Queen's Tunic
hippeastrum reginae
Also known as: ["Amaryllis reginae","Queen's Amaryllis"]
Overview
A bulbous plant with large, showy flowers, often cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","fragrant flowers"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Hippeastrum |
| Botanical Name: | Hippeastrum reginae |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or protected outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can use cactus or bulb-specific mix.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; remove dead foliage in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged parts without drastically reducing foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; move indoor plants to a brighter spot incrementally; shield from intense outdoor sun during peak hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateEasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light or partial sun
Rotate pot weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid placing near west-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy potting mix with added perlite
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C) during active growth; tolerate 50–60°F (10–15°C) in dormancy; avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 85°F (29°C).
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding when leaves yellow naturally in dormancy; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division of offsets (bulbils) or bulb scaling.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb.
- Plant in small pots with well-draining soil.
- Water sparingly until established.
Best Time: Spring, after flowering, when new growth begins.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for bulb scaling to encourage rooting.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to mature; bulb scales may root in 4–6 weeks and take 6–12 months to form new bulbs.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow offsets to callous for a day before planting; water only when soil is dry to prevent rot.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim leaves with clean, sharp scissors or shears.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to redirect energy to bulb growth; trim yellow or dead leaves after dormancy to maintain plant health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead leaves; sanitize tools; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., from 6-inch to 8-inch diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a pot 1–2 inches larger with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs are crowded; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; inspect roots; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; discard excess water; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture distribution; water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess to avoid waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer); reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in dormancy (fall/winter).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting despite adequate water.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, inhibits nutrient uptake, and can cause root damage or leaf discoloration in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; avoid placing near drafty windows or cold surfaces.
Hot Stress
Causes excessive transpiration, wilting, and potential leaf scorch; may lead to premature flowering or bud drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or pebble trays; ensure adequate water without overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid dormant period; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); cease fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic alkaloids in Hippeastrum reginae, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The bulb is particularly hazardous.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Hippeastrum reginae can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity due to alkaloid content. The bulb poses the highest risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicHippeastrum reginae contains toxic alkaloids, particularly lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects upon ingestion. The bulb is the most toxic part due to higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hippeastrum reginae toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Hippeastrum reginae?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Hippeastrum reginae require full sun?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light or part |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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