Guide to Growing Vibrant African Corn Lily Flowers in Pots

The delicately beautiful African Corn Lily, also known as Ixia, is a fabulous flowering plant that can add a pop of color to any indoor or outdoor space when grown in pots. With proper care, these exotic bulbs can produce an abundance of stunning blooms to brighten up your home or garden. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully grow healthy and vibrant African Corn Lilies in containers.

Choosing the Right Pot for Your African Corn Lily

Selecting an appropriate pot is the first step to growing African Corn Lilies successfully indoors or outdoors. Here are some tips for picking the perfect container

• Pot size – Opt for a pot that is at least 6 inches wide and 8 inches deep to allow the bulbs adequate room to grow. However, the ideal pot size depends on the number of bulbs you want to plant.

• Drainage – Ensure your pot has several drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which African Corn Lilies are prone to.

• Material – Pick a durable pot material like terracotta or plastic that won’t crack in extreme temperatures. Terracotta is great for air circulation.

• Weight – Go for lightweight pots if you plan to move the plants frequently Heavier materials like concrete retain moisture better but are hard to maneuver

Preparing the Soil Mix

African Corn Lilies thrive in a well-aerated, porous, and lightly acidic soil mix. Here is an ideal potting mix recipe:

• 2 parts peat moss or compost – Improves moisture retention

• 2 parts perlite or pumice – Enhances drainage

• 1 part sand – Creates loose texture

• Pinch of lime to attain a pH of 6.0-6.5

Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the base before filling it two-thirds with the soil mix. Avoid compacting the soil too tightly.

Planting the African Corn Lily Bulbs

Spring is the best time to plant African Corn Lily bulbs in pots. Follow these steps for proper planting:

• Gently separate the bulblets and discard any that are mushy or damaged.

• Place bulbs in the pot with the pointed end facing up and flat base down.

• Space the bulbs evenly about 2 inches apart to avoid overcrowding.

• Plant bulbs at a depth of 1-2 inches, or 2 times their height.

• Backfill the gaps with soil mix and water thoroughly after planting.

• Add a label mentioning the variety to keep track as the plants grow.

Caring for Potted African Corn Lily Plants

With the right care, African Corn Lily bulbs will grow into stunning flowering plants. Here’s how to look after them:

Sunlight

• Place pots in a spot receiving 6-8 hours of bright sunlight daily.

• Avoid intense afternoon sun which can burn the foliage.

• Rotate pots weekly so all sides get equal sunlight exposure.

Soil

• Check soil moisture frequently, watering when the top inch feels dry.

• Be careful not to overwater the plants as soggy soil causes bulb rot.

• Adding mulch on top can help retain soil moisture longer.

Temperature

• African Corn Lilies thrive in temperatures between 60-70°F during spring and summer.

• They can tolerate higher heat but not frost, so move pots indoors if temps drop below 45°F.

Fertilizer

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during spring and summer months.

• Dilute fertilizer to half strength to avoid burn.

• Cease fertilizing in fall to allow bulbs to go dormant.

Support

• Add plant stakes or trellises for support once plants are 12 inches tall.

• Avoid disturbing the roots while inserting supports in the pots.

Encouraging African Corn Lilies to Bloom

Here are some useful tips to maximize flowering in your potted African Corn Lily plants:

• Provide optimal sunlight and limit any abrupt temperature changes.

• Water thoroughly when bulbs begin actively growing in early spring.

• Apply fertilizer regularly to nourish the bulbs and encourage blooming.

• Deadhead spent blooms promptly to promote continuous new flowers.

• Allow foliage to die back completely in fall before reducing watering for dormancy.

• To prompt early blooms, pre-chill bulbs for 8-12 weeks at 40°F before planting.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

While quite hardy when cared for properly, African Corn Lilies can develop a few issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Wilting, drooping leaves

This is commonly caused by insufficient watering. Check soil moisture and water appropriately.

Leaf browning, scorching

Hot sun and dry soil are likely causes. Move plant to partial shade and water regularly.

Failure to bloom

Bulbs may be overcrowded, pushing each other out of the soil. Replant them properly spaced in fall.

Rotting bulbs

Excess moisture leads to rotting. Allow soil to dry out between waterings and use sandier mix.

Pests like aphids

Isolate and spray infected plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap solution.

Fungal diseases

Improve air circulation and reduce watering frequency. Use a fungicide if infection is severe.

Overwintering Potted African Corn Lily Plants

In temperate climates, African Corn Lily pots can be overwintered indoors to ensure bulbs survive harsh cold weather:

• Move pots to a cool, dark location with temperatures around 40-50°F.

• Completely cease watering and hold off fertilizing during winter rest period.

• Check pots occasionally for rotting bulbs which must be discarded immediately.

• Start watering sparingly in early spring as bulbs resume growth.

• Place pots back outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.

Propagating African Corn Lilies in Pots

African Corn Lilies can be easily propagated through bulb division or seeds when grown in containers:

Bulb Division

• Divide bulbs every 2-3 years after flowering by gently pulling bulblets apart.

• Replant bulblets immediately in small pots using well-draining soil.

• Water sparingly until new roots and shoots emerge in 6-8 weeks.

Seeds

• Collect ripe seed pods from spent flowers and dry on paper towels.

• Sow seeds thinly in pots, 1⁄4 inch deep in early spring.

• Maintain warm soil temperatures and even moisture for germination.

• Transplant seedlings to larger pots once they are few inches tall.

Creative Ways to Showcase African Corn Lilies in Pots

With their vibrant colors and elegant form, African Corn Lily plants can be incorporated into potted displays in many creative ways:

• Create a colorful combo planter with other heat-loving bulbs like dahlias, cannas or gladiolus.

• Line a pathway or pebbled garden with matching pots of African Corn Lilies.

• Use taller varieties as accent plants among shorter perennials and herbs.

• Brighten up an outdoor deck or patio by placing pots of blooming African Corn Lilies on steps.

• Group pots of different African Corn Lily varieties together for a bold impact.

Bring Vibrant African Corn Lily Flowers into Your Home

Now that you know how to successfully grow African Corn Lilies in pots, you can enjoy these tropical-looking beauties indoors and outdoors alike. Just provide the bulbs with well-drained soil, ample sunlight, moderate watering and some basic care – and your pots will soon burst forth with abundant, colorful floral displays!