Ixia is a genus of short-lived perennials that gives us a number of ornamental plants referred to as ‘African Corn Lilies’.
They grow from corms (sometimes called bulbs) and might be grown as annuals in the UK or given a protected site in winter to make it through to subsequent years.
Ixias are South African plants which bloom in an interesting variety of colours, producing attractive, star-shaped blooms.
The star-shaped flowers form on wiry stems and make great cut flowers, so they are often used in floral arrangements and for cut flower displays inside the home – as well as looking good in the garden.
Though not necessarily the easiest plants to grow in wetter, cooler regions of the UK, they can potentially be a good choice for the warmest and most arid regions, since these plants appreciate warm and relatively dry conditions.
“The warmest winter locations in the UK also tend to be the wettest, such as on the western coasts,” explains Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly.
“Growing in raised beds on slopes and sandy soils will help Ixia bulbs survive outside in milder regions.”
Picture waking up to find bursts of color greeting you each morning – that’s the beauty African Corn Lilies can bring right into your home! These tender bulbs produce showy blooms in shades of orange, yellow, pink and more. By following some simple tips, you can cultivate these exotic flowers as houseplants.
Growing African Corn Lilies indoors is straightforward and rewarding. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to get started. Read on for pro tips to grow happy, flowering African Corn Lilies inside all year long.
Before digging in let’s take a quick look at this eye-catching plant. African Corn Lily (Ixia species) is a tender bulb native to South Africa. This perennial grows from corms to produce colorful spring and summer blooms on long thin stems.
Thanks to their bright colors and delicate form African Corn Lily flowers make cheery indoor companions. Their manageable size also makes them ideal for containers. With proper care you can enjoy their beauty indoors or out.
Choosing the Best Location
One of the keys to growing African Corn Lilies indoors is situating them in the right spot Here are some tips
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Place near a south-facing window to give plants 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Direct hot sun will scorch leaves.
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Avoid drafty areas like near HVAC vents that may blast plants with cold or hot air.
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Choose a spot with ambient room temperatures between 60-75°F for optimal growth.
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Ensure the area has good airflow to prevent fungal diseases.
Ideally, provide the brightest location possible without exposing plants to direct sun through a window. Proper light is crucial for flowering!
Select the Right Pot or Planter
A quality container with proper drainage is a must for growing African Corn Lilies indoors. Consider these factors when choosing pots or planters:
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Select containers at least 6 inches wide and deep. This gives bulbs room to grow.
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Make sure pots have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Elevate pots to improve drainage.
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Use containers with drainage trays to catch excess water and prevent messes.
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Opt for pots made from clay, plastic, ceramic or other non-porous materials. Avoid unglazed terra cotta.
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Match pot sizes to the number of bulbs you’re planting. Don’t overcrowd.
Pro tip: For a decorative touch, plant bulbs in a colorful glazed ceramic pot that coordinates with their flowers!
Prepare Proper Potting Mix
Planting your bulbs in fresh, high-quality potting mix gives them the best start. Here’s what to look for in indoor potting soil:
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Good drainage is essential to prevent soggy roots. Opt for a mix containing perlite or sand.
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Look for soil labeled for containers, bulbs or African violets. These are formulated for indoor use.
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Incorporate peat moss or compost to help retain some moisture while still draining well.
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Potting mixes made for citrus, cacti or orchids also work well for African Corn Lilies.
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Check that the pH is slightly acidic, between 6.0-6.5. African Corn Lilies prefer this range.
Take time to find the right potting mix – it’s the foundation for growing great African Corn Lilies indoors!
Planting African Corn Lily Bulbs
Once you have containers filled with quality potting soil, it’s time for the fun part – planting the bulbs! Follow these steps:
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Loosen soil and create a hole slightly deeper and wider than the bulb.
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Place bulbs pointed end up. Space 3-5 bulbs evenly per 6 inch pot.
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Set bulbs just below the soil surface, then gently firm soil around them.
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Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil and remove air pockets.
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Consider mixing in a balanced fertilizer at planting time to nourish bulbs.
