Overview:
Calochortus plummerae Greene, commonly known as Plummer's mariposa lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Liliaceae. This plant is native to California, United States, and is known for its strikingly beautiful flowers.
Appearance:
Plummer's mariposa lily has a corm that produces a single erect stem, growing up to a height of 10-60 cm. The leaves are basal and narrow, measuring 10-30 cm in length. The flowers of this plant are large, measuring up to 10 cm across, with three petals that are white or pale lavender. The petals have a purple or yellow blotch at the base, leading to a yellow-green base of the flower.
Common Names:
Plummer's mariposa lily is also commonly referred to as Plummer's mariposa tulip, Plummer's fairy lantern, and Plummer's globe lily.
Uses:
Plummer's mariposa lily is widely grown as an ornamental plant due to its stunning flowers. Apart from its visual appeal, there are no known current uses of this plant. However, historically, Native American tribes used the roots of this plant medicinally for stomach aches, menstrual cramps, and as a remedy for snake bites. Research is still ongoing to explore the medicinal properties of this plant.
Light Requirements
Calochortus plummerae Greene, commonly known as Plummer’s mariposa lily, requires full sun exposure to thrive. This plant needs at least six hours of bright sunlight every day. Therefore, it is not a suitable choice for shaded or partially shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Calochortus plummerae Greene is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. This plant is native to the hot and dry regions of California, so it is tolerant of high temperatures; however, it may struggle in areas with extreme heat or cold.
Soil Requirements
Calochortus plummerae Greene requires well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Ideally, the soil should have a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. This plant prefers sandy or rocky soil, but it will also grow in clay soil as long as it is not too compact. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as it is susceptible to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Calochortus plummerae Greene, also known as Plummer's mariposa lily, is a bulbous perennial plant that can grow up to 30cm tall. It is native to California and requires a warm climate to thrive. The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires full to partial sun exposure. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Watering needs
Calochortus plummerae Greene requires regular watering during the growing season, from late winter to early summer. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not waterlogged. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, watering should be reduced to prevent rot. The plant can tolerate drought but may go dormant earlier.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Calochortus plummerae Greene should be done during the growing season, from late winter to early summer. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, once a month. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to leaf burn or stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning of Calochortus plummerae Greene is mainly done after the plant has finished flowering. The flower stems can be cut back to the base of the plant, and the leaves should be left to die back naturally. This allows the plant to store up energy for the next growing season. Deadheading is not necessary, but it can improve the plant's appearance. To avoid damaging the bulb, it is important not to disturb the soil around the plant during pruning.
Propagation of Calochortus Plummerae Greene
Calochortus Plummerae Greene, commonly known as Plummer's mariposa lily, is a beautiful perennial plant that is found in southern California. It is a member of the lily family and is highly prized for its strikingly beautiful flowers. If you're interested in propagating this plant, there are a few methods that you can try.
Propagation by Seed
One of the easiest ways to propagate Calochortus Plummerae Greene is by seed. You can collect the seeds from the plant in late summer or early fall. Once you have gathered the seeds, you can store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.
When you are ready to plant, you should first prepare the soil. The soil should be well-draining and enriched with organic matter. You can plant the seeds directly in the soil or start them indoors and transplant them later.
It is important to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. This can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings are large enough, you can transplant them to their permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Another method of propagation for Calochortus Plummerae Greene is by division. This is typically done in the fall after the flowering season has ended.
To divide the plant, you should dig up the entire plant and cut it into sections. Each section should have at least one stem and a portion of the root system. It is important that each section is planted immediately after division to prevent it from drying out.
The new divisions should be planted in a location that receives partial shade and has well-draining soil. You should water the newly planted sections frequently until they establish themselves.
Propagation by Bulbs
Calochortus Plummerae Greene can also be propagated by bulbs. The bulbs of the plant should be dug up in the fall after the plant has finished flowering.
Once you have the bulbs, you should let them dry for a few days and then clean them. The bulbs can be stored in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.
To plant the bulbs, you should dig a hole that is twice the width of the bulb and about three times as deep. The bulb should be placed in the hole with the pointed end facing up. You should then cover the bulb with soil and water it well.
Propagation by bulbs can take a few months before the plant begins to grow. Once the plant begins to grow, you should water it frequently until it establishes itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Calochortus Plummerae Greene
Calochortus plummerae Greene is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the family of Liliaceae. This plant is native to Southern California and is known for its showy flowers, which bloom in late spring. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Calochortus plummerae along with ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Calochortus Plumerrae tends to be affected by several fungal and bacterial infections, such as:
- Botrytis Blight: A fungal disease that causes greyish-brown lesions on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Proper air circulation and watering at the base of the plant instead of the foliage can help prevent the disease.
- Leaf Spot: A fungal infection that causes brown spots on the leaves of the plant. Remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of this disease.
- Root Rot: A fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant and causes them to rot away. Overwatering can lead to this disease, and removing affected parts and repotting in fresh, well-draining soil can help manage it.
- Bacterial Blight: A bacterial infection that causes brown spotting on the foliage and a mushy, slimy texture on the leaves. Copper-based fungicides can be used to manage the disease.
Common Pests
Calochortus Plummerae is also prone to attacks by several pests that include:
- Spider Mites: Small, spider-like creatures that feed on plant sap and cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and webbing. Blast them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap to eliminate them.
- Thrips: Feeding on flowers and causing discoloration, distortion, and deformation. Thrips are tiny insects that can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Snails and Slugs: These pests can chew holes in leaves and flowers, leaving a slimy trail behind. Handpicking the pests or using diatomaceous earth can help manage the problem.
- Aphids: Small pests that feed on plant sap and cause stunted growth, curling leaves, and a sticky residue on the foliage. Spray them off with water or use insecticidal soap to control their infestation.
Proper care, such as regular inspection, good sanitation, and the provision of good growing conditions, can minimize disease and pest problems and keep Calochortus plummerae healthy and thriving.
