Pink Rain Lily
zephyranthes rosea
Also known as: ["Pink Fairy Lily","Rose Rain Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with delicate pink flowers that emerge quickly after rain showers, native to South America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Zephyranthes |
| Botanical Name: | Zephyranthes rosea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- 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 bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; cactus or bulb-specific potting mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; clean up foliage in late fall or early winter.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but prefers filtered light in hot regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct midday sun; rotate pot for even growth; provide dappled shade in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter; adjust frequency based on season and rainfall.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid waterlogged soil; use gritty amendments; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); can tolerate cooler nights but avoid prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C).
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
monthly during growing season, none in dormancy
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb burn; apply after watering to prevent root damage; stop fertilizing when bulbs go dormant.
Propagation
Methods
By bulb division or seed; division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- For bulbs: dig carefully, separate offsets, replant at proper depth.
- For seeds: sow shallowly, keep moist, provide warmth.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after flowering; sow seeds in spring for slow germination.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions for bulbs; bright indirect light for seeds; protect from extreme temperatures.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for bulb division; standard seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly within weeks; seeds may take several months to germinate and years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Divide only when bulbs are crowded; water bulbs well after replanting; be patient with seed propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; cut yellowed leaves near the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; trim yellowed foliage in fall.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim damaged leaves; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the current one; ensure bottom drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs, remove old soil, inspect for rot, replant at twice their diameter depth in fresh, well-draining mix.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 2–3 years; best when plants are dormant or just entering growth phase.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check bulb health; plant at correct depth; 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 at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering in fall/winter to near-drought conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to heavy soils; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to flower in cold stress; mushy bulbs in overly wet cold conditions.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause bulb rot if soil remains wet; may enter dormancy in colder climates.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during freezes; mulch heavily in ground plantings.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause foliage to scorch, reduce flowering, and increase water demand; bulbs may go dormant to conserve energy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency during heatwaves; ensure good air circulation to reduce humidity stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicThe bulbs of Zephyranthes rosea are toxic to cats, containing alkaloids that can cause significant gastrointestinal and systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant is non-toxic when handled externally.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulbs of Zephyranthes rosea are toxic to dogs due to the presence of alkaloids, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity if ingested. The plant is generally non-toxic when touched.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Zephyranthes rosea contain alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects if ingested in significant quantities. The plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans when handled externally.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do Zephyranthes rosea bloom?
A: They typically bloom after rain showers, often in the summer and fall months.
Q: Are Pink Rain Lilies toxic to pets?
A: They are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Do Pink Rain Lilies require full sun?
A: They prefer full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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