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Place pots in a warm area with indirect light immediately after planting.
With the bulbs tucked in, you’ll soon have flowers on the way!
Caring for African Corn Lilies: Water, Fertilizer & More
Once planted, African Corn Lilies need the right care to thrive indoors. Follow these tips:
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Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater.
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Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Keep humidity around 40-50% to prevent shriveling. Group pots together or use a humidifier.
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Rotate pots regularly so all sides receive sufficient light exposure.
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Remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers. Deadhead by pinching off faded blooms.
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Watch for pests like aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Treat any infestations promptly.
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Repot every 2-3 years in fresh soil to provide new nutrients. Gently divide congested bulbs.
With attentive care, your African Corn Lilies will thrive and flower beautifully indoors for years to come.
Getting African Corn Lilies to Rebloom
One of the best things about African Corn Lilies is that they rebloom reliably when grown indoors. Follow these tips to encourage repeat flowering:
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Provide bright, indirect light year-round to initiate bloom cycles.
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Fertilize plants regularly to fuel new growth.
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Remove spent blooms promptly by pinching or cutting them off.
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Avoid drafty areas and maintain consistent temperatures between 60-75°F.
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Water thoroughly when soil is partly dry. Don’t allow pots to dry out completely.
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Repot bulbs every few years as they become overcrowded. This stimulates new growth.
With proper care, you can enjoy nonstop blooms from your African Corn Lilies in spring, summer and fall!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
While generally quite robust, African Corn Lilies can encounter a few issues when grown as houseplants. Here are some common problems and fixes:
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Drooping leaves – Usually a sign of under-watering. Water more frequently.
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Yellowing leaves – Indicates overwatering or lack of nutrients. Allow soil to dry out or fertilize.
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Sparse flowers – Caused by insufficient sunlight. Move plant to a brighter location.
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Pale leaves and weak stems – Not enough fertilizer. Increase feeding frequency.
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Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight for compact growth. Move closer to window or grow under lights.
Catching problems early allows you to adjust care and get your plants thriving once again!
Enjoy Cheerful Blooms Indoors
With the right location, soil, watering routine, and fertilization, growing African Corn Lilies as houseplants is simple and rewarding. In return for attentive care, these bulbs will produce an abundance of colorful, elegant blooms.
Brighten up your indoor space by tucking African Corn Lily’s vibrant flowers into containers placed around the home. You’ll enjoy cheery flowers and exotic appeal from these South African natives all season long.
How To Grow Ixia
Ixia can be grown in the ground when grown as annuals or potentially as perennials in the very mildest parts of the UK, where frosts are not typically expected.
They can also be grown in containers, which can be a good idea for most growers in the British Isles because it allows for them to be brought indoors or undercover before colder weather arrives.
The bulbs can begin to experience damage when temperatures fall below -2°C.
Winter wet can also be an issue, even sometimes more of an issue than the winter cold, so they must be protected for winter in most areas.
Containers can be moved to a heated area indoors or in a greenhouse.
Corms left in the ground might also, in milder areas, simply be protected with a thick organic mulch in winter or you can lift the corms and store them until the following year.
Ixia needs to be grown in as warm a location as possible in full sun.
They will not thrive or bloom well in a cooler or more shaded spot and need to be sheltered from the wind and cold breezes.
They can be placed in a location with a south, east or west-facing aspect, as long as it is a sheltered and warm spot with full sun.
Ideally, Ixia will be placed in sandy soil that is free-draining or an equally free-draining potting mix in a container.
Drainage is particularly important as the corms have a tendency to rot if growing conditions become waterlogged.
How to plant a pot of Ixia (corn lily)
FAQ
How to grow African corn lily?
Can you grow Ixia in pots?
How long does it take Ixia to sprout?
Do Ixia come back every year?
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 do you grow African corn lilies?
African corn lilies are typically grown from corms, which are small, bulb-like structures. Plant the corms in the fall or early spring, about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Cover them with soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the corms to rot. 4. Watering and Fertilizing
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.
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.