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Tahlia geniculata var. ruminoides
Red-stemmed Thalia is native to the West Indies. This tropical plant can be found in cypress swamps where alligators live, hence its common name of alligator flag. It may also be called fire flag.
Typically it grows to five or six feet in height but it can reach eight feet. The large, simple leaves grow on long stalks from it thick rhizome. The broad, lanced- shaped leaves can be up to eight inches wide and more than two feet long. The stems are a dark red, hence its name. The plant produces two bracts that extend above the foliage with many small, lavender flowers hanging from them.
Because it is a big plant, red stemmed Thalia needs a big container. Plant it in a five to 20 gallon container filled with a rich loam. Red stemmed Thalia prefers one to six inches of water covering its crown. Put the container in your pond in the sun or partial shade sheltered from harsh winds. Red stemmed Thalia also does well planted in a bog area. These tropical plants will not do survive our cold winters. If you have the space, they can be overwintered as a tropical houseplant.
Red stemmed Thalia can be divided in the spring or summer. Wash the soil from its roots. Divide the rhizome into sections with leaves and pot as above.
Photograph by Gary Craven
