Photo: nitsuga74CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Peruvian Lily Plant Care
Alstroemeria aurea Graham
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to Chile, this plant's most distinctive visual feature is its stunning orange-red flowers with dark spots. Alstroemeria aurea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its vibrant color palette and unique blooming pattern, making it a standout addition to any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Peruvian Lily?
Water Peruvian Lily every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
What Is the Peruvian Lily?
Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria aurea) belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family within the Alstroemeria genus. Peruvian Lily is native to Chile and Argentina. Peruvian Lily is also known as Golden Alstroemeria, Lily of the Incas.
Peruvian Lily displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Peruvian Lily produces colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Peruvian Lily?
Alstroemeria aurea requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Peruvian Lily Need?
Peruvian Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Peruvian Lily Prefer?
Alstroemeria aurea grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Peruvian Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Peruvian Lily?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Peruvian Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Peruvian Lily?
Feed Peruvian Lily every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Peruvian Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Peruvian Lily?
Peruvian Lily can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ligtu lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Peruvian Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Alstroemeria species (which includes Peruvian Lily). View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Peruvian Lily?
Peruvian Lily is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Peruvian Lily Need?
Peruvian Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Peruvian Lily is native to Chile and Argentina.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Peruvian Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Alstroemeria genus — compare its care with other Alstroemeria species on PlantoScan.
Alstroemeria is part of the Alstroemeriaceae plant family — browse all Alstroemeriaceae genera and species.
Peruvian Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Alstroemeria Species
Other Alstroemeria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alstroemeria aurea Graham, family Alstroemeriaceae (first published in Edinburgh Philos. J. 1833: 181 (1833)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Alstroemeria species (which includes Peruvian Lily) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: nitsuga74, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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