Quick growing conditions
Air: approximately 14–24°C; root zone: approximately 14–17°C
Around 5.5 in the root zone
The reference feed solution specifies 3.0 mS/cm
12–14 hours daily; approximately 15–25 kilolux under white LEDs
Suitable systems
- drip
Substrates
- hydroponic substrate
How to Grow Hydroponic Alstroemeria at Home
Alstroemeria, also called Peruvian lily, produces colourful flowers for indoor displays and bouquets. This perennial grows from underground rhizomes and fleshy roots, producing successive flowering stems.
For home hydroponics, choose a variety that fits your space and pay particular attention to root-zone temperature. Healthy foliage alone does not guarantee flowering.
Growing Conditions
These guidelines are starting points. Flowering depends on the cultivar, root temperature, light and maturity of the plant.
| Parameter | Practical guidance |
|---|---|
| Air temperature | Around 14–24°C is a practical starting range. Warmer conditions can support growth, but prolonged heat may reduce flower production. |
| Root-zone temperature | Around 14–17°C favours flowering in many cut-flower cultivars. Measure the substrate temperature, not only the reservoir. |
| Light duration | Start around 12–14 hours daily. Longer days can benefit some cultivars, but interact with root temperature and shoot production. |
| Light intensity | Provide bright, even light. Under white LEDs, approximately 15–25 kilolux is a provisional home starting point, adjusted to plant response. |
| pH | Around 5.5 in the root zone, following the reference profile. |
| EC | The reference feed specifies 3.0 mS/cm. Adjust strength to your water, cultivar and growing conditions. |
| Space | Allow room for an expanding clump, with height and spacing based on the cultivar’s mature size. |
Cool roots are particularly important. Some cultivars produce mainly leafy stems when their rhizomes remain too warm. Research shows substantial differences between cultivars, so follow the breeder’s temperature guidance where available.
Light duration also needs adjustment. Extending the day indefinitely can reduce new shoot formation under certain combinations of light and root temperature. Lux readings are approximate and depend on the lamp spectrum.
Choosing Varieties and a Hydroponic System
Choose compact container cultivars for a small indoor display or taller cut-flower cultivars for bouquets. Check mature height and spread before choosing your growing space.
A drip-fed container or trough with a well-drained hydroponic substrate is a practical choice. The expanding rhizomes need sufficient volume, while fleshy roots need moisture and oxygen.
Keep drainage clear and avoid persistently saturated substrate. Support taller stems with stakes or horizontal support netting.
Recommended Alstroemeria Nutrient Solution
This profile comes from Nutrient Solutions for Greenhouse Crops, Geerten van der Lugt and co-authors, version 4, 2020, page 70.
It is intended for inert substrate. Values below use the nutrient solution for fertigation column, with the source’s start and flowering adjustments applied.
All concentrations are mg/L in the finished solution.
| Nutrient | Base | Start | Flowering |
|---|---|---|---|
| N, total | 312 | 305 | 326 |
| N–NO₃ | 291 | 291 | 305 |
| N–NH₄ | 21 | 14 | 21 |
| P | 54 | 54 | 54 |
| K | 391 | 352 | 430 |
| Ca | 300 | 320 | 300 |
| Mg | 49 | 55 | 49 |
| S | 128 | 128 | 128 |
| Fe | 2.795 | 3.355 | 2.795 |
| Mn | 0.385 | 0.385 | 0.385 |
| Zn | 0.196 | 0.196 | 0.196 |
| B | 0.324 | 0.432 | 0.324 |
| Cu | 0.064 | 0.064 | 0.064 |
| Mo | 0.067 | 0.067 | 0.067 |
Total N already includes N–NO₃ and N–NH₄. P and K are elemental concentrations. Start and flowering profiles are calculated independently from the base, not cumulatively.
Use this recipe as a starting point. Modify its strength and balance according to your cultivar, source water, lighting and plant response. Include nutrients already present in your water.
Use our NPK Calculator to calculate fertilizer quantities.
Plant Care and Flowering
Check irrigation, drainage, pH and EC regularly. In substrate systems, compare the feed with drainage measurements to identify salt accumulation.
Guide tall shoots through their supports as they grow. Remove damaged and spent stems, while retaining enough healthy foliage to support the plant.
Pollination is unnecessary for producing flowers for display or bouquets. Remove finished flower stems rather than allowing unwanted seed production.
For home growing, prioritise pest prevention without chemical pesticide treatments. Inspect new growth, isolate affected plants and use physical removal or suitable biological controls.
Harvesting Alstroemeria Flowers
Pick stems when the first flowers in the cluster begin opening and the remaining buds show colour.
On a firmly established plant, grasp the stem near its base and gently pull upwards. Cut stems instead on young or poorly anchored plants, or where the cultivar’s breeder recommends cutting. Avoid damaging or lifting the rhizome.
Trim the harvested stem, remove leaves that would sit below the waterline and place it in a clean vase with fresh water.
Common Problems
- Plenty of leaves but few flowers: Check root-zone temperature, cultivar requirements and light duration before increasing fertilizer.
- Weak or leaning stems: Review light, overcrowding and stem support.
- Yellow young leaves with green veins: Check pH and nutrient availability before adding extra Fe.
- Wilting in wet substrate: Check drainage and roots for decay. Reduce persistent saturation and remove damaged material.
Have questions about growing hydroponic alstroemeria? Join the Grow Like Pro Telegram channel. We’re happy to help with your growing questions.
Ranges depend on cultivar, stage, water, and environment.
Calculator overview →Sources
- Nutrient Solutions for Greenhouse Crops, Geerten van der Lugt and co-authors, version 4, 2020, page 70