Calochortus clavatus — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Calochortus clavatus

Calochortus Clavatus

Updated · 50 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Calochortus clavatus is a species of mariposa lily known by the common name clubhair mariposa lily. It is endemic to California where it is found in forests and on chaparral slopes.

A note from PlantMom

The slender mariposa lily is fairly resistant to disease and typically does not suffer from illnesses. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases found nearby. Such infections tend to be mild. Regarding care, this plant has moderate maintenance needs. It should be pruned regularly to keep a tidy appearance and promote healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage blooming. The slender mariposa lily is a good choice for anyone with outdoor areas like a garden or patio, and it does not demand extensive horticultural experience. When kept indoors, it may need more attentive care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Calochortus Clavatus.

Light

The slender mariposa lily needs plenty of light in an open spot to develop optimally. This need comes from its origins in places with strong sun exposure, such as open meadows. Too little sunlight can cause stunted growth, while too much may damage its delicate petals.

Water

The slender mariposa lily thrives in its native environment and is remarkably resilient to drought. While it prefers a balance of moisture, it benefits from weekly watering. As an outdoor plant in temperate regions, its growth cycle aligns with the seasonal rainfall, affecting both its water requirements and flowering times.

Temperature

The slender mariposa lily is indigenous to habitats where temperatures generally fall between 59 and 95 °F (15 to 35 ℃). It favors warmer conditions and may need adjustments to prosper in cooler seasons.

Fertilizer

For the Slender mariposa lily, the primary time to apply fertilizer is in early spring while the flowers are forming. The correct fertilizer promotes improved blooms and helps the Slender mariposa lily produce attractive flowers. Fertilizing in early spring ensures strong flowers during the season and provides energy for dormant growth phases.

Pruning

Prune slender mariposa lily from early to late spring to encourage growth and blooming. Remove dead leaves and spent flowers to prevent disease. Light pruning helps maintain the plant's shape, while regular care promotes more blooms and a longer lifespan. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to avoid infection.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Calochortus
Family
Liliaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-10
Mature Height
91 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Gold
Flower Size
5.08 cm to 7.62 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Clubhair mariposa lily
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Slender mariposa lily?

To properly water the Slender mariposa lily, it is important to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water should be avoided as it may contain harmful particles. It is recommended to use room temperature or slightly warm water because this plant originates from a warm climate and cold water can be a shock to its system. Overhead watering should be avoided as it can cause issues with the foliage. Instead, it is best to apply filtered room temperature water directly to the soil until it is fully soaked. This method benefits the plant by providing moisture to the roots and aiding in the spread of nutrients through the soil.

What are the sunlight requirements for a Slender Mariposa Lily?

The Slender Mariposa Lily requires full sun, meaning it needs above 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. It's critical to observe the movement of sunlight in your garden to identify spots that offer a perfect balance of light and shade, ensuring the plants thrive. Insufficient sunlight may lead to stunted growth, while too much sun can damage the delicate petals of the Slender Mariposa Lily.

What is the native climate for the Slender mariposa lily?

The Slender mariposa lily is native to environments where temperatures typically range from 59 to 95°F (15 to 35°C). It thrives in warmer climates and may need adjustments to flourish in cooler seasons.

What should I do if I give my Slender mariposa lily too much or too little water?

Overwatering and underwatering can harm your Slender mariposa lily, but overwatering is more common and poses a greater risk. Too much water can cause wilting, yellowing, and diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew that can kill the plant. Underwatering is less likely, as this plant handles drought well, but it can still happen and result in brittle, brown leaves. It's important to recognize signs of overwatering early on. Certain diseases, like root rot, are harder to fix if left unattended. Reduce your watering schedule if you notice early signs of overwatering and examine the soil's drainage. If it drains poorly, replace it with a loose, well-draining potting mix. If your plant is under-watered, simply increase your watering until the signs disappear.

Are there any special considerations for providing light to Slender Mariposa Lily?

Yes, if natural sunlight is insufficient, especially during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting can be a vital solution for the Slender Mariposa Lily. Indoor plants benefit from LED lights that can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed for growth. The requirements vary based on the type of plant: full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The appropriate distance for the artificial light source is between 12-36 inches above the plant, and it should mimic the natural daylight hours, typically 8-12 hours per day.

Does the Slender mariposa lily have any cold tolerance?

Yes, the Slender mariposa lily has some cold tolerance. It generally does not require any additional cold protection measures when the temperature is above -5°C. However, if temperatures are expected to drop below -5°C, it is necessary to take temporary measures for cold protection, such as wrapping the plant with plastic film, fabric, or other materials. These protective measures should be removed once the temperature rises again.

How often should I water my Slender mariposa lily plant?

If your Slender mariposa lily is in a pot, the best way to determine if it needs water is by checking the soil. Stick your finger in the soil and if the top two to three inches are dry, it's time to water. If you have the plant planted outside, you can use the same method. When the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. In the spring and early fall, this usually means watering once a week. During extremely hot weather, you may need to water twice a week or more. However, mature and well-established Slender mariposa lilies can tolerate drought well.

What symptoms indicate that a Slender Mariposa Lily is not receiving adequate sunlight?

Symptoms of inadequate sunlight in Slender Mariposa Lily include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and lighter-colored or yellowing leaves indicating chlorosis. Excessive sunlight can cause symptoms like sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching.

How does the Slender mariposa lily react to low temperatures?

The Slender mariposa lily has moderate tolerance to low temperatures and thrives best when temperatures are above 15°C. During winter, it should be kept above -5°C. When temperatures fall below -10°C, the leaves may start to droop, and in severe cases, wilt and eventually fall off. Recovery is possible in mild cases. To protect the plant in anticipation of low temperatures, frost-damaged parts should be trimmed off, and the plant should be wrapped with materials such as non-woven fabric or cloth, along with constructing a wind barrier to protect it from cold winds.

How much water does my Slender mariposa lily require?

To properly water your Slender mariposa lily, don't be afraid to give it a generous amount of water. When the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. Ensure that you water thoroughly, allowing the soil to become completely soaked. The water should be enough to cause excess water to flow out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If you don't see any excess water draining, it means you haven't watered enough. Be careful not to let water accumulate in the soil, as this can harm the plant. Additionally, if you notice that water is not draining properly, it could be a sign of poorly draining soil, which is not good for the plant's health. If the plant is outside, receiving 1 inch of rain per week should be enough.

How can I address sunlight-related issues for my Slender Mariposa Lily?

To address sunlight-related issues for Slender Mariposa Lily, gradually increase its exposure to sunlight to involve at least 6 hours of direct light daily, using steps to avoid sudden changes that could result in sunburn. Outdoors, you should move your plants to sunnier spots gradually. Indoors or for large plants, consider using artificial lighting, like grow lights, ensuring at least 8 hours of exposure daily. Additionally, identify and minimize obstructions to sunlight, including pruning trees or relocating your plant to a more suitable spot with ample natural light.

How should the Slender mariposa lily be cared for in high temperatures?

During the summer, Slender mariposa lily should be kept below 35°C. Exposure to temperatures above 41°C can cause the leaves to lighten in color, dry out, and curl, making the plant more susceptible to sunburn. To mitigate these issues, sunburned and dried-up parts should be trimmed away. The plant should be moved to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or a shade cloth can be used. It's also important to water the plant in the morning and evening to maintain soil moisture.

PLATES
Calochortus clavatus flower
PLATE 01 · flower
Calochortus clavatus flower
PLATE 02 · flower
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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