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Calochortus venustus
Calochortus venustus
Calochortus venustus
Calochortus venustus

Calochortus venustus

TAXONOMY

FamilyLiliaceae
GenusCalochortus
Zone7

ABOUT

Calochortus venustus, commonly known as the butterfly mariposa lily, is a bulbous geophyte native to California. It is part of the Liliaceae family and is known for its strikingly beautiful flowers that resemble butterflies. The plant thrives in temperate climates and goes through a dormancy period during the dry summer months.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Butterfly Mariposa Lily
Mariposa Venusta
Calochortus venustus var. caroli
Calochortus venustus var. eldorado
Calochortus venustus var. pictus
Calochortus venustus var. purpurascens
Calochortus venustus var. purpureus
Calochortus venustus var. roseus
Calochortus venustus var. sanguineus
Calochortus venustus var. sulphureus
Calochortus venustus var. superbus

OVERVIEW

WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Calochortus venustus requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers moderate temperatures and moderate humidity levels. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. The plant benefits from a dormancy period during the summer, where watering should be reduced significantly.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining loamy soil. It is important to ensure that the soil does not retain too much moisture, as this can lead to bulb rot. A mix of loam with some sand can help improve drainage.
Fertilizer
Calochortus venustus does not have high fertilizer requirements. If desired, a balanced, diluted fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the growing season.
Repotting
Repotting should be done during the dormancy period, typically in late summer or early fall. Carefully remove the bulbs from the soil, inspect for any signs of rot, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Propagation
Propagation is typically done through bulb division. During the dormancy period, bulbs can be carefully divided and replanted. Ensure that each bulb has a healthy root system before replanting.
Pruning
Pruning is not generally required for Calochortus venustus. Dead or damaged foliage can be removed to maintain the plant's appearance.
Toxicity
Calochortus venustus is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to avoid any accidental ingestion.
Additional
Calochortus venustus is a beautiful addition to any garden, especially in regions with a Mediterranean climate. It is important to mimic its natural habitat by providing a dry summer dormancy period and ensuring good soil drainage.
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