Alstroemeria - What's in a Name?

"What's in a name? That which we call Alstroemeria, by any other name would still remain odorless yet most appealing."

Shakespeare would have definitely used this phrase had Klas von Alstroemer, the discoverer of Alstroemeria's seed, born a few centuries earlier. Alstroemerias, the unscented, delightful genus of flowering plants, are increasingly gaining popularity in the flower world owing to its exquisiteness, elegance and long container life. They are endowed with various name; Lily of the Incas, Peruvian Lily, Parrot Lily being some of them.

Typically grown in the South American region, Alstroemeria is named after Klas von Alstroemer, the Swedish botanist. It is indeed an exclusive icon of God's artistry with its variety of shades and blends of spots or strips of contrasting colors. Its distinctive characteristic is its upside down twisted leaves. The wide color palette of Alstroemeria includes white, purple, orange, red, pink, yellow amongst the others. The availability is all year round; spring and summer being the zenith of production.

Each member of Alstroemeria's family of about 50 has some distinctive attribute. Hybrid, the most popular one, dresses in orange attire and is comparatively taller and stiffer. Although from the same family, 'Sweet Laura' is scented, thus standing apart from the rest. As the name portrays, 'Spider Lily' gives an impression of a spider, but an attractive one. 'Pacific Sunset' has a wide wardrobe including hues of pinks and yellows, while 'Freedom' presents itself in red and white. 'Inca Alstroemerias' in particularly are suitable for gardens or pots owing to their short height.

Unlike various plants, the cultivation of Alstroemerias is easier and simpler. The soil need to be fertile and must be kept moist all throughout. The temperature of soil needs to be kept cool. If it rises above a certain level, 20 degrees Celsius approximately, Alstroemeria would produce lesser or no flowers at all; the energy is transferred to the roots instead of the petals. As for the climate, their growth is best suitable in partial sun shade in sunny season. They require regular fertilizing in their maturing times. Although not too vulnerable to infectivity, you need to be cautious when it comes to certain pests and bugs like and Aphids, spiders, slugs, caterpillars, white flies etc.

Alstroemeria twin features, beauty and long urn life (upto 3-4 weeks) has made it stand amongst the most loved flowers of the world. Especially, they are being widely used as wedding, birthday and Valentine gifts. As soon as you receive Alstroemerias, bed them in a vase, container or pot. You need to be watchful while arranging them, keeping in view the sensitivity of the baby lilies. Although rare, Alstroemerias may cause allergic effects; try not to hold them for too long or use gloves as a safety measure.

Once a part of your herd, the baby lilies require constant care. They are always dehydrated and seeking water and that too, lukewarm. You need to refill your pot with lukewarm water at least twice a day or they would wilt. Removing dried or damaged petals or flowers also gives a boost to their life. Like other flowers, it is recommended to remove the Alstroemerias from the pot once or twice a week, change the water and cut the bottom of the stem an inch or half at least, in an angular shape. This process perks up the water ingestion of botanical life.

For Alstroemeria lovers, who wish to grow it at their homes, they will have to use large containers or pots owing to its rhizomatous roots. Nevertheless, they can plant them in their lawns too but with care, as the vulnerable roots can easily blemish all your effort. Give them sunlight and quench them well with water and they will remain ever smiling. As for fragrance, believe it or not, its enchanting loveliness and splendor will not let your mind swerve that way!