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Description
Tigridia Pavonia Alba, commonly known as the White Mexican Shellflower, is a bulbous perennial plant native to Mexico and Central America. It belongs to the Iridaceae family and is a popular ornamental plant due to its striking appearance and ease of cultivation. The plant produces beautiful white flowers with red spots and a yellow center, which bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Tigridia |
Appearance
Tigridia Pavonia Alba grows up to 60cm in height and has narrow, sword-shaped leaves that are around 30cm long. The flowers are around 10cm in diameter and have six white petals with red spots and a yellow center. The flowers last for a single day and are replaced by new blooms the following day. The plant produces a single stem with several flowers per bulb.
Care Guide
Water: Tigridia Pavonia Alba prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal.
Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Hardiness Zones: Tigridia Pavonia Alba is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tigridia Pavonia Alba is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot if overwatered. Aphids and thrips may occasionally feed on the plant, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Tigridia Pavonia Alba is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. The plant is commonly found in grasslands, open woodlands, and along forest edges.
Questions and Answers
Q: How often should I water my Tigridia Pavonia Alba?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Tigridia Pavonia Alba?
A: A soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for Tigridia Pavonia Alba.
Q: What are some common pests that may affect Tigridia Pavonia Alba?
A: Aphids and thrips may occasionally feed on the plant, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Tigridia Pavonia Alba?
A: Tigridia Pavonia Alba is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Tigridia Conchiflora
- Tigridia Immaculata
- Tigridia Sylvestris
References
- “Tigridia Pavonia Alba.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b371.
- “Tigridia Pavonia Alba.” Plant of the Week, University of Oklahoma Department of Botany and Microbiology, www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/bot-linx/potw/tigridia-pavonia-alba.
- “Tigridia Pavonia Alba – White Mexican Shellflower.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/tigridia/tigridia-pavonia-alba.htm.
