Sacred lily, Japanese lily… The Rohdea japonica is one of the oriental plants that can attract your attention the most. In every sense. It is easy to care for, of great beauty, with multiple medicinal uses...
But what do you know about this plant? Below we give you a first approximation so that you fall in love with it, if you do not know it, or you are more excited to have it in the garden. Shall we start?
Rohdea japonica: a hardy, low-maintenance plant for beginners
As we have told you, the Rohdea japonica is a plant known by other names, such as the previous ones, or sacred lily or Chinese lily. The first time a record of Rohdea japonica appeared was in 1821, when the naturalists Carl Peter Thunberg and Albrecht Wilhelm Roth described it.
It is a herbaceous, perennial plant that hardly needs care (some do). It is characterized by being a thick mass of many leaves, which are distributed in the form of a rosette. This makes it grow about forty or fifty centimeters in height, with lanceolate leaves and dark green except for the edges, which are usually cream or dirty white.
And yes, if you are wondering, we already tell you that it blooms, although we already warned you that the flowers are not the most beautiful part of the plant, but rather the leaves. It puts out flowers in spring, from which an eight-centimeter spike comes out, in the middle of the rosettes.. This spike will be full of flowers of less than twelve millimeters with a bell-shaped shape and white.
And after finishing its flowering, the fruit will appear, some rather striking red berries.
Originally from Japan and China, we could tell you that this plant is unique in its kind., but the truth is that there are many varieties of cultivars, although only three are the best known: Rohdea japonica, Rohdea tonkinensis and Rohdea eucomoides. In the case of Japan, where it is native, you can find plants with leaves with yellow or white stripes.
The medicinal uses of Rohdea japonica and how to take advantage of its healing properties
Apart from the decoration offered by the Japanese Rohdea, Another reason why many opt for this plant is due to its medicinal uses. Among them, we must highlight the fact that it is diuretic (when taken as an infusion), as well as depurative.
But we also find a febrifuge use (to lower fever), to treat sore throats or even as a treatment for boils and abscesses.
Basic care to keep Rohdea japonica healthy in your garden
Now that you know a little more about Rohdea japonica, you may be interested in it for your garden, either in a pot or planted in the ground. It is not difficult to take care of, quite the opposite, but it is necessary that you take into account some important and basic details so that it does not die on you.
Here we detail these:
The location and temperature of the Rohdea japonica
If we had to choose a good location for this plant, then we would say that it would be outdoors. However, once outside, it will be better to put it in semi-shade, although it can tolerate both direct sun and shade.
So why semi-shade? Because this way you avoid extreme heat and lack of light. Although it can tolerate being in the shade very well, if you really want it to develop well it will need light.
As for the temperature, it tolerates heat well, and also cold, as long as it is not extreme or there are continuous frosts. If this happens then it is most likely that instead of perennial it will behave as deciduous.
Substratum
You will need a soil that is very rich in nutrients, such as humus, as well as being fresh, light and drained. Bet on clayey and alkaline soil and if possible mix it with some extra drainage since it is not recommended that accumulations of water remain on the ground.
Irrigation
The Rohdea japonica is not a plant that needs constant watering. In fact, in winter it hardly waters, while in spring and summer, although it does water often, you have to wait for the soil to dry out completely. (hence the use of humus so that it also remains moist for longer).
Don't be scared if you ever forget to water it, the truth is that it tolerates drought much better than flooding.
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Since we are talking about a perennial plant, which needs nutrients all year round, it is recommended that it have a constant fertilizer. Or almost.
To begin with, an annual slow release mineral fertilizer would be suitable, Always wear when spring comes.
But, in addition, every two years, you must use a fertilizer of organic matter (manure) to nourish it (unless you transplant it, in which case it is better not if you add new soil).
How to prevent and treat common Rohdea japonica diseases
As for the usual pests and diseases in the Rohdea japonica, the truth is that it is not a plant that is affected much. But it is true that there are some important diseases to take into account:
Lack or excess of light. It will make the sheets whiter (lose their original color) or they will burn. Given this, the solution is easy: put them in the sun if there is a lack of light; or remove them from this if the sun is burning them.
Lack or excess of water. In general, excess water would be more, since this can harm the roots of the plants. In fact, if you notice that the soil is very soggy, the best thing you can do is remove all the soil from the pot (take it out of this one) and put it in a new, dry one, to try to avoid the problem of root rot.
Rohdea japonica propagation: how to multiply this plant successfully
Finally, the reproduction of the Rohdea japonica must be done by division of the plant. This is better to do when it is transplanted, in such a way that you would not have to change the pot, but rather divide it and thus have new seedlings.
As you see, the Rohdea japonica can be a good addition to your garden. It will give you that oriental touch while you will enjoy a plant that will be with you all year round. Did you know her? Do you dare to have it?