autumn crocus
A fountain-forming cormous perennial with upright deep-green foliage and goblet autumn blooms, suited for garden beds, meadows, and outdoor planters.
Bright LightCompact ScaleFloor PlantToxic to Pets
Ornamental, Medicinalalso known as: colchicum root, fall crocuses
Assessment
Is This For Me?
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Light ExposureinfoIndoor light recommendation based on the plant's native habitat. "Bright indirect" means near a window but shielded from direct rays.
Bright Indirect — Close to a window but out of direct rays.
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Watering HabitinfoHow forgiving this plant is when you miss a watering or accidentally overwater. High tolerance means more room for error.
Low — Water when soil surface is dry.
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Maintenance DifficultyinfoOverall ease of care rating. Beginner-friendly plants communicate their needs clearly through visible signs.
Medium — Needs basic observation skills.
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Spatial RequirementinfoExpected mature size in a typical indoor environment. Actual size depends on light, pot size, and growing conditions.
Compact — Fits a range of indoor spaces.
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Seasonal BehaviourinfoHow this plant's growth changes with the seasons. Use this to adjust your care routine throughout the year.
Spring / Summer Grower — Only actively grows in warm months. Goes quiet in winter — this is normal. May shed some foliage when the season changes.
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Temperature NeedsinfoThis range represents the plant's survival tolerance. Optimal growing temperatures are typically 5-10°C higher than the minimum.
Cool-Tolerant — Standard indoor is warm enough. Tolerates cooler rooms — no special heating needed.
Appearance & Space
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Leaf Size
infoBetween 20 and 50 cm — bold statement leaves. Fiddle-leaf fig and bird of paradise fall here.Large
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Leaf Shape
infoLong and narrow, tapering to a point at both ends — like a lance head. About 3–6 times longer than wide.Lance Shaped
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Leaf Type
infoOne continuous leaf blade, even if it has holes or shallow lobes (like Monstera).Simple
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Visual Form
infoLeaves shoot up from the centre and arc outward like a fountain spray.Upright Fountain
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Foliage Density
infoPartially filled — some gaps but overall good coverage. A natural, balanced look.Moderate
Size Gauge
Height
Compact / Desk (0.3m)
Spread
Narrow (0.3m)
Display Position
Floor, Plant Stand
Perfect for
A variety of indoor spaces
Color Palette
Mid Green
Deep Green
Core Care Logic
01
How Often to Water
Water when top inch of soil is dry
02
Finding the Right Light
Right next to a window, but shielded from direct rays. Look for a spot where you can see the sky but the sun never touches the leaves directly.
03
Choosing the Right Soil
A bag of standard indoor potting mix is all you need. Just make sure the pot has a drainage hole.
04
Temperature & Humidity
Happy in cooler rooms — anywhere between 13–24°C is fine. Avoid placing near radiators or heat vents. Average home humidity (40–60%) works well. No extra effort needed.
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What to Expect
This is a steady, moderate grower — repot every couple of years and mostly takes care of itself. Just remove the occasional yellow leaf.
What Makes It Special
Hysteranthous flowering: flowers emerge from bare ground in autumn (September–October) while leaves appear separately the following spring and die back by early summer; leaves and flowers are never present simultaneously, giving rise to the common name 'naked ladies'.
auto_awesomeSource of colchicine: the alkaloid colchicine is extracted from corms and seeds, used pharmaceutically to treat gout and familial Mediterranean fever, and in plant genetics research to induce polyploidy by doubling chromosome number.
auto_awesomeExtreme toxicity: all parts are lethally toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses due to colchicine content; handling corms can cause skin allergies; one of the most toxic commonly cultivated garden plants.
Botanical Archive
Colchicaceae · Colchicum
Colchicum autumnale L.
Albania, Austria, Belgium
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Botanical Archive
Colchicaceae · Colchicum
Colchicum autumnale L.
Albania, Austria, Belgium
Storage and Survival Organ
Corm
How this plant survives unfavorable seasons
Seasonal Growth Cycle
Seasonal Spring Summer Active
When to expect new growth and feed actively
Clonal Spread
Basal Offsets
How this plant naturally expands in a pot
Root Sensitivity
Low
How carefully you should handle roots during repotting
Attachment Strategy
Terrestrial
How this plant anchors itself in its native environment
Root System
Fine Fibrous
The structure and behavior of the root system
Light Ecology
Dappled Partial
The light environment this plant evolved to thrive in
Growth Habit
Semi Woody
How persistent and structural the plant tissue is