The Weeping Fae open their curled petals at dusk when the day settles to slumber and close again at dawn. Their name comes from the sepals between each flower petal that resemble a crying face due to their curled shape and dark pigment spots. They are faintly fragrant, prized more for their colour and ornamental value. They prefer loamy, well-nourished land, but tolerate drought well thanks to their hardy tubers that bloom each year on the first full moon. The tubers typically grow only 1 flower, uncommonly 2, and due to the flowers' ease of transplant, collectors love to graft two together to form unusual coloured hybrids!

Practical Uses

Growth cycle

Plants begin their lifecycle as special nodules on an adult plant's tuber, eventually breaking off into its own tuber. They start at a height of 30cm and grow roughly 2cm each year. All plants begin their first bloom with 5 petals, gaining one petal annually, which allows for accurate dating of the flower's age. As they gain petals, the 'head' of the flower grows heavy; most endure for approximately 5 years, reaching 10 petals before the stem can no longer support the weight and breaks off. While these plants do not necessarily die, they are unable to flower any longer, sprouting only leaves each year. Though the flowers appear to perform a vital metabolic function: tubers that lose their flowers typically wither after a few years. Skilled botanists can support the growing flower with scaffolding to reach over 20 petals, though prolonged contact often leads to rot.

Lore & Culture

A very rare mutation in the sepal can result in the 'face' appearing as if it is smiling. These smiling variants are considered bad luck, and superstitious folk may even cull that specific bulb from their garden to prevent misfortune.