Narrow-leafed Gladiolus
gladiolus dalenii
Also known as: ["Narrow-leafed Sword Lily","Dalen's Gladiolus"]
Overview
A perennial flowering plant with sword-like leaves and tall spikes of colorful flowers, native to Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Gladiolus |
| Botanical Name: | Gladiolus dalenii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun, protected from strong winds
- 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 waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; cactus or bulb mix can be used.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually after dormancy ends.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning for spent flowers; moderate pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); partial shade during the hottest part of the day in very hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate the plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; ensure unobstructed sunlight exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy; ensure good drainage to prevent rot.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in subtropical to tropical conditions.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer, every 3 months in dormancy
Apply fertilizer at half-strength to avoid burning roots; fertilize after watering to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Corm division; offsets (cormels) can also be propagated.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate cormels from the mother corm.
- Plant cormels 2–3 inches deep.
- Water lightly.
- Provide warmth and indirect light.
Best Time: After flowering, when corms are mature; typically in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be planted directly in the garden.
Hormone
Not necessary for corm division; rooting hormone can be used for cormels to encourage faster rooting.
Timeline
Cormels may take 1–2 years to flower; divided corms can flower in the same season if healthy.
Tools Needed
Garden shears, trowel, rooting hormone (optional), well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Plant cormels in groups for better flowering; ensure good drainage to prevent rot; protect from frost if grown in pots.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower spikes at the base; trim foliage only after it has completely died back.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage after it yellows and dies back naturally.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly; wait for foliage to yellow before cutting back; sterilize tools to prevent disease.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late fall or early winter, after foliage has died back and before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Lift corms carefully; remove old, shriveled corms; replant healthy corms with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when corms become overcrowded; divide corms during repotting to maintain plant health.
Checklist
Lift corms gently; clean and inspect for disease; replant at the same depth; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom of the pot or soil; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the soil surface is dry to the touch, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting or root rot in overly cold, wet soil.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause flower bud abortion; prolonged cold may lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; move potted plants indoors during freezes; use mulch to insulate soil.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and dehydration; heat stress may lead to premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute to half-strength; fertilize every 3–4 weeks during growth; stop in dormancy; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) every 3–4 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they ingest parts of Gladiolus dalenii. The corms and leaves are the most toxic components, capable of causing mild irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Gladiolus dalenii can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The corms and leaves contain irritants that may cause discomfort and digestive issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicGladiolus dalenii contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The corms and leaves are the primary toxic parts, containing substances that may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Gladiolus dalenii be watered?
A: Water moderately, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.
Q: Does Gladiolus dalenii require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Are the flowers of Gladiolus dalenii fragrant?
A: Some varieties may have a mild fragrance, but it is not a prominent feature of this species.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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