Alstroemeria · Peruvian lily
Alstroemeria are the speckled, lily-like flowers in pink, purple, orange, white and yellow that show up in so many mixed arrangements. They are one of the hardest-working flowers in a florist’s cooler, and with simple care they can last two weeks.
Each stem carries a cluster of blooms, and new buds keep opening for days. They are often called Peruvian lilies, but they are not true lilies at all, which matters if you have a cat (see the pet note below).
Clean water and clean stems
Pull off the leaves below the water line and change the water every two days. Alstroemeria leaves yellow before the flowers do, and soft leaves in the water make it cloudy fast.
As each bloom finishes, pinch it off. The buds behind it will keep opening.
When your flowers arrive
- Fill a clean vase with cool water and flower food.
- Cut about an inch off each stem at an angle.
- Strip all the leaves that would sit in the water.
- Get the stems into the water right away.
- Set them out of direct sun and away from heat.
Where to put them
Alstroemeria are easygoing. Out of the sun and away from heat is all they ask.
- Any room out of direct sun works well.
- Keep them away from heat vents, sunny windows and ripening fruit.
- A cooler room at night stretches their life even more.
Everyday care
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria
- Vase life
- Often ten days to two weeks.
- Water
- Top up daily and change it completely every two days.
- Stems
- Re-cut an inch every few days.
- Flower food
- Use the packet if one came with them. It helps the buds open with good color.
- Temperature
- Room temperature is fine. Cooler is better.
- Watch for
- Yellowing leaves. That is normal; pull them off and the flowers carry on.
Alstroemeria is not a true lily and is not linked to the kidney failure that true lilies cause in cats. It is considered low in toxicity, but chewing it can still upset a cat’s or dog’s stomach. Keep it out of reach. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
Quick fixes
Leaves turning yellow
Normal. The leaves age faster than the flowers. Pull them off.
Buds not opening
Fresh water with flower food and a warmer room help. Some small buds never open, and that is normal.
A bloom has wilted
Pinch it off at its little stem. The others on the cluster will keep going.
Cloudy water
Change it, remove any leaves in the water and re-cut the stems.
Petals dropping onto the table
The flowers are finishing. Remove the spent blooms to keep it tidy.
Stems drooping
Thirst or a blocked stem. Re-cut an inch and refill the vase.
Common questions
How long does alstroemeria last?
Often ten days to two weeks, which makes it one of the longest-lasting cut flowers.
Is alstroemeria a lily?
No. It is called the Peruvian lily, but it is a different plant from true lilies.
Is alstroemeria safe for cats?
It is not a true lily and is considered low in toxicity, but it can still upset a pet’s stomach. Keep it out of reach.
Why are my alstroemeria leaves turning yellow?
The leaves age before the flowers. Pull them off and keep the water clean.
More flower care guides
Lilies
Lilium (Stargazer, Oriental and Asiatic lilies)
Every bud will open in turn. Pull the pollen, change the water, and keep them away from cats.
Read the guide →Carnations
Dianthus caryophyllus
One of the longest-lasting cut flowers. Cut between the joints and keep the water fresh.
Read the guide →Vase Arrangements
Fresh flowers in water
Fresh water every other day, a fresh cut on the stems, and a cool spot out of the sun.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com