Photo: Constanza Vargas VillegasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Chilean glory-of-the-sun Plant Care
Solenomelus pedunculatus Hochr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Solenomelus pedunculatus is a striking plant known for its vibrant orange tubular flowers that bloom in clusters atop long, slender stems. Native to Chile, this plant thrives in dry, arid climates and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unique and eye-catching blooms.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Chilean glory-of-the-sun?
Water Chilean glory-of-the-sun every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Chilean glory-of-the-sun Native To?
What Is the Chilean glory-of-the-sun?
Chilean glory-of-the-sun (Solenomelus pedunculatus) belongs to the Iridaceae family within the Solenomelus genus. Chilean glory-of-the-sun is native to the Chilean Andes. Chilean glory-of-the-sun is also known as Solenomelus pendulus.
Chilean glory-of-the-sun displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Chilean glory-of-the-sun produces showy flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chilean glory-of-the-sun?
Solenomelus pedunculatus requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Chilean glory-of-the-sun Need?
Chilean glory-of-the-sun thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chilean glory-of-the-sun Prefer?
Solenomelus pedunculatus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Chilean glory-of-the-sun prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chilean glory-of-the-sun?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Chilean glory-of-the-sun to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chilean glory-of-the-sun?
Feed Chilean glory-of-the-sun every 2 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 2 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 Chilean glory-of-the-sun?
Repot every 1-2 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 Chilean glory-of-the-sun?
Chilean glory-of-the-sun can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Chilean glory-of-the-sun Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chilean glory-of-the-sun, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Chilean glory-of-the-sun?
Chilean glory-of-the-sun is susceptible to aphids, thrips, spider mites. 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 Chilean glory-of-the-sun Need?
Chilean glory-of-the-sun grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Chilean glory-of-the-sun is native to the Chilean Andes.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Chilean glory-of-the-sun 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 Solenomelus genus — compare its care with other Solenomelus species on PlantoScan.
Solenomelus is part of the Iridaceae plant family — browse all Iridaceae genera and species.
Chilean glory-of-the-sun thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Solenomelus pedunculatus Hochr., family Iridaceae (first published in Bull. New York Bot. Gard. 6: 269 (1910)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chilean glory-of-the-sun, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Constanza Vargas Villegas, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 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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