Houseplants offer an organic appeal and bring a pop of color to otherwise neutral design schemes. But placing greenery throughout your home might go beyond enhancing the aesthetic.
We know plants and trees supply the earth with oxygen, which helps us breathe. While experts arent totally aligned on the issue, an oft-cited NASA clean air study found that certain air-purifying indoor plants can provide similar benefits inside your home.
Besides releasing oxygen, some shrubs might also remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air. So, what are the best plants for clean air? Read on for the top picks, plus care tips and design ideas.
Looking to add some fresh life and vibrancy to your home or office? Consider using a hanging African corn lily flower! These gorgeous blooms can instantly liven up any space with their vibrant colors and unique shape,
African corn lilies, also known by their botanical name Ixia, are flowering bulbs native to South Africa. They come in a stunning range of colors like pink, purple, orange, white and more. Their flowers have a distinctive corn-like shape, with six petals fanning out from a central cup. The blooms grow on long, slender stems, making them perfect for hanging planters and baskets.
What’s great about African corn lilies is that they are easy to care for and quite hardy. As long as they get plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, these flowers will grace your home with months of eye-catching color. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, bringing even more life into your space.
Benefits of Using Hanging African Corn Lily Flowers
Here are some of the reasons to use hanging African corn lily flowers for home decor
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Add striking colors – With blooms in vivid shades of pink, orange, red and more, these flowers are sure to brighten up any room. Their multi-hued blossoms will bring a cheerful pop of color.
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Provide visual interest – The unique corn-like shape of the African corn lily flower offers intriguing visual texture Their bold silhouette makes them stand out in any arrangement
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Fit narrow spaces – Hanging planters allow you to add greenery and flowers in otherwise awkward narrow spaces like hallways or stair corners. African corn lilies are perfect for such vertical gardening.
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Attract pollinators – The nectar-rich blooms will attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, bringing delightful wildlife into your home. Kids will love observing the visitor insects and birds.
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Refresh indoor air – Like many houseplants, African corn lilies can help filter indoor air and refresh stale spaces. Their lush greens and bright flowers literally breathe new life into rooms.
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Easy to grow & maintain – These carefree plants don’t require much fuss or effort. As long as you water them when the soil is partly dry and give them sun, they will keep blooming.
Tips for Displaying African Corn Lily Flowers
Follow these tips to gorgeously display hanging African corn lily flowers in your home:
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Select a hanging basket or planter that is wider than it is tall. This allows the flowers to beautifully drape over the sides.
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Choose a planter in a color that contrasts or complements your flower colors. Metallic planters offer a modern, sleek look.
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Position the hanging flowers in bright, sunny spaces near windows. African corn lilies need at least 4 hours of direct sun daily.
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Display them along stairways, above kitchen sinks, near seating areas or bedrooms so you can admire the blooms.
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Combine with other trailing plants like ivy or hydrangeas for lush, cascading textures and colors.
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Allow the flowers to trail down at different lengths for an organic, free-flowing look.
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Refresh the planters with new bulbs every year for continuous flowering. African corn lilies bloom for about 6-8 weeks.
Simple Care Tips for African Corn Lilies
Caring for African corn lilies is quite straightforward, making them ideal low maintenance plants. Here are some care tips:
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Water them when the top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater the bulbs.
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Fertilize monthly in spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer. This fuels growth and flowering.
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Provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Pick bright, sunny locales.
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Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Simply snip off the deadheads.
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Repot the bulbs every 2-3 years in fresh potting mix to replenish nutrients.
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Grow them in well-draining potting soil and ensure the planter has holes at the bottom.
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Bring outdoor hanging plants indoors before frost in cooler climates. African corn lilies thrive in zones 8 to 11.
With their vivid hues and graceful shape, African corn lily flowers in hanging planters can bring vibrant life into any dull space. Their pleasing forms and carefree growth make them a delight to add to your home. Just give them sun, well-drained soil and occasional watering for months of colorful blossoms.
What Are the Best Plants for Clean Air?
Whether youre a bonafide homebody or like to get out of the house as much as possible, you probably spend at least half your time at home. Thats why its crucial for your humble abode to be comfortable, visually pleasing and healthy.
Maintaining a clean space and allowing fresh air inside are likely the most effective ways to keep VOCs and indoor allergens at a minimum. Having said that, incorporating a few of the best indoor plants for air purification certainly doesnt hurt. The following 16 trees, shrubs and flora might help you breathe easy.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree
Growing at least 15 feet when planted outdoors, fiddle-leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) are ideal for homes with tall ceilings. They offer a grand appearance by showcasing the height of a room with a to-scale decor accent. Just make sure the pot is plenty big if you want it to grow larger. Also, place the tree near a window so it gets lots of natural light, and let the soil dry out between waterings.
This tree might help purify the air in your home. However, since its leaves are relatively large, dusting them regularly can also help keep indoor allergens at bay.
How to plant a pot of Ixia (corn lily)
FAQ
What is the vase life of African corn lilies?
Are African corn lilies perennials?
How tall do African corn lilies get?
What is an African corn lily?
The African corn lily, scientifically known as Ixia, is a captivating plant that adds vibrancy and charm to any garden or indoor space. With its striking flowers and easy-care nature, it’s a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts.
Can You Grow African corn lily outside?
The African corn lily, scientifically known as Ixia, is a captivating plant that adds vibrancy and charm to any garden or indoor space. If you’re growing the plant outdoors, dig up the corms in the fall before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place.
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 African corn lilies?
African corn lilies require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in the fall when the plant goes dormant. 5.