Water
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, which this plant dislikes.
Also known as African Iris · Butterfly Iris · Fortnight Iris
African Lily (Dietes bicolor) is an evergreen perennial with iris-like flowers, native to South Africa. It thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-25°C; can tolerate cooler temperatures but protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with balanced fertilizer during growing season; avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, which this plant dislikes.
Prune after flowering to remove spent flower stalks and dead or damaged foliage. This encourages a tidy appearance and can promote further blooming. Cut back any overgrown stems to maintain the desired shape and size.
Propagate by division of established clumps in spring. Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each piece has roots and at least one growth point. Replant immediately into well-draining soil.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring to refresh the soil and provide more space. Mature plants can be divided and repotted less frequently, as they prefer to be slightly pot-bound.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of African Lily (Dietes bicolor)
Where African Lily (Dietes bicolor) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Dietes |
| Species | Dietes bicolor |
Similar in genus Dietes
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
