Harlequin Flowers

Upon Arrival:

Plant bulbs as soon as possible, once you have received your shipment. If you cannot plant right away, remove the bulbs from plastic bags and put them on trays with damp peat moss or sawdust in a cool, well-ventilated place until you have a chance to plant them. Do not let the bulbs freeze. Plant outdoors once the conditions are right for your hardiness zone.

Planting outside:

Sparaxis, also known as 'Wandflower' are easily cultivated and should be planted in a light and sunny position, plant 5cm (2 inches) deep and 7cm (3 inches) apart. Protect bulbs from severe frost by covering with straw or bracken, or grow in containers and lift and store dry over winter. Store corms dry at 68-77°F (20-25°C).

Planting inside:

Use a fast-draining potting mix. One part standard soilless potting mix to two parts of coarse sand works well. A one-inch layer of pebbles in the bottom of the pot will facilitate drainage. A six-inch pot is big enough for three (large) to six (small) bulbs.  Keep the pots in a cool, sunny area. Temperatures no warmer than 18-21 degrees Celsius during the day and 5-10 degrees Celsius at night are ideal.

Growing:

Once growth has started, allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. "Don't overwater" is the cardinal rule of growing South African bulbs.  Fertilize with a soluble high-potassium plant food (that's the K in N-P-K), diluted to one-quarter the recommended strength, every time you water. Fertilizers formulated for hibiscus usually have the right N-P-K ratio.

After the flowers have faded, the foliage will start to turn yellow and die down. Stop watering and store the pots in a cool, dry place for the summer. Start checking in October for signs of growth; if leaf tips are pushing up, bring the pots back into the light and recommence the watering cycle.