Blood lily, Fireball lily
scadoxus multiflorus
Also known as: ["Haemanthus multiflorus","Blood flower"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with a large, spherical inflorescence of bright red flowers atop a leafless stem, native to southern Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Scadoxus |
| Botanical Name: | Scadoxus multiflorus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered garden bed with protection from intense sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; a mix of cactus soil, perlite, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when dead foliage is apparent; no strict schedule required.
- Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to brighter light gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust light exposure seasonally as daylight changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateModerate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for brighter light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix that doesn't retain excess moisture; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots drain freely.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) in dormancy; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heating/cooling vents; maintain stable temperatures during dormancy; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer, none in dormancy
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; match fertilizer to plant's growth phase.
Propagation
Methods
Most commonly by division of rhizomes or bulb offsets; occasionally from seed, though slower and less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully separate rhizomes with at least one growth bud.
- Allow cut surfaces to callous for a day.
- Plant in fresh medium at the same depth as the parent.
- Water lightly and maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is emerging from dormancy and actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix such as a mix of cactus soil, perlite, and a small amount of compost.
Hormone
Not typically required for rhizome division; optional for seed propagation to encourage germination.
Timeline
Rhizome division can produce a new plant in the same growing season; seed propagation may take 1–2 years to establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or pruners, small pots, well-draining soil mix, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Ensure each division has healthy roots and growth points; avoid overwatering new divisions; provide bottom heat if possible to encourage root growth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower stalks at the base; trim dead or yellowing leaves close to the bulb but avoid cutting into the bulb itself.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stalks and dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and vigor.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Remove dead/damaged foliage; cut spent flowers at base; clean tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, with a diameter about 2 inches wider.
Method
Carefully remove the plant from its pot; gently loosen and trim any dead or overcrowded roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, ensuring the bulb is at the correct depth (top of bulb just below soil surface).
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the bulb becomes pot-bound; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle bulb carefully; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains freely from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water is drained to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering significantly in fall-winter dormancy, providing only occasional moisture to prevent complete desiccation.
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 (yellowing leaves) or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf spotting in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, inhibiting growth and potentially causing root damage or fungal infections in damp conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots from cold surfaces; reduce watering in cool conditions to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and premature flowering, stressing the plant and reducing vigor.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; ensure adequate ventilation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicScadoxus multiflorus is toxic to cats, with cardiotoxic alkaloids posing a significant risk upon ingestion. The compounds can disrupt cardiac function and lead to severe systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Scadoxus multiflorus by dogs can lead to severe toxicity due to the presence of cardiotoxic alkaloids. These compounds can cause significant cardiovascular and gastrointestinal distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicScadoxus multiflorus contains toxic compounds, including cardiotoxic alkaloids, which can cause severe physiological effects when ingested. These compounds interfere with cardiac function and can lead to serious health complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Scadoxus multiflorus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Scadoxus multiflorus?
A: Water sparingly during dormancy and moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Scadoxus multiflorus require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates, and can tolerate full sun in cooler regions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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