The tiger plant is one of the garden plants I admire because of its colorful flowers. They have amazing-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors from orange to red, giving my garden a different aura with its bright flowers.
Since it can be left unattended and thrive naturally, it is easy to grow and maintain the tiger plant. The plant can grow up to 1 meter with a stem having different black dotted flowers. I will show you how to plant and care for the tiger plant to blossom in your garden.
How to Grow the Tiger Plant
The tiger plant will thrive in a sunny environment and bloom yearly. You can grow the tiger plant from a bulbil cutting or seeds from a healthy parent plant.
Plant the seed half an inch or one inch deep, usually in the fall or spring. Ensure the spot where it is planted gets direct sunlight, and water the soil while you wait for the root to come up in the summer.
You can plant the plant from its bulbil cutting. And it is best to plant in the late fall or early spring with the following guide:
- The first consideration is to find a place that receives sunlight for up to eight hours daily. Since the plant grows towards sunlight, it may tilt towards the area where sunlight enters when you plant it in a shaded area.
- And lastly, Till the soil to promote the drainage capacity and make it a good ground for planting tiger plants.
- Get a sterilized cutter or clipper and cut bulbils from a healthy tiger plant.
- Dig up a hole to six inches and plant the bulbils with a flat section facing downwards. But for a cooler climate, you should dig and plant the bulbils deeper.
- If you are planting more than one bulbils, plant them eight inches apart.
- Water the plant immediately and continue at least once a week. But if you notice the leaves are wilting, increase the watering frequency.
- Flowers will start appearing by early summer.
How to Care for the Tiger Plant
I mentioned earlier that the tiger plant grows unhindered in its native environment. Therefore it may require little or no care to blossom, but we should provide the conditions for sure growth.
Light Conditions for the Tiger Plant
The tiger plant is one plant that requires direct sunlight as a sunlight-loving flower plant. Place the plant in a place that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight. However, it may do well in a shaded area with adequate bright light.
Soil Requirement for The Tiger Plant
It is well known that the tiger plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types. But I suggest that you improve your soil with compost, peat moss, humus, or straw mix to improve soil drainage. The plant will grow and thrive in well-drained soil.
Water Requirement for the Tiger Plant
The tiger plant is drought tolerant, and your water needs will be satisfied with enough rainfall. Otherwise, you will need to water the plant at least once a week or when you notice the soil is dry.
Humidity and Temperature Conditions for the Tiger Plant
Humidity and Temperature should not be a big deal if other conditions have been met. For instance, the plant will survive in humid and dry environments provided the soil is adequately watered and kept moist.
In the case of the temperature requirement, the plant goes dormant during the winter and active in the summer. It is a sun-loving plant; if the bulbils are planted deep enough to stay cool, it will not be affected by scorching weather.
Fertilizers Application
You can do without fertilizers, but if you must apply, do so at least once or twice a year. Another reason to apply fertilizers is if you grow them in alkaline soil. Then you should use fertilizers to increase the acidity of the soil.
During the summer or in a hot climate, applying mulch will help cool the soil. Note that using fertilizers will help the plant grow more flowers.
Pruning of the Tiger Plant
The tiger plant will require pruning as the leaves begin to fade when winter approaches. Remove the dead or faded foliage usually formed at the bottom of the plant. Pruning will help improve the quality of the plant and make room for new flowers to grow.
Repotting Tiger Plant
Tiger plants grow fast, and you may have to repot them yearly. It is also an excellent time to repot when you notice the root popping out of the soil or the drainage holes.
Repotting is as easy as gently uprooting the plant, placing it in a slightly bigger pot, and dipping it to the same length as the previous pot is best. Fill the pot with the appropriate mix, and you are ready.
Protection from Frost or Winter
You can heap mulch around the plant to keep it warm during winter. Although the plant will go dormant during the winter, protect it from frost using appropriate means.
Pest and Diseases Affecting the Tiger Plant
It is a resilient plant, and you will unlikely encounter pests and diseases. However, they can easily be attacked by mosaic viruses, beetles and aphids, and other houseplant pests.
Cut off and destroy any part of the plant affected by pests or diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the tiger plant leaves in my garden turning yellow?
The main reason for yellow leaves in the tiger plant is overwatering or underwatering. Seek the cause and use the right approach to remedy it.
Can I plant a tiger indoors?
You can, but ensure they get enough sunlight and moisten the soil.
Are tiger plants toxic?
You should note that the flowers are edible, but the pollen is toxic to humans and cats.