Thimna MatikaPineapple lily (Eucomis) is a peculiar-looking plant with a long pineapple-looking comb with star-shaped flowers that open from the bottom of the bloom and spike upward. The flowers come in a variety of colours, purple, pink, yellow, or white, with some varieties having bicolored blooms.
It derives from a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, native to southern Africa. Despite its name, this plant isn’t related to the fruit, so please don’t toss it into your piña colada.
Image credit: Pixabay
How to grow a pineapple lily
Pineapple lilies are bulbous flowers that are easy to grow. During the winter seasons, it is ideal to dig up your bulbs and overwinter them, as the flowers do not like the winter moisture.
After digging up and drying the bulbs, wrap them in newspaper or brown paper and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Plant your overwintered crops during the following spring season. When planting in the springtime, bury the bulbs at least 13 centimeters in the ground to help them overwinter in hardy areas.
Soil: Pineapple lilies thrive in soil with good drainage. They also grow well in rocky soil therefore cactus and orchid mix soil is best for them.
Light: Plant these beautiful flowers in full sunlight as they love warm areas.
Water: Water pineapple lilies when the top soil is dry. Avoid over watering to avoid root rot. Stop watering during winter seasons to allow the bulbs to dry.
Pruning: Pineapple lilies need no pruning when they are actively growing.
The pineapple lily is a striking and easy-to-grow addition to any garden, offering tropical flair with minimal effort. With proper care, well-drained soil, full sunlight, and protection from winter moisture, these unique, starry blooms will reward you year after year. Just remember, while they may look like fruit, they are inedible flowers.
ALSO SEE:
Featured image: South African Flowers Facebook Group
