Boophone Disticha

Renowned and highly sought after for it's architectural fan shaped foliage, Boophone Disticha is known by a number of different names in it's native South Africa; Century plant, Gifbol and Poison Bulb are just a few.

A Winter growing, Summer dormant bulb, the attractive wavy grey green foliage emerges from a large scaly bulb, that in true Amaryllidaceae fashion needs to be planted with most of the bulb above soil level. Once mature, Boophone disticha will flower in late Spring, producing fragrant flowers ranging from light pink to red in colour. Plants can be fussy to flower after being moved but as this plant is mostly grown for the fantastic foliage, the appearance of flowers or not is usually a secondary concern.

This striking plant makes a wonderful feature for a large pot, and as it has specific needs; this is the easiest way of creating the environment that is required. Bulbs are highly sensitive to excess moisture during the growing season, and as such require a sandy, well drained soil mixture. A custom blend incorporating perlite or coarse sand is recommended to create a fast draining mix. A tall pot is required for all stages of growing these bulbs as they have a deep root system. A good 15-20 cm deep is the bare minimum for accommodating the root system while these plants are juvenile; once matured, a deeper pot of approx 40-50 cm can be used.

WATERING: Boophone require fairly dry conditions even when they are in full leaf; a good soaking now and then is all that is required when bulbs are actively growing, and they need to be kept completely dry during dormancy.

Caution: Parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested and the pollen may cause an allergic reaction.

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