How to Care for Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria is a quiet hero of the flower world — multiple lily-like blooms per stem, freckled throats, a huge color range, and a vase life that embarrasses most other flowers. It's a workhorse in mixed bouquets for exactly that reason. Here's how to get the full two weeks out of it.

How long does alstroemeria last?

Cut alstroemeria lasts up to two weeks, among the longest of any common cut flower. Each stem carries several buds that open in succession, so the display keeps refreshing itself — excellent value per stem.

The one essential trick: remove the leaves

Here's the thing that catches everyone out: alstroemeria leaves yellow and wilt far faster than the flowers. Left on, they make a perfectly good arrangement look tired and they foul the water. So strip off most of the foliage when you arrange — keep a little near the top for shape if you like, but remove the rest. The flowers will outlast the leaves by a week or more, so don't let dying leaves drag down living blooms.

A practical note: the sap can be mildly irritating to skin for some people, so you may want to rinse your hands after handling a lot of stems.

The rest of the routine

• Recut the stems on an angle with a sharp knife and remove any remaining leaves below the waterline.
• Use flower food in clean lukewarm water.
• Change the water every 3–4 days and recut — alstroemeria is hardy, so it doesn't need daily changes like dahlias or gerberas.
• Pinch off spent flowers as they fade; this directs energy to the unopened buds and keeps the stem looking fresh.

Keep it cool and out of sun

Like all cut flowers, alstroemeria lasts longest somewhere cool, bright, and out of direct sunlight, away from heat sources and ripening fruit. But it's forgiving — part of why it's such a reliable choice for a table you don't want to fuss over.

A note from the shop

If you want maximum life and value, alstroemeria is hard to beat — just remember the leaves are the weak link, not the flowers. For more longevity tips, see our florists on refrigerating roses and the right vase for each flower. Questions? Call (212) 628-1214 — Upper East Side since 1988.

FAQ

How long does alstroemeria last in a vase?
Up to two weeks — one of the longest-lasting cut flowers. Multiple buds per stem open in succession, refreshing the display.

Why do my alstroemeria leaves turn yellow?
Alstroemeria foliage naturally yellows and wilts well before the flowers fade. Strip off most of the leaves when arranging so dying foliage doesn't spoil the look or foul the water.

How often should I change alstroemeria water?
Every 3–4 days with a fresh recut. It's hardy and doesn't need daily water changes like more delicate flowers.

Is alstroemeria sap harmful?
The sap can be mildly irritating to sensitive skin, so rinse your hands after handling many stems. It's otherwise an easy, rewarding flower.