Lachenalia care post flowering
Rimmer (Wed, 19 Mar 2014 08:03:35 PDT)

In response to Peter’s comments on keeping the hyacinths growing as long as possible to build up the bulbs, i was wondering what is recommended for Lachenalia now that many have finished flowering. These are watered abut once every 10 days more or less when the pots are on the light side. but in general these are quite dry standing on 1”of sand.

I keep the plant tops about 6- 8” below T-5 lights set for 16 hrs, day temps up to 75F (24C) , nights down to 55F (12C) with a 6” rotating fan to cool off and dry out.

L. aloides var. quadricolor -bloomed in Feb and the flower is now past but the foliage still stands upright and looks green and firm.

L. aloides var. unicolor (pallida)-purple blomed in late Feb and the tip is still showing the last flower color but the leaves are turing yellow and limp- several of the non blooming bulbs had there leaves turn red- -black and rotted away in the 4.5” pot in the winter.
http://flickr.com/photos/32952654@N06/…

L. mutabilis, yellow / electric blue top - the flower has faded but the foliage still stands upright and looks green.
http://flickr.com/photos/32952654@N06/…

L. aloides var. vanzyliae is in bloom now
http://flickr.com/photos/32952654@N06/…

L. liliflora blooming now
http://flickr.com/photos/32952654@N06/…

Thank you for your help

Rimmer
SE Michigan
finally above freezing with rain today