Eleutherine bulbosa — a medium houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Eleutherine bulbosa

Eleutherine Bulbosa

Updated · 53 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Eleutherine bulbosa is an herbaceous, perennial flowering plant species in the family Iridaceae. Among Spanish-speakers, the plant is known as lagrimas de la virgen ("tears of the virgin").Like other Eleutherine species, E. bulbosa has a bulbous rootstock; a large subapical cauline leaf; and small, white, stellate, evening-blooming flowers. E. bulbosa grows in southern Mexico and in the Amazon rainforest, within the borders of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, in addition to the Brazilian states of Amapá and Acre. It is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. Like E. latifolia, E. bulbosa has a basic chromosome number of x=6 (2n=12); it also has a similar bimodal karyotype, which is distinctive to this plant tribe (Tigridieae); all other genera of the tribe have x=7. Usually, E. bulbosa has a heteromorphic long chromosome pair, the result of a pericentric inversion in one of the long chromosomes, which makes it sexually sterile.Rahenna described a subspecies in 1965: E. bulbosa subsp. citriodora.

A note from PlantMom

Lagrimas de la virgen presenta buena resistencia a las enfermedades y, en general, no suele verse afectada por ellas. Sin embargo, puede ser vulnerable a las plagas y enfermedades que existan en su entorno. Estas afecciones normalmente no son graves. En cuanto a los cuidados, esta planta necesita un mantenimiento medio. Requiere poda regular para mantener una buena apariencia y un crecimiento sano. La fertilización también puede ayudar a favorecer la floración. Lagrimas de la virgen es adecuada para cualquier persona que tenga un espacio exterior, como un jardín o un patio, y no exige mucha experiencia en cuidados. Al cultivarla en interiores, puede necesitar más atención.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Eleutherine Bulbosa.

Light

Lagrimas de la virgen greatly benefits from sunlight and flourishes when it can bask in solar light for most of the day. Its native habitat provides comparable sun-drenched conditions. Insufficient or excessive exposure to those conditions can cause it to have difficulty achieving optimal growth.

Water

The "Lagrimas de la Virgen" plant thrives in humid conditions, reminiscent of its tropical rainforest origins. For optimal growth, it needs weekly watering and prefers wet soil during the rainy season, as it is not tolerant of drought. This plant is ideal for outdoor cultivation, as it benefits from balanced moisture levels.

Temperature

Lagrimas de la virgen is native to climates with temperatures ranging from 32 to 95 °F (0 to 35 ℃), indicating it favors a moderate, temperate environment. In colder seasons, consider supplying extra warmth to meet its preferred temperature requirements.

Fertilizer

Early spring, when the Lagrimas de la virgen is coming out of dormancy and starting active growth, is the best time to apply fertilizer. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. While the Lagrimas de la virgen has relatively low fertilizer requirements, giving it fertilizer annually can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.

Pruning

"Lagrimas de la Virgen is a plant known for its vibrant flowers and bulbous roots. To keep the plant healthy and attractive, it’s important to prune it from early to late spring. During pruning, remove any dead leaves and thin out crowded areas. This improves air circulation, promotes healthy growth, encourages blooming, and reduces the risk of disease, ensuring a more appealing plant."

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Eleutherine
Family
Iridaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-9
Mature Height
15 cm to 76 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Summer, Autumn, Winter
Harvest Time
Late summer, Fall
Native Area
Colombia, Cuba, Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru, Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador, Jamaica
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Lagrimas De La Virgen
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What is the right way to water my Lagrimas de la virgen plant?

To properly water the Lagrimas de la virgen plant, it is best to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles that can affect the plant's health. It is important to use slightly warm water as the Lagrimas de la virgen originates from a warm environment and cold water may be detrimental to its well-being. Additionally, overhead watering should be avoided as it can lead to foliage issues. Instead, it is recommended to thoroughly soak the soil with filtered room temperature water. This helps moisture reach the roots and supports their growth and nutrient absorption.

What kind of sunlight does Lagrimas de la virgen need?

Lagrimas de la virgen, as well as other perennials like the Orange Daylily and Giant Coreopsis, need at least six hours of sunlight each day. This is important for their leaves, roots, and blooms to stay healthy. While the Orange Daylily and Giant Coreopsis can survive with just three hours of direct sunlight, they won't thrive as they would in sunnier conditions.

What is the best temperature for Lagrimas de la virgen?

The best temperature for Lagrimas de la virgen depends on the time of year. Let's discuss the two primary seasons: the growing season and the dormancy season. During the growing season, when Lagrimas de la virgen begins to sprout, the ideal temperature range is between 65-80℉ (18-27℃). If the temperature drops below 15℉ (-10℃), the plant may suffer and its leaves may brown and wilt. However, if it's a short cold snap, the plant can survive with some help. In the warmer parts of the year, Lagrimas de la virgen should also be protected from excessive heat. The top temperature range for the plant is 95-105℉ (35-40℃). Temperatures above this range can damage the foliage and blooms, causing wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves. It's difficult for Lagrimas de la virgen to recover from these issues. Luckily, there are quick and easy ways to combat this problem.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Lagrimas de la virgen plant?

