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Description
Dichelostemma Ida-Maia, also known as Firecracker flower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is native to California and can grow up to 18 inches tall. The plant produces long, thin, and bright red flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The name “Firecracker flower” is derived from the shape and color of the flowers, which resemble exploding fireworks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Dichelostemma |
Appearance
Dichelostemma Ida-Maia has long and narrow leaves that grow up to 12 inches long. The leaves are slightly twisted and have a blue-green color. The plant produces tall and slender stalks that can grow up to 18 inches tall. The flowers are cylindrical and grow in clusters at the top of the stalk. The flower color can range from bright red to pink or purple. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
– Water: Dichelostemma Ida-Maia prefers well-drained soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth begins.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.- Sunlight: Dichelostemma Ida-Maia prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dichelostemma Ida-Maia is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Dichelostemma Ida-Maia is native to California and can be found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Dichelostemma Ida-Maia?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.
Q: What is the ideal pH range for Dichelostemma Ida-Maia?
A: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal.
Q: How tall does Dichelostemma Ida-Maia grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 18 inches tall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Dichelostemma Ida-Maia?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Related Plants
– Dichelostemma capitatum- Dichelostemma congestum- Dichelostemma ida-maia ssp. ida-maia- Dichelostemma multiflorum- Dichelostemma pulchellum
References
– “Dichelostemma Ida-Maia.” Pacific Bulb Society. https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/DichelostemmaIda-Maia- “Firecracker Flower.” San Marcos Growers. https://www.sanmarcosgrowers.com/plant-lists/d/dichelostemma-ida-maia/- “Dichelostemma Ida-Maia.” Dave’s Garden. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/78610/
