The Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba) is a stunning climbing plant that can reach heights of up to 6 feet. Whether you want to brighten up your living room or add some tropical flair to your patio or balcony, this plant is a showstopper. Its most striking feature? Those fiery red flowers with bright yellow centers that look just like tiny, glowing crowns.
The Best Spot and Care for Your Flame Lily
To keep your Flame Lily happy, look for a bright spot that’s protected from the wind—ideally near a wall where you can set up a trellis for it to climb. These plants are a bit like Goldilocks: they don’t like deep shade, but harsh, direct midday sun can scorch their delicate leaves and petals. A little filtered light or afternoon shade is perfect.
They prefer a steady temperature between 62°F and 72°F and love humidity (at least 50%). If you’re growing yours indoors, keep it away from drafty AC vents or drying heaters. Using a humidifier is a great way to create that tropical vibe they crave. And remember, when the seasons change, you’ll need to pay extra attention to finding the right spot for overwintering.
Watering and Feeding
During the growing season, aim to water your plant about twice a week and give it a boost with a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer once a week. If you stay on top of this routine, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular display of blooms.
For the soil, aim for a neutral pH of around 7. A DIY mix of equal parts standard potting soil, sand, and peat moss works wonders.
How to Plant Your Flame Lily
You’ll usually find these plants sold as tubers—long, finger-like rhizomes. To get them started in nutrient-rich soil, just follow these simple steps:
- Mix up your humus-rich potting soil.
- Fill your pot or planter with the mix.
- Lay the rhizome horizontally (flat) on top of the soil.
- Since the buds are at the ends of the root, laying it flat ensures they aren’t pointing straight down.
- Cover the tuber with about an inch (3 cm) of soil.
- Press the soil down very gently; you don’t want to snap off any fragile new buds.
- Give it a good drink of water and keep the soil consistently moist from here on out.
- Place the pot in a warm spot—around 72°F is the “sweet spot” to jumpstart germination.
Don’t panic if nothing happens right away; it can take a while for the first sprouts to appear. But once they do, get ready! The Flame Lily is a fast mover, sometimes growing up to 4 inches in a single day.
