Gladiolus (Gladiolus calcaratus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Gladiolus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Iridaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Gladiolus
Gladiolus calcaratus, known as mečík ostrohatý, is a gladiolus species native to mountainous regions. It is distinguished by its intense violet tubular flowers with a white or yellowish blotch on the lower lip and a prominent spur, giving it an exotic and delicate appearance. It is ideal for rock gardens, garden borders, or in pots, where its vibrant bloom can be admired up close.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal flowering, although it tolerates some partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be regular during the growing and flowering season, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, and drastically reducing it in winter. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to corm rot.
How to save a dying Gladiolus
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, soft, drooping leaves; soft stem base; no blooms or wilted flowers.
- First aid
- Remove corm from soil, inspect roots and corm for rot. Cut off soft or rotten parts with a clean knife.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, which quickly rots the corm. Also intense cold or direct frost.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't affected the entire corm. Needs drying and replanting in new, well-draining substrate.