Fortnight lily (Dietes bicolor)

Also known as: Evergreen iris, Peacock flower

Fortnight lily (Dietes bicolor) is indigenous to South Africa. There, its understated elegance is so admired, it’s one of the most popular flowers for public beautification projects. Fortnight lily is incredibly drought-tolerant and is low-maintenance. It’ll also look fantastic by a pool, or as an accent plant in a rock garden.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Fortnight lily

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

46 cm to 61 cm

Spread

45 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

8 cm

Flower Color

White Yellow Cream Brown

Images of Fortnight lily

Quickly Identify Fortnight lily

Look for yellow flowers with dark brown or purple spots, and long, sword-like leaves. The plant typically has a fan-like arrangement of foliage.

Scientific Classification of Fortnight lily

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Iris

Genus

wood iris

Species

Fortnight lily

Planting and Growing of Fortnight lily

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Terracotta, Plastic

How to Water Fortnight lily?

When watering Dietes bicolor, aim to deliver about 500 milliliters each time. Ensure the water is evenly distributed and reaches the root system, keeping the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. This balance prevents root rot while maintaining the plant's lush growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Fortnight lily? ›

What should I do if my Fortnight lily is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Fortnight lily? ›

How to save an overwatered Fortnight lily? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Fortnight lily?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours

Successfully growing Dietes bicolor involves ensuring full to partial sunlight. Ideal lighting promotes proper growth, vibrant flowering, and overall plant health, which are crucial for maintaining its visual appeal.

Optimal Sunlight Duration ›

Location Recommendation ›

Protect from Harsh Sunlight ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Fortnight lily?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Dietes bicolor is between 60°F and 75°F. This range provides optimal conditions for their growth and blooming. At this temperature range, the plant's metabolic processes function effectively, ensuring robust growth and vibrant flowers.

What Soil is Best for Fortnight lily?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Dietes bicolor thrives in well-draining soil, which helps prevent waterlogging and root rot. This is crucial for the plant since excess moisture can severely harm the roots. Ensuring well-draining conditions will promote strong and healthy root systems. This plant prefers soil with moderate fertility. Enriched but not overly rich soil provides enough nutrients for growth without causing excessive leaf production that can overshadow flowering. Balanced fertility ensures vibrant blooms and controlled leaf growth. While the soil needs to drain well, it should also retain some moisture, allowing the plant to stay hydrated in hotter conditions. This balance highlights the importance of maintaining adequate soil moisture between waterings, supporting both resilience and growth.

How to Fertilize Fortnight lily?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Dietes bicolor, the optimal fertilizer amount involves using a balanced formula, such as a 10-10-10 NPK mixture. When using liquid fertilizer, dilute it at half strength, applying approximately 100 ml per plant per application to avoid root burn. Solid slow-release fertilizers should be applied sparingly, at a rate of 30 grams per plant per application.

How to Prune Fortnight lily?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by examining the plant for any dead or damaged leaves. Use sharp, sterilized scissors to make clean cuts at the base of the leaf. Remove any seed pods to prevent the plant from expending energy on them, which allows it to focus on new growth. Gently run your fingers through the plant to find leaves that are turning brown or yellow. Cut these leaves back to the base, giving the plant a tidy appearance and allowing sunlight to reach the healthy leaves more effectively. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Fortnight lily plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Once the flowering period is over, collect the mature seeds from the seed pods which develop post-bloom. Ensure the seed pods are completely dry and brown for viable seed collection.

Use a well-draining soil mix to fill seed trays or pots. The soil should be loose and enriched with compost to provide the necessary nutrients for seed germination.

Evenly distribute the collected seeds on the surface of the prepared soil. Lightly cover them with a thin layer of compost or soil. Keep the soil moist but not overly saturated to promote successful germination.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Fortnight lily plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Look for signs like roots growing out of drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy. Yellowing leaves may also indicate the need for repotting. Spring or early summer is ideal, as the plant is actively growing, ensuring quick recovery and root establishment.

Select a pot that's one size larger with good drainage. A ceramic pot can be ideal because it offers stability and prevents the plant from becoming top-heavy as it grows. Proper drainage is crucial to avoid waterlogging and root rot.

Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix rich in organic matter. This ensures that the Dietes bicolor retains necessary moisture without becoming waterlogged, promoting healthy root growth and vibrant foliage.