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Impala lilies must be the most popular plant sold at Skukuza Nursery!

I must just ad a short warning: They do not like wet feet! Ensure that they are well drained, and not watered too often. They do tend to rot when wet for too long.

My water bill ensures that I don't water too often

I saw the most beautiful Impala Lilies close to Olifants gate on my last visit. They were growing on what looked to be fairly barren soil.

What I am curious about is the quality of the soil needed. The previous owners of my house had a small children's playground in a sunny elevated piece of ground. Because it is elevated most water drains away, leaving it fairly dry even in rainy periods. However, it also drains away minerals and top soil.
So far, not even my dogs want to do their doggy doos there. I have been thinking that it is possibly ideal for Impala Lilies, but could they deal with such very poor soil.

MM that does sound like the best spot for them. They do however need feeding in the form of fertiliser. The important thing is that the soil must be well-drained and be kept dry in winter when the plant is dormant. Here's a link, look at the section on growing impala lilies - Impala lily on plantzafrica

Thanks Senyetse

I often use nitrosol or some other water based fertilizer for them every now and then .

Hi everyone,

I am no gardening expert so please do not be mistaken!

It is quite a challenge for me to successfully grow unusual plants like the Impala and Kudu lilies. After quite a few attempts at it - at last - I have happily surviving plants!

My advise will be to rather plant them into pots first instead of straight into the garden. Try to simulate their natural environment as close as possible. If you notice a negative change in the plant it is easy to rethink and move the pot.

I am proud to say the I have a Pachypodium namaquanum (elephant's trunk ( Eng. ); halfmens (Afr.) ) and two Gloriosa superba (Flame lily) plants growing happily in Johannesburg. Next I would like to try my hand at Welwitschia mirabilis, so if anybody know where I can get seed from, please let me know.

Hi jenb - contact the SA National Biodiversity Institute, they used to sell Welwitchia seeds.http://www.sanbi.org/

Thanx Senyetse, I've sent them an e-mail and will let you know if I have success!