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Description
Tigridia Van-Houttei, also known as Mexican shell flower, is a stunning plant with vibrant and colorful flowers. It belongs to the family Iridaceae and is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America.The Tigridia Van-Houttei is a bulbous perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall. It has sword-like leaves that are green and narrow. The flowers of this plant are a sight to behold with their bright orange petals, yellow center, and dark spots. The flowers only last for one day but are replaced by new blooms the following day, making it a great plant for continuous color in the garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Tigridia |
Appearance
The Tigridia Van-Houttei is a striking plant with its tall height and bright, colorful flowers. The leaves are long and narrow, resembling a sword. The flowers are large, measuring up to 4 inches in diameter. The petals are orange with dark spots, and the center of the flower is yellow. The flowers only last for one day but are replaced by new blooms every day for several weeks.
Care Guide
To care for your Tigridia Van-Houttei, make sure to provide it with the following:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Soil: Use well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7.Sunlight: Plant your Tigridia Van-Houttei in full sun or partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Tigridia Van-Houttei is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Tigridia Van-Houttei is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, thrips, and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and provide good air circulation.
Habitat
The Tigridia Van-Houttei is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It grows in mountainous regions and prefers well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Tigridia Van-Houttei in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow Tigridia Van-Houttei in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the bulb.Q: Do I need to deadhead the flowers of Tigridia Van-Houttei?
A: No, you do not need to deadhead the flowers of Tigridia Van-Houttei. The plant will produce new blooms every day.Q: Can I propagate Tigridia Van-Houttei?
A: Yes, you can propagate Tigridia Van-Houttei by dividing the bulbs in the fall.Q: When is the best time to plant Tigridia Van-Houttei?
A: The best time to plant Tigridia Van-Houttei is in the spring after the last frost.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Tigridia Van-Houttei:
- Tigridia Pavonia
- Tigridia Immaculata
- Tigridia Grandiflora
References
- “Tigridia Van-Houttei.” The Plant List. Accessed 10 May 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-289729
- “Tigridia Van-Houttei.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 10 May 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281625&isprofile=0&
- “Tigridia Van-Houttei.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 10 May 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/16749/Tigridia-van-Houttei/Details
