From September, flowers like shoots of the tropical plant begin to wither. The summer splendor fades faster and faster until there is nothing left. But the tuber is hidden deep in the earth. She lives and carries the beauty genes of the Gloriosa rothschildiana. Let's get them safely into the coming spring!
At temperatures below 5°C the crown of glory dies
danger of frostbite
Gloriosa bulbs are not hardy. If they stay outside, they are guaranteed to turn sub-zero temperatures into a lump of frost. After thawing, all that remains is mud, from which it is certain that no more green will sprout.
These are certainly not good prospects, but absolutely avoidable. The tuber can easily cope with anything that can extend its life by another year. So let's fight for survival!
Preparation for the rest period
At some point in September, the Gloriosa rothschildiana, popularly known as the crown of glory, signals that it has done enough. It initiates its dormant phase by no longer supplying the above-ground parts. It takes a few days for the last leaf to fall and the last flower to wither.
You may patiently watch the retreat of the Crown of Glory. Only when this is done do you take care of its hibernation. But you can also help. So you can cut off all your shoots at the beginning of the withering phase. But protect your hands with gloves during this time. Gloriosa rotschildiana is poisonous.
tips
Once the Crown of Glory begins to wilt, you must stop watering immediately!
Storage space for the tuber
The tuber can stay in the pot, but has to move if the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius. After she has taken her place in a lightless room with 10 to max. 18 degrees Celsius, she no longer needs care, but absolute rest. That means:
- don't water
- do not fertilize
- dont move
- do not touch
Notice:
Warm living rooms are not suitable for the Gloriosa rothschildiana to hibernate because the heating air is very hard on it.
spring awakening
From March you can advance the Gloriosa. At this time the first green is already showing, but she still has to stay in the house. Check the plant for pest infestation and, if necessary, give it a larger pot.
Now place the tuber in a bright place, for example on the window sill. Direct sun must be avoided altogether in the beginning, and thereafter the dose must be gradually increased. With the first above-ground sprouting, watering and fertilizing are resumed with small amounts. The hibernation period ends in mid-May.