Gloriosa lily problems

21 years ago

I've been an occasional lurker of this site; I usually post in a regional forum, but I couldn't get an answer. I hope someone here can help. I know Nick posted a related question, but I didn't know if I should piggy-back this question onto his or not.

I planted 2 tubers, as an experiment, in early spring, and they both sprouted and climbed like crazy in my basement, under fluoescent lights. They're quite spindly, as you can imagine. One is over 3 feet tall with 2 stems (the second stem formed on its own half way up the first); the other is 6 feet tall with 1 stem.

I needed to transplant the darn things and put some support in the pots because the plants were clinging onto everything they could catch hold of. I tried to be careful but, of course, I broke off the growing tip of the 6 foot stem. And...I broke off some of its rather fragile roots, too. Sheesh.

Should I have pinched the vines as they were growing so they'd have more stems? If so, is it too late to pinch them, now? (I only broke off the very top, so the one stem is still close to 6 feet high.) Do the plants only bloom from the tips, or will flower shoots develop along the stem??

The flowers are absolutely amazing, and I'd really like to succeed with these lilies. As soon as the weather improves, I'll put them outside. Our region has had late spring frosts (there was a frost warning just 2 nights ago) and, for the past 3 weeks, unusually heavy and persistent rain.

If you have any information or advice, I'd really appreciate it. Many thanks.

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Comments (3)

wickmo
21 years ago
Hi!
I figured I could take a shot at answering your question for you since my Gloriosa's are flowering now as we speak. It appeared that when the plants were growing, the flower buds arose from in between the new leaves growing at the tips. So, I guess I would suppose that if the tips of the plants were accidentally broken off, this could possibly stop the flower buds from properly developing. However, I would also guess that if the plants are strong, they could branch out and create a new point of growth. One of the things that I have found with my Gloriosas is that on two of the plants, I have a main stalk where the leaves developed, then a second stalk developed and is growing separately from the main stalk. Now the main stalk has flowers on it, but the second stalk appears to be growing stronger and higher, so I suspect that it is also going to produce flower buds as well. So, there could be hope for the leaf tips that broke off for you, if the plants decide to grow a secondary stalk -- I didn't know that they could do this, so I wouldn't give up hope! Nick
cailinriley
Original Author
21 years ago
Nick, thanks for tackling the question, and for your encouragement. All I can do, really, is watch the plants and see what happens. As long as I can keep them healthy this season, I'll be able to store the tubers and try again, next year. I'll keep my fingers crossed that I get at least one bloom. They're spectacular. Enjoy yours!
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Josh
21 years ago
Hi, I posted on Nick's post but enjoyed the additional info on here about possible branching and/or forming two stems...and I wanted to wish you luck with better weather ~~smile. Would you be sure to post later whether or not you get blooms? I agree with Nick that it's very possible ...good luck! josh