Splendid Mariposa Lily
calochortus splendens
Also known as: ["Mariposa Lily","Splendid Calochortus"]
Overview
A perennial bulbous plant native to North America, known for its striking, tulip-like flowers with three broad petals.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Calochortus |
| Botanical Name: | Calochortus splendens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock garden or raised bed with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or diseased foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily) during active growth; partial shade during extreme heat in summer to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to light shade
Rotate pot weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense summer sun; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry out partially between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0)
Use a cactus or bulb-specific mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering to prevent soil compaction.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing; thrives in Mediterranean-like climates with dry summers.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding when plant enters dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; division of bulbs can also be done after flowering when bulbs are mature.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Clean and prepare seeds or bulbs.
- Plant at appropriate depth in chosen medium.
- Maintain consistent moisture and warmth.
- Transplant when roots are well-established.
Best Time: Spring, just after flowering when bulbs are actively growing; seeds can be sown in late summer or early fall for overwintering.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun and strong winds.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or bulb fiber for seeds; coarse sand or perlite for bulb division.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone can be used for bulb cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–3 years to germinate and establish; bulb division can produce new plants in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or scissors, small pots, seed trays, rooting hormone (optional), misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds shallowly; keep bulbs slightly moist but not waterlogged; label new plants for tracking progress.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks back to the base; trim damaged leaves to the base of the plant; avoid cutting into healthy bulb tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; occasional removal of yellowing or damaged leaves.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools before use; prune after flowering; remove only dead or damaged parts; clean up debris to prevent disease.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; loosen and trim any dead or crowded roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil with bulbs slightly above the soil surface.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; best when the plant is dormant or just before active growth begins.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; position bulbs correctly; 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 with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce frequency to once every 3–4 weeks in late summer and fall; avoid watering in winter unless soil is extremely dry.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; leaf burn or scorch in intense sunlight.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, causing reduced growth and potential frost damage to tender tissues; prolonged cold can lead to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch or frost cloth; ensure soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, leaf scorch, and premature flowering; high temperatures combined with intense sunlight may lead to wilting and reduced vigor.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; water deeply in the early morning to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season only; avoid contact with foliage; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once a month during active growth (spring and early summer); avoid fertilizing in late summer and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCalochortus splendens is not known to exhibit toxic properties to cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicCalochortus splendens is not known to exhibit toxic properties to dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicCalochortus splendens is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans.
⚡ Toxic If:
not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Calochortus splendens be watered?
A: Water sparingly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy.
Q: Does Calochortus splendens require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Q: Can Calochortus splendens be grown indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, but can be grown in containers with excellent drainage and moved indoors during extreme weather.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to light shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
