Boophone haemanthoides, commonly known as Namaqua Century Plan, is a distinctive species with a unique look and growth habit that lovers of unusual plants appreciate. It is a primitive-looking plant with most of its layered bulb growing above ground, like an onion-like caudex. Its wavy strap-like blue-grey leaves are arranged in a spreading fan, emerging from the top of its bulb. Some of the largest bulbs can be more than 100 years old.
Once the Namaqua Century Plant reaches flowering size, a brush-like cream-colored or light yellow flower head emerges from early to mid-summer, becoming dull pink with age. Leaves develop after flowering and remain until the following summer, when the plant goes dormant until flowering again.
Namaqua Century Plant grows in winter rainfall areas of Namaqualand and the Western Karoo in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and Namibia. In cultivation, flowering can be very erratic, and the main display feature of these plants lies in their ornamental leaf fans. Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting only a few days, and the flower head lasts no more than seven days. It is occasionally used as a subject for large containers, rock gardens, and conservatory displays by specialist bulb growers.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Namaqua Century Plant is a striking plant for a large pot and makes a handsome feature planted in bold groups in rock garden pockets. However, it is important to note that the bulbs are highly sensitive to excess moisture during the winter growing period and require a dry summer period when they are dormant.
This plant does not survive for long outdoors when planted in high-rainfall areas. It requires a high light intensity, preferring full sun for as much of the day as possible. A pot at least 16 inches (40 cm) deep is needed for a mature bulb. It performs well on a sunny patio when displayed as a pot subject.
Grow the bulb in sandy, well-drained soil mixtures, such as equal parts of washed industrial and river sand. When planting Namaqua Century Plant, ensure that at least 2/3 of the bulb is above ground level.
Water the plant well once in late fall and wait for the leaves to appear. After that, provide a good soaking once per month. As soon as the leaves start to turn yellow in late spring, withhold watering and keep the bulbs as dry as possible in summer.
Propagation
Namaqua Century Plant is propagated mainly by seed, as offsets rarely, if ever, occur in cultivation.
Source: pza.sanbi.org
Links
- Back to genus Boophone
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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