Light

During the early spring, move to a very bright, sunny position. Many people even move them outdoors to patios throughout the summer months to enjoy their blooms. In the winter, a cool, somewhat dimmer room is perfect.

Water

Begin in the spring, start watering regularly and keep it coming throughout the bloom. In the winter, after the flower heads have died back and the weather is cool, move the plant indoors and almost totally suspend water while the plant is resting.

Soil

A rich, peat-based potting soil is fine. Good drainage will help.

Fertilizer

Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer beginning in the spring and up until flowering. During flowering, suspend feeding and cease feeding in the winter. These plants bloom more aggressively if they’re slightly stressed out.

Propagation

Agapanthus is easily propagated by divisions. In the springtime, dig out a clump of plants and plant in a new container, then water well and move to a warm spot. This is helpful, too, in reducing the need for repotting regularly.

Potting and Repotting

Agapanthus blooms better when slightly root-bound just like the blood lily, so there is no need to repot annually. In general, depending on the size of the container and the rate of growth, you might only have to repot every four years or so. If you’re worried that the plant seems crowded, take a division in the spring and pot into a separate pot, but leave the “mother” plant intact. One of the great advantages of these plants is the massed effect of flowers.

Types of Agapanthus

The most common species is A. Africanus, which is a fairly large plant for indoor cultivation. It features flower stalks that easily rise two feet above the soil level and form a striking display. The other species sometimes seen is cultivation is A. orientalis, which is even larger than its cousin, with flower stalks that can rise three feet above. Both species do best if planted in a large tub and allowed to fill it in.

Common Pests

These plants are not particularly vulnerable to pests but look for the typical signs of infestation, such as tiny webs that might indicate mites.