Angels' Tears
narcissus triandrus
Also known as: ["Feathered Daffodil","Tear Drop Narcissus"]
Overview
A species of daffodil with nodding, bell-shaped flowers that hang in clusters, native to Spain and Portugal.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Narcissus |
| Botanical Name: | Narcissus triandrus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter and sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late spring or early summer.
- Pruning Intensity: Light (removal of flower stalks only; no leaf pruning until dormancy).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust to dappled light in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; in containers, move to shaded areas during peak heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage rot; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; reduce watering after flowering to encourage dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for texture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers cooler conditions during dormancy.
Protect from extreme heat; ensure good air circulation; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb burn; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.
Propagation
Methods
Division of offsets (bulblets) after flowering when the plant is dormant.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate offsets.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall when bulbs are dormant and offsets are mature.
Environment
Cool, dry conditions initially; gradually introduce to outdoor conditions if grown indoors.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–3 years to flower after separation.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Replant offsets immediately to prevent drying; ensure offsets have roots attached; space new bulbs adequately.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stems at the base with clean shears; do not cut foliage until it dies back naturally.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stems to redirect energy to bulb development. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Cut flower stalks at base; avoid damaging leaves; wait for foliage to yellow before removal.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall when bulbs are dormant.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter if repotting in containers.
Method
Gently remove bulbs; trim dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded. Necessary to maintain vigor and prevent bulb rot.
Checklist
Inspect bulbs for damage; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; replant at correct depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; allow drainage; reduce frequency in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in dormancy. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning foliage; stunted growth; premature bulb death; bud drop.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold can cause root damage or delay flowering; bulbs may rot if soil remains waterlogged in cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in winter; ensure well-draining soil; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to flower burn, reduced bloom, and premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use bulb-specific fertilizer; apply at recommended dilution; fertilize at growth initiation and post-flowering.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced bulb fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring as growth begins. Apply again after flowering. Reduce or stop fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the alkaloids in Narcissus triandrus, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The bulb poses the greatest risk due to its concentrated toxins.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe alkaloids in Narcissus triandrus are harmful to dogs, causing severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The bulb is particularly dangerous due to its high alkaloid content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicNarcissus triandrus contains toxic alkaloids, primarily narcissine and lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological effects, and cardiovascular issues upon ingestion. The bulb is the most toxic part due to its high concentration of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Narcissus triandrus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Q: How should Narcissus triandrus be cared for?
A: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, water moderately, and avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Q: Does Narcissus triandrus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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