The vibrant colors and delicate blooms of the African corn lily (Ixia) make it a favorite flower for gardens, floral arrangements, and bouquets However, like all flowers, proper care and cleaning are essential for these beauties to look their best for as long as possible.
As a proud grower of African corn lilies I’ve picked up several useful tips and tricks for cleaning these flowers over the years. In this article I’ll share my proven methods to help you keep your African corn lilies looking pristine.
Gather Your Materials
Before getting started, assemble the following supplies:
- Freshly cut African corn lily stems
- Sharp floral shears or scissors
- Clean, lukewarm water
- Flower food (optional)
- A clean vase
Make sure your work area is clean and clutter-free as well. This will allow you to easily access the flowers and tools.
Trim the Stems
The first step is trimming the stems of your African corn lily flowers. Using sharp floral shears, cut each stem at a 45-degree angle. This creates a larger surface area for the stem to absorb water.
Trim stems under water if possible to prevent air bubbles that can block water flow. Remove any leaves, dirt or damaged areas from the stems too.
Clean the Vase Thoroughly
Before placing African corn lilies in a vase, make sure it is completely clean. Wash the vase well with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Any dirt or residue left from previous flowers can harbor bacteria and shorten the lifespan of fresh blooms.
Use Lukewarm Water
Fill the vase with lukewarm water, leaving enough room for the flower stems. The temperature of the water is important – too cold can shock the blooms while overly hot water encourages bacterial growth. Lukewarm is ideal.
Consider Adding Flower Food
For extra nourishment, add commercial flower food to the water per package instructions. The nutrients prolong the life of cut flowers. Just make sure to not use too much.
Arrange the Stems
Gently place the African corn lily stems in the water, spreading them out and ensuring each is fully submerged. Arrange them to your liking, providing space for air circulation between blooms.
Change the Water Regularly
Flower water starts accumulating bacteria after 2-3 days. To keep stems hydrated and prevent blocks in water flow, change the vase water every couple of days. Snip away any spent blooms at the same time.
Display in a Cool Spot
Position your African corn lily arrangement away from heat vents, direct sunlight or drafts. The cooler environment will keep them looking fresh longer than warm areas.
Mist Petals
Giving the African corn lily petals a light misting with water occasionally will provide extra moisture. Just avoid wetting the entire bloom.
Monitor for Wilting
Check your arrangement daily and remove any flowers that are wilting. One rotten bloom can shorten the life of the entire bunch.
(ix·ia | ˈiksēə )
African Corn Lily, Wand Flower
| When to Plant: |
| Fall or Spring; Zone dependent |
| Blooms: |
| Late Spring |
| Light Requirements: |
| Full Sun |
| Plant Height: | |
| 10-24″ | |
| Hardiness Zones: |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 8-10. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: |
| 2-4″ |
| Plant Spacing: |
| 2-3″ |
| Plant Type: |
| Corm |
Ixia is the exotic, South African cousin of the iris family.
Bright and cheery, sometimes bicolor, flattish flower spikes bloom on wiry stems with grass-like, sometimes twisted leaves. The blooms have striking, dark, semi cup-shaped centers.
Ixia thrives in dry, warm climates and offers wildflower charm in the foreground of mixed plants or in naturalized drifts.
- Great for patio containers
- Deer & critter resistant
- Showy blooms
- Beneficial to pollinators; attracts butterflies
- Excellent cut flower
How to plant a pot of Ixia (corn lily)
FAQ
What is the vase life of African corn lilies?
Are African corn lilies perennials?
Do Ixia come back every year?
How do you plant African corn lilies?
How to propagate African corn lily?
The propagation of this plant is also done through seeds; however, it might take three years or more for them to bloom. The Ixia flower seeds should be covered with soil once the last spring frost has passed. The African corn lily also propagates naturally through insects and bees.
How do you care for corn lilies?
General Care: Moderately easy to care for; requires regular watering during the growing season and less frequent watering once established. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowering. Tips for New Gardeners: Corn Lily is relatively easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginners.
How do you care for Ixia lilies & African iris?
It is fairly easy to look after Corn Lily, African Iris, and other Ixia in the grden. They require regular watering whilst growing and flowering. In very cold areas bring the corms indoors and store in a dry place; replant in the spring. If you require more plants then the corms can be divided in the spring.