Description
Rhodophiala montana grows from elevations of 1,500 to 2,000m in the Andes of central Chile, in Maule province (region VII) . It makes 20-35cm stems carrying 3-5 lovely, horizontal, yellow flowers of good size, made just before, or with, the leaves. It is possible that this may hybridize with other Rhodophiala in the wild, as some flowers can develop an orange hue, or this may simply be natural variation.
After flowering the leaves develop rapidly to a mature size of 20cm by just less than 1 cm wide. During leaf development the plant can tolerate considerable water if drainage is good. This is also the time to feed!
This likes sun and a well-drained, sandy compost not too rich in organic matter. It is, at the very least, frost-resistant and is said to tolerate -15°C. Certainly in the wild it can be covered in snow for several months. It is easy to cultivate in an unheated bulb frame, though it likes to be on the dry side after leaf dormancy and in winter.
Although it is considered rare it is said to be found in large quantities in the few places where it grows.
Grown from Chilean seed, these have flowered and are true to type, name and colour.
