The African lily (Agapanthus) originally comes from higher mountain regions in South Africa. Therefore, this exotic does not need a consistently warm climate, but should be repotted regularly if cared for as a container plant.

Why the African lily needs to be repotted regularly

Regardless of whether it is an evergreen or an herbaceous subspecies of Agapanthus: All African lilies not only reproduce by forming seeds, but also by the constant growth of the rhizome below the surface of the earth. To limit their size, African lilies are not cut above ground like other plants, but propagated by dividing the thick tubers. Thus, repotting the African lily is necessary every few years when the rhizome has crowded out the space for potting soil in the tub.

The right time for repotting the African lily

During the flowering period in summer, dividing the bulbs and repotting would dry out the plants and disrupt their growth energy. Therefore, the best time for repotting is in spring, when the African lilies form new leaves after hibernating and can be easily distributed among different planters. When repotting, ensure:

  • a loose plant substrate in the pots
  • adequate watering in the first few weeks after repotting
  • Sufficient drainage holes in the bottom of the planter to avoid waterlogging

Effects of repotting on the plant

Sometimes it can be due to a planter that has become too narrow if your African lily on the terrace no longer blooms despite a sunny location. However, you should bear in mind that African lilies that have been freshly divided for propagation purposes usually do not bloom again immediately. Only when the rhizome has grown well in the pot after a year or two will the magnificent, spherical flowers appear again.

tips and tricks

Repotting is a good reason to ensure optimal fertilization of the African lily. Mix loose potting soil with well-seasoned compost and you can dose more sparingly with the following fertilizer applications.

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