Alstroemeria

The History of the Alstroemeria

The fancier, some would say more scientific name for Peruvian lilies is alstroemeria. They were named after the Swedish botanist who is credited with introducing them to Europe. In the late 18th century, Baron Von Alstroemer returned from a trip to South America with seeds from the Peruvian lily. Not long after this discovery, the flower was suddenly being grown by flower lovers all across the globe. Coincidence? We think not.

According to DWF Wholesale, “Fast-forward 20 years, add the magic of plant breeding where crosses have been made between species from Chile (winter-growing) and Brazil (summer-growing), and you have evergreen plants that provide flowers year-round.

According to Web research, this breeding work derives mainly from trials that began in the U.S. in the 1980s. Today we have a plethora of beautiful alstroemeria varieties appropriate for everyday bouquet combinations, as well as high-style arrangements.” [2]

Modern alstroemeria varieties offer stems with strong, long pedicels supporting terminal florets, which come in color palettes ranging from neon to pastels. Petal patterns include intriguing stripes and robust flecks. Some varieties have distinct patches of pink, reminiscent of rosy cheeks.

Alstroemeria is a slightly zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) flower with 3 sepals and 3, generally, striped petals. The sepals and petals on the Alstroemeria are similar in color and texture – i.e., there are no solid green sepals. Alstroemeria has six stamens and an undivided style. The ovary on the Alstroemeria is inferior, with 3 carpels. Alstroemeria features a monocot plan of having floral parts in 3s.

Peruvian lilies more closely resemble a grass where the veins go up the leaves but don’t seem to branch across. This can also be seen in grasses, irises, and lilies. Alstroemeria leaves are upside down. The leaf twists as it leaves the stem, so that the bottom is facing upwards.

If you look at an Alstroemeria stem you can sometimes see a really interesting spiral growth pattern on the stem. This spiral grown pattern is due to the production of new cells in a spiral sequence which is actually why the head of the plant moves the way it does.

If the soil temperature rises too high (above about 72 Fahrenheit/22 degrees Celsius) the Alstroemeria plant puts its effort into producing more large tuberous roots at the expense of flowering shoots. With some varieties this can lead to production of exclusively blind non-flowering stems and no flowers. [3]

Umbels can carry 10 or more florets per stem. Stems vary in length from short garden varieties around 12 inches, up to greenhouse-grown plants of 5 feet or more. A telltale trait of all relatives in the Alstroemeria family is resupinate leaves that twist from the base, so what appears as the upper surface is actually the lower leaf surface. Because alstroemeria is ethylene sensitive, growers treat it with STS immediately after harvest. STS protects the flowers from damage of ethylene gas exposure that causes transparent flower petals, loss of color vibrancy and short vase life.

Taking care of your alstroemeria once they’ve been cut or once you’ve received a bouquet or arrangement is really easy. Follow these 7 simple steps to help increase the life of your alstroemeria and give you longer lasting alstroemeria flower arrangements.

Step 1. Remove any leaves that may be under water. Leaves that make contact with water will begin to rot and then contaminate your water.

Step 2. While holding the stem of the alstroemeria under running water in your sink, cut about one inch off each stem with a sharp knife or shears. Whatever you do, don’t let the newly cut end dry off before transferring it into another container.

Step 3. If the buds appear to be very tight and not opening, submerge them in warm water to promote them to open.

Step 4. Try to avoid using water from a water softener in your vase, and also be sure to add plenty of plant food. Everyone’s gotta eat!

Step 5. Immediately after the stems are cut, place your alstroemeria in a clean, deep vase of warm preservative solution (about body temperature). Allow several hours to condition them before arranging.

Step 6. Temperature is a key factor in the lifespan of all flowers. Display your fresh cut alstroemeria arrangements in a cool area out of direct sunlight and drafts.

Step 7. Alstroemeria are thirsty flowers. It is important to check to see that the vase is full and add preservative solution as needed. If arranged in floral foam, be sure it is completely saturated and the container is full daily. [4]

That’s all there is to it, but if you’d like to see it done in person, check out this great instructional video here. [5]