Alstroemeria Cleo

Description

Alstroemeria Cleo, also known as Peruvian Lily, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the family Alstroemeriaceae. It is native to South America and is widely cultivated for its attractive blooms and long vase life. The plant can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and has a spread of about 1-2 feet. It produces clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, orange, and white. The blooms have distinct markings and are often used in floral arrangements.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Alstroemeria Cleo has long, lance-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern along the stem and can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant produces clusters of flowers that can have up to 6 blooms per stem. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have a diameter of 2-3 inches. They come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, orange, and white, and have distinct markings on the petals. The blooms have a long vase life and can last up to 2 weeks.

Care Guide

Alstroemeria Cleo is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some tips:

• Water: The plant prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during the growing season. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0-6.5 is ideal.
• Sunlight: Alstroemeria Cleo prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in reduced blooming.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10, but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Common Pests & Diseases

Alstroemeria Cleo is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to the following:

• Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the plant and cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
• Thrips: These pests can cause damage to the flowers by sucking out their juices. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
• Crown rot: This fungal disease can occur in poorly drained soil and can cause the plant to wilt and die. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent it.

Habitat

Alstroemeria Cleo is native to South America and can be found growing in the Andes Mountains. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate high altitudes and cool temperatures. The plant has been widely cultivated for its attractive blooms and can now be found growing in gardens and floral arrangements all over the world.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Alstroemeria Cleo be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.

Q: How often should Alstroemeria Cleo be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: How long do the blooms of Alstroemeria Cleo last?
A: The blooms can last up to 2 weeks, making them a popular choice for floral arrangements.

Q: Can Alstroemeria Cleo be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown from seed, but it is more commonly propagated by division or stem cuttings.

Related Plants

• Alstroemeria aurea
• Alstroemeria psittacina
• Alstroemeria pulchra
• Alstroemeria ligtu

References

• “Alstroemeria Cleo.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 10, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287961&isprofile=0&basic=Alstroemeria%20Cleo.
• “Alstroemeria.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/5791/alstroemeria/details.
• “Alstroemeria.” University of Minnesota Extension. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/alstroemeria.