Small Narcissus
narcissus dubius
Also known as: ["Small Narcissus"]
Overview
A small, bulbous perennial plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, known for its delicate flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Narcissus |
| Botanical Name: | Narcissus dubius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot, or container with adequate drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot; ensure excess water can escape quickly.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; a mix of bulb-specific potting mix and perlite works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; trim foliage only after it has completely yellowed and died back (usually 6–8 weeks after blooming).
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing dead or spent parts without disturbing the bulb or healthy foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak afternoon hours in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light indoors; avoid placing in direct afternoon sun during summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormant periods
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; use a soil mix designed for bulbs or succulents.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy and warmer temperatures during active growth.
Protect from frost in winter; shield from intense summer heat; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and early summer, none in fall and winter
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late spring as the plant enters dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; separate offsets from the parent bulb after flowering when the foliage begins to die back.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up the parent bulb.
- Gently separate offsets with a clean, sharp knife.
- Allow offsets to dry for a day before planting.
- Plant at the same depth as the parent bulb.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer, after flowering and when foliage yellows but before the bulb goes fully dormant.
Environment
Warm, dry conditions for initial storage; plant offsets in a sunny location with well-draining soil; maintain moderate humidity after planting.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or a combination of peat and perlite; ensure good aeration to prevent rot.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; rooting occurs naturally.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–3 years to mature and flower after separation; bulbs planted in ideal conditions may flower sooner.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, bulb separator tool (optional), well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Plant offsets immediately after separation to prevent drying; store bulbs in a cool, dry place if not planting right away; ensure offsets have a small root system or bud for successful growth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; allow foliage to die back naturally before removing it; avoid cutting green leaves prematurely.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to redirect energy to bulb development; trim yellowing foliage after it dies back naturally.
Tools
Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors; disinfect tools with rubbing alcohol before use.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly; wait for foliage to yellow before trimming; clean tools to prevent disease transmission.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall, after dormancy ends and before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the bulb and loosen tangled roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; plant at the same depth as before.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or the pot is root-bound; generally every 2–3 years or after division.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; plant at correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water begins to drain from the bottom; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (late spring to early fall); increase frequency in active growth (late fall to early spring) to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy to prevent compaction.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting or leaf burn in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, slow growth, or prevent flowering; frost can kill tender foliage and disrupt bulb development.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during frost; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and dehydration; high temperatures may force the plant into premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency to compensate for evaporation; ensure good air circulation to cool the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth only; water before fertilizing; avoid contact with bulb or foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during active growth (fall to spring); avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic alkaloids in Narcissus dubius, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The bulbs pose the greatest risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe toxic alkaloids in Narcissus dubius can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in dogs. The bulbs are the most dangerous part due to higher alkaloid concentrations.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicNarcissus dubius contains toxic alkaloids, primarily narcissine and lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects upon ingestion. The bulbs are particularly toxic due to higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Narcissus dubius toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should Narcissus dubius be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Narcissus dubius attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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