Lily Of The Nile

Taxonomic Name: Agapanthus africanus

Lily Family

Herbaceous Plant

In its cold-season dormant phase, this African native seems to be a rather ho-hum species, with nothing more than its strap-shaped leaves to commend it. But every indoor gardener who has seen the lily of the Nile in full bloom in summer knows how spectacular a houseplant it really is. The plant bears spherical heads of handsome, dark blue flowers that rise on tall stalks high above the foliage.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Direct sunlight is necessary to maintain your plant's long-term vigor. If possible, place the plant in or very near an unobstructed southern, western, or eastern window.

WATERING: When the plant is not in its winter dormancy period, water whenever the soil surface is dry to the touch. When you do water, do so thoroughly; at least a little water should come out the pot's bottom drainage holes. However, do not let the pot stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes. For watering during the winter dormancy, see "Special Considerations," below.  

FEEDING: Feed the plant only when it is in flower bud and in full flower. At that point, apply a high-phosphorous (high middle number) houseplant fertilizer at half the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: To get your lily of the Nile to flower in summer, subject it to a winter dormancy treatment. At the beginning of November, place the plant in the coolest nonfreezing room in your house (ideally, the temperature should be 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and there should be some natural light). Do not feed the plant at all during this period, and water lightly and very sparingly--only after the soil surface has been dry for a month or so. Then, around the first of March, put your plant back in its normal sunny location. If all goes well, the plant should begin to set flower within two or three months. Keep in mind that lilies of the Nile prefer to be rootbound. Accordingly, do not repot your plant frequently!