PlantFiles: Liuto, St. Martin's Lily
Alstroemeria ligtu subsp. simsii

The Chilean Native Alstroemeria ligtu is the most used Alstroemeria for hybridizing. Unfortunately, Chile does not obtain any royalties for Alstroemeria hybrids.

This stunning plant loves full sun to part shade and required medium watering. Once a year, during Autumn, and when the growth has died back, it is recommended to fertilize with fully decomposed manure. It is also recommended to divide the rhizom every three years.

Propagation from seeds: during autumn, using a mix of three portions of compost and one portion of sharp river sand. Cover the sowing mix with a fine layer of sharp river sand, distribute the seeds and barely cover with another layer of sand. Transplant into individual bags/pots once the plantlets have reached some 5 cm (2"), handling very carefully the extremely brittle rhizome & fleshy roots. Sowing in individual pots is advisable.

An alternative sowing method provided by a nurseryman: soak seeds inside the refrigerator for 7 hours. Take them out very carefully (they become soft as butter) and let them dry on paper towel for 3 hours. Repeat the first step, after which seeds are ready to be sowed

These plants look specially nice if you grow them: in flower beds, as prairie/meadow plant, letting them grow through a shrub or under trees that provide only light shade, in pots, containers, balconies and hanging baskets.