Tiger Flower
tigridia pavonia
Also known as: ["Fritillaria pavonia","Juno pavonia"]
Overview
A striking perennial bulbous plant native to Mexico, known for its large, showy flowers with spotted petals that resemble tiger stripes.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Tigridia |
| Botanical Name: | Tigridia pavonia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot, or container with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent corm rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; cactus or bulb-specific mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; light cleanup in fall.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ensure adequate airflow to prevent heat stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves during peak hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging during dormancy; adjust frequency based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild heat but requires protection from frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during growing season, none in dormancy
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in fall.
Propagation
Methods
Division of corms or bulb offsets; occasionally from seed (less common).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate corms carefully.
- Plant 3–4 inches deep.
- Water lightly.
- Keep moist until growth appears.
Best Time: Early spring, just before active growth begins.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), bright indirect light, moderate humidity.
Medium
Well-draining mix (e.g., cactus soil with perlite or sand); can also be planted directly in garden soil.
Hormone
Not typically required for corm division; optional for seeds.
Timeline
Corms will establish in 1–2 weeks; flowering may take 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, clean knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Handle corms gently to avoid damage; plant at the correct depth; ensure well-draining soil.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; cut yellowed leaves near the soil line.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to encourage further blooms; trim yellowed leaves in fall.
Tools
Clean bypass pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead foliage; sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring, before growth resumes.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently lift corms; remove old soil; inspect for rot; replant in fresh, well-draining mix.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when corms become crowded; best done during dormancy.
Checklist
Check for crowded corms; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; plant at correct depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust for dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal risk; ensure excess water drains away to prevent rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering in fall and cease entirely during dormancy (winter).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, sand, or coarse grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage, leaf discoloration, and premature dormancy; frost can kill the plant.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., mulch, cloche); move containers indoors during freezes; ensure well-draining soil to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, dehydration, and reduced flowering; may go dormant early.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of the bulbs of Tigridia pavonia may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats. The toxicity level is low, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Tigridia pavonia contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs if ingested. The toxicity is generally low, but caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicTigridia pavonia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of the bulbs may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high starch content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Tigridia pavonia be watered?
A: Water moderately during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering when the foliage dies back after flowering.
Q: Does Tigridia pavonia require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Q: Can Tigridia pavonia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, but ensure the pot has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate the bulb's growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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