Scientific Classification
- Scientific name: Alstroemeria aurantiaca
- Common names: Peruvian lily, Inca lily
- Family: Alstroemeriaceae
- Native to: South America
- Chromosome number: 2n = 16
Importance and Uses
- Hardy perennial, easy to grow in various settings
- Used as cut flowers, lasting 2-3 weeks in water
- Symbolizes friendship, popular in arrangements
Species Overview
- Alstroemeria aurantiaca: 60-100 cm flowering stalk
- Bright yellow flowers with spotted segments
- A. pelegrina: 30 cm flowering stem, lilac color
- A. hookeri: 45-60 cm, orange color
Varieties
- Red: Red Sunset, Valiant
- Pink: Fiona, Olympic
- Orange: Harlequin, Sunrise
- White: Amanda, Monalisa
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Cool sub-tropical climate, partial shade preferred
- Optimum temperature: 10-20°C, RH 85-95%
- Well-drained soil, pH 6.0-6.5
- Soil should be rich in organic matter
Site Selection and Land Preparation
- High, open land with ample sunlight
- Thoroughly ploughed, left under sun for 15 days
- Depth of ploughing: 15-20 cm
- Plants grown in raised beds
Propagation Methods
- Seeds and division of clumps (10-15 rhizomes)
- Micropropagation techniques
Planting and Nutrition
- Spacing: 60x45 cm, depth: 7-8 cm
- Fertilizer: 600 ppm of 20-20-20 weekly
- Calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate for nutrition
Intercultural Operations
- Regular weeding and shoot thinning
- Staking for straight flowering stems
Irrigation and Mulching
- Frequent, heavy irrigation for optimal growth
- Black polythene mulch enhances growth
Harvesting and Storage
- Harvest when flowers are fully colored but not opened
- Yield: 80-100 blooms/m²
- Store rhizomes in cool places
Diseases and Pests
- Pythium and Rhizoctonia wilt management
- Botrytis affects flowers, humidity control needed
- Major pests: Aphids, Thrips, Whiteflies
References
- Talukdar, M.C. ‘Alstroemeria’
- Bose, T.K. et al. ‘Commercial Flowers’
- Wikipedia.org/wiki/File:alstroemeria