
(Gladiolus dalenii)

Parrot gladiolus, Dahlia gladiolus, African gladiolus, Dalen's gladiolus
Gladiolus dalenii is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Iridaceae. It is native to tropical and southern Africa, and is commonly known as the Parrot Gladiolus.
24-48 inches (61-122 cm)
Gladiolus dalenii requires full sun to partial shade. When grown indoors, it should be placed in a bright spot near a window that receives plenty of sunlight.
The plant requires average humidity levels. It can tolerate dry air, but will benefit from occasional misting.
The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks.
Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. The entire stem should be cut back once all the blooms have faded.
Common pests that can affect Gladiolus dalenii include thrips, spider mites, and aphids. Diseases that can affect the plant include fusarium wilt and botrytis blight.
24-36 inches (61-91 cm)
The plant requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the winter months.
Gladiolus dalenii prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). It cannot tolerate frost and should be protected from cold drafts.
The growing season for Gladiolus dalenii is from spring to fall. The plant goes dormant during the winter months.
Gladiolus dalenii is moderately difficult to grow. It requires regular care and attention to thrive, but is relatively resilient and can tolerate some neglect.
Gladiolus dalenii is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
The Parrot Gladiolus gets its name from its bright, colorful blooms that resemble the feathers of a parrot.