Gladiolus italicus
TAXONOMY
FamilyIridaceae
GenusGladiolus
Zone8
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Gladiolus italicus, commonly known as the Italian Gladiolus, is a tuberous geophyte belonging to the Iridaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it thrives in subtropical climates. The plant is known for its striking, sword-like leaves and vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in a variety of colors. It undergoes a dormancy period during the cooler months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Common Sword-Lily
Ballosporum segetum
Field gladiolus
Gladiolus arvaticus
Gladiolus communis subsp. inarimensis
Gladiolus commutatus
Gladiolus cyclocarpus
Gladiolus dalmaticus
Gladiolus dubius
Gladiolus gawleri
Gladiolus guepinii
Gladiolus infestus
Gladiolus leucanthus
Gladiolus ludovicae
Gladiolus pallidus
Gladiolus paui
Gladiolus proteiflorus
Gladiolus rigescens
Gladiolus ruricola
Gladiolus segetalis
Gladiolus segetum
Gladiolus segetum f. sterilis
Gladiolus segetum subsp. commutatus
Gladiolus segetum subsp. guepinii
Gladiolus segetum subsp. inarimensis
Gladiolus segetum subsp. ludovicae
Gladiolus segetum var. infestus
Gladiolus segetum var. ludovicae
Gladiolus spathaceus
Gladiolus tenuiflorus
Gladiolus turkmenorum
Italian gladiolus
Sphaerospora segetum
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
To care for Gladiolus italicus, provide it with bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day. Maintain moderate temperatures and ensure the plant is kept in a location with average humidity. Water the plant when the soil partially dries out, and avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot.Soil
Gladiolus italicus prefers well-draining loam soil. Ensure the soil mix allows for good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause tuber rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for this plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient burn.Repotting
Repot Gladiolus italicus when the tubers outgrow their current container or when the soil becomes compacted. The best time to repot is during the dormancy period. Carefully remove the tubers, shake off excess soil, and replant them in fresh, well-draining soil.Propagation
Propagate Gladiolus italicus by dividing the tubers during the dormancy period. Separate the tubers carefully, ensuring each division has a healthy growth point. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water sparingly until new growth appears.Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for Gladiolus italicus. However, you can remove spent flowers and dead foliage to maintain the plant's appearance and encourage new growth.Toxicity
Gladiolus italicus 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 prevent accidental ingestion.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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