Haemanthus coccineus aka Blood Lily

Haemanthus coccineus is moderately easy to grow once you understand its seasonal cycle. The key to success is respecting its summer dormancy period by withholding water, providing bright but filtered light, and keeping it pot-bound. The plant is generally trouble-free when these requirements are met and can thrive for over 30 years with proper care.

Haemanthus coccineus is a slow-growing bulb that typically reaches 30-40cm in height with a spread of around 50cm when mature. The broad, tongue-shaped leaves can grow 40-70cm long and 20-25cm wide. The plant takes approximately 10 years to reach full maturity, but with good care can live for over 30 years.

Haemanthus coccineus can be propagated by seed, offset division, or bulb scales. Seeds must be sown fresh immediately after harvest as they have a short viability period. Press seeds lightly into sandy compost with the top visible and maintain 16-18°C. Offsets can be separated when at least one-quarter the size of the mother plant during dormancy in early winter. Note that removing offsets may delay flowering.

Haemanthus coccineus produces its spectacular flowers in late summer to autumn (February-April in the Southern Hemisphere), typically before the leaves emerge. The flower head consists of 25-100 coral to scarlet flowers surrounded by 6-9 stiff red bracts, creating a striking paintbrush or shaving brush appearance 5-10cm across. To encourage flowering, keep the plant pot-bound, provide a cool rest period, and reduce watering during dormancy.

Haemanthus coccineus thrives in temperatures between 6-25°C (42-78°F) and cannot tolerate frost. The minimum safe temperature is around 8-10°C (46-50°F). During the dormancy period in spring and summer, cooler temperatures around 8°C at night help encourage flowering. In frost-prone areas, grow in containers and bring indoors before temperatures drop below 10°C.

Haemanthus coccineus is a winter-growing, summer-dormant bulb. During autumn through spring when leaves are present, water freely and feed monthly with balanced fertilizer. When leaves begin yellowing in late spring, gradually reduce watering and stop completely during summer dormancy. Resume watering in autumn when new growth appears. Flowers typically emerge before the new leaves in late summer.

Haemanthus coccineus flowers best when pot-bound and resents disturbance, so repot only every 3-4 years or when absolutely necessary. Use deep pots (around 30cm diameter) with excellent drainage. Repot in spring as growth begins, using a well-draining mix of loam-based compost with added grit and perlite. Plant with the bulb neck at or slightly above soil level.

Haemanthus coccineus is generally pest-resistant due to its toxic alkaloids, which deter even moles and mole rats. However, watch for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and snails, especially when grown outdoors. The main disease risks are root rot and powdery mildew, both caused by excessive moisture or poor air circulation. Good drainage and avoiding overwatering are the best preventive measures.

Haemanthus coccineus can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9-11 and Mediterranean climates. In colder regions, it must be grown in containers and brought indoors before frost. Outdoors, plant in well-drained sandy soil in a sheltered spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. In its native South African habitat, it grows on coastal scrub, rocky slopes, and in protected rock crevices.

In its native South African habitat, Haemanthus coccineus is pollinated by sunbirds, noctuid moths, and bees. The striking red flowers with prominent yellow stamens attract these pollinators in late summer and autumn. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into translucent fleshy berries ranging from white to deep pink, each containing 1-3 dark wine-colored seeds.

In traditional South African medicine, fresh Haemanthus coccineus leaves were applied to treat ulcers, sores, and anthrax pustules. A diuretic preparation made from sliced bulb boiled in vinegar and mixed with honey was used to treat asthma. However, the plant contains toxic alkaloids including coccinine, so the margin between medicinal and toxic doses is very narrow. Traditional use should not be attempted without expert guidance.

Historically, the toxic alkaloids in Haemanthus coccineus bulbs were used by South African bushmen as arrow poison. The plant's striking flowers and attractive foliage make it primarily valued today as an ornamental, both as a houseplant and in gardens in suitable climates. Its water-wise nature makes it useful in xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens.

Blood Lily’s native range is Southern Africa.

Blood Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Blood Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

To ensure optimal growth, the Blood Lily prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

The Blood Lily does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

The Blood Lily grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.