February. During the rest period, the plant does not want to be touched or moved.
