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Bomarea

 Please be careful removing your plant from its packaging

Transplanting -- Move it to about a 1 gallon pot, which will hold it for a few months.  You can then move it to its permanent home - about 5-10 gallons, or into the ground in suitable areas.

Soil -- Bomarea likes humus-rich, well-draining soil.  You may use high-quality potting soil mixed with added perlite or pumice rock, for extra drainage.  Use about 2 parts soil to 1 part perlite.  Don't add lime, since Bomarea likes slightly acid soil.

Repot gently to avoid damaging the roots.  Water before transplanting, to keep the soil ball in one piece.  Shade the plant from prolonged sun for a week after transplanting, and don't feed it for 2 weeks.

Climate -- Bomarea is happiest above 40-45 degrees.  The tubers can take several degrees of frost, but it may kill the leaves.  It's best to protect the plant from all frost.

It warmer climates, don't plant it where heat can collect, like against a sunny wall.  Mulch the plant to keep the roots cool and moist.  Avoid using a black pot, which can overheat the roots. Even better, keep the pot shaded.

Light -- Bomarea likes about a half a day of sun.  It can take more sun in cool, coastal areas.  It should be given some protection from strong afternoon sun, especially in warmer areas.

Watering -- Bomarea likes the soil kept evenly moist (but not soggy).  If your tap water is "hard" or high in minerals, i recommend using bottled water or rain water.  If you use a water filter, avoid filters that add sodium to the water, such as some "ion exchange" filters.  

You may use a moisture meter probe, which you can get from most garden and hardware stores for about $5. You simply stick the probe down to the root level and read the dial.  If the dial is about halfway across, it is probably time to water.

Fertilizing --  During periods of active growth, feed every 6 weeks with ordinary, complete fertilizer.  It's normal for a some the older leaves to yellow and die throughout the year, but if it seems excessive, it could be from not enough fertilizer (nitrogen) or under-watering.  Smaller plants do not need that much fertilizer, so be careful not to overfeed them while young.   

Up and away -- Bomarea likes to climb, so give it something to play on, like a trellis, fence, or another plant.  It should ideally be under 1" thick (3 cm), so the shoots can twine around it.  A 6 foot trellis should work, although larger is better if possible.  If the shoots grow too long, wrap them down and around your trellis.  Don't prune the shoots, since the flowers appear from the growing tips.   

The tubers should not be dug up, as this may damage the plant.  The plant can not be propagated by tubers, only by seeds.

Pests to watch for -- Snails and slugs can be a problem in prone areas.  Keep an eye out for other bugs too. 

Feel free to email if you have any questions.

Good growing!

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