Water
Water moderately during the growing season (autumn to spring), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant summer period.
Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to bulb rot.
Also known as Cape Cowslip · Opal Flower
Threetone Viooltjie (Lachenalia aloides) is a charming South African bulbous perennial featuring tubular flowers in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright light
75% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates.
Moderate during growth, dry during dormancy
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings in the growing season.
Well-drained, sandy
50% intensity
Cool to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 10-20°C during the growing season. Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light feeding during growth
25% intensity
Use a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately during the growing season (autumn to spring), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant summer period.
Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to bulb rot.
Remove spent flower stalks to prevent seed formation and conserve the plant's energy. Trim away any dead or damaged foliage as it appears. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on maintaining a tidy appearance.
Propagate by offsets or bulb division, typically done when repotting in late summer or early autumn. Seeds can be sown in spring, but flowering may take several years. Ensure good drainage for newly planted bulbs.
Repot every 2-3 years in late summer or early autumn, just as new growth begins. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a sandy loam or a commercial cactus mix. Ensure the bulbs are planted at the correct depth.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Threetone Viooltjie (Lachenalia aloides)
Where Threetone Viooltjie (Lachenalia aloides) is found

Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Lachenalia |
| Species | Lachenalia aloides |
Similar in genus Lachenalia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data