How to Care for a Fortnight Lily

The fortnight lily (Dietes bicolor), also known as the rain lily, is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant. It is native to South Africa, and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. The flowers bloom for about two weeks, hence the plant’s common name.

Light: Fortnight lilies prefer full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. If grown in too much shade, the plants may produce fewer flowers.

Water: Fortnight lilies need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Soil: Fortnight lilies grow best in well-draining soil. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost is ideal.

Fertilizer: Fortnight lilies benefit from being fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Pruning: Fortnight lilies do not require much pruning. However, you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Fortnight lilies are generally not bothered by pests or diseases. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with an appropriate insecticide.

With proper care, fortnight lilies will thrive and add beauty to your garden for years to come.

Additional Tips:

- Fortnight lilies can be grown in the ground or in containers.

- When growing fortnight lilies in containers, be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes.

- Fortnight lilies can be overwintered in frost-free areas by digging up the corms and storing them in a cool, dry place.

- Fortnight lilies can also be propagated by dividing the corms.