Overwatering is a common issue that can harm your Lagrimas de la virgen plant. It causes wilting, yellowing of leaves, and can lead to diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can be deadly. Underwatering is less common but still possible, resulting in brittle, brown leaves. It's important to identify overwatering signs early and reduce watering immediately. If the soil doesn't drain well, replace it with a loose, well-draining mix. If underwatering occurs, simply water more regularly until the signs improve.

Is Lagrimas de la virgen affected by sunlight? How can Lagrimas de la virgen be protected from sun and heat damage?

In warm climates, some Perennial Flowering Plants may struggle with excessive heat and suffer from sun damage. They can wilt, dry out, or even experience growth problems if they are consistently exposed to the intense afternoon sun. However, not all plants require protection from the light afternoon sun. For those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure, it is recommended to provide them with some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners can achieve this by planting these plants in areas that do not receive direct heat during the afternoon, such as under trees or behind bushes.

The first year or newly planted Lagrimas de la virgen plants have specific temperature needs.

If this is the first year of your Lagrimas de la virgen being planted outside, it may require some extra care during the colder months. Frost can cause more damage to a first-year plant and prevent it from growing back healthily in the spring. To ensure its protection, it is important to keep the temperature at or above 40℉(5℃) until it becomes established. This can be achieved by either bringing the plant indoors for a month or two or using mulch or fabric barriers to shield it from frost. During the first year or two, it is advisable to plant the Lagrimas de la virgen in a shadier area as smaller and weaker plants have difficulty regulating their temperature in the heat. Limiting direct sunlight to no more than five hours per day, particularly if the daytime temperature goes above 80℉(27℃), and using shadecloth along with regular watering or misting will help regulate the plant's temperature during the summer.

How often should I water my Lagrimas de la virgen? --> How often do I need to water my Lagrimas de la virgen plant?

If your Lagrimas de la virgen plant is in a pot, the most precise way to determine if it needs water is by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top two to three inches are dry, it's time to water it. For outdoor plants in the ground, you can use the same method. Once the first couple of inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. Generally, during spring and early fall, watering once a week is sufficient. However, in extremely hot weather, you may need to water two or more times per week. It's worth noting that mature, well-established Lagrimas de la virgen plants are quite resilient to drought.

Should I protect "Lagrimas de la virgen" from the sun?

Certain perennial plants require ample sunlight to reach their maximum bloom. However, in warmer climates, some of these plants actually benefit from less sun. For instance, individuals residing in hotter regions might find it beneficial to shade their flowering perennials during the intense afternoon sun, especially during summer months. Although many perennial flowering plants prefer partial shade in the hottest climates, there are exceptions. Take the Giant Coreopsis, for example, as it is not bothered by excessive sun exposure. These plants can flourish even when placed in the full sun during scorching weather.

How do I keep Lagrimas de la virgen safe from very hot or very cold temperatures?

If cold temperatures below 15°F (-10°C) occur during the growing season for Lagrimas de la virgen, there are a few steps you can take to protect the plant from frost or cold damage. If you are growing it in a container, simply move the container indoors where it can receive bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise above the lower threshold. If the plant is in the ground, you can use mulch or horticultural fabric to create a barrier around it, which will insulate and protect it from frost and cold wind. On the other hand, if temperatures rise above 80°F (27°C) in the shade during the day, it is important to limit the amount of sunlight the plant receives. Ideally, expose Lagrimas de la virgen to no more than six hours of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning. To achieve this, you can put up shade cloth or a fine plastic mesh to reduce the direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Another option is to install a misting system that releases cooling mist around the base of the plant to lower ground temperatures during the day.

How much water does my Lagrimas de la virgen plant need?

When watering your Lagrimas de la virgen, don't be afraid to give it a good amount of water. Make sure the first two to three inches of soil are dry before watering, and then water thoroughly until the soil is soaked. This should be enough water to cause excess water to drain out of the pot's drainage holes. If you don't see excess water draining, you may not have watered enough. However, be careful not to let water accumulate in the soil, as this can harm the plant. On the other hand, if water doesn't drain well from the pot, it could indicate that the soil isn't draining properly, which is bad for the plant's health. If the plant is outside, it should receive about 1 inch of rain per week.

What will happen if Lagrimas de la virgen doesn't get enough sunlight?

If your Lagrimas de la virgen plants aren't getting enough sunlight, you'll see signs of insufficient requirements. Typically, these plants won't produce as many blooms as they would with full sun exposure. Some plants may even develop dry spots on their leaves, but most will still manage to bloom in this less than ideal sunlight. However, the flowers that do bloom will be smaller and less full.

The recommended dormant season temperature for Lagrimas de la virgen.

Lagrimas de la virgen, a plant, needs the cold winter months to remain dormant until it's ready to sprout. Sprouting too early, before the last frost has passed, can be fatal, especially if the sprouting process has already begun. Ideally, winter temperatures should stay below freezing, but they can withstand temperatures up to 40℉(5℃). However, in more moderate climates like woodland rainforests, unexpected warm periods can cause premature sprouting. If there's still a risk of frost, covering the plant with clear plastic on stakes can help protect it. This covering can be removed once the risk of frost has passed. While Lagrimas de la virgen can sometimes sprout without assistance, using this method increases the chance of a successful second sprouting.

PLATES
Eleutherine bulbosa leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Eleutherine bulbosa leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Eleutherine bulbosa flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Eleutherine bulbosa flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Eleutherine bulbosa habit
PLATE 05 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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