White Rain Lily
zephyranthes candida
Also known as: ["Rain Lily","White Zephyr Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial plant known for its delicate white flowers that emerge quickly after rainfall.
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 candida |
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":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter; cactus or bulb-specific potting mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering or when leaves die back; occasional tidying throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; focus on removing dead or unsightly parts without altering plant shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but prefers partial shade in hot regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; indoors, place near an east or west-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pot weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging; amend with grit if soil is too dense.
Temperature
Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering by temperature.
Fertilizing
monthly during growing season (spring to fall), none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a bulb-specific formula for better blooms.
Propagation
Methods
By bulb division or seed; division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs when dormant.
- Replant immediately at the same depth.
- Water lightly until established.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after flowering; sow seeds in spring.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), humid environment with indirect light for seeds; bulbs prefer cooler (60–65°F) conditions after division.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for division; seedlings prefer standard seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage faster germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish in 1–2 weeks; flowering may take 1–2 years after division; seeds take 1–3 months to germinate and several years to bloom.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or trowel, small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Divide only mature clumps; store divided bulbs in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately; keep seedlings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; cut leaves back to the bulb if they turn yellow and die.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim yellowed or damaged leaves as needed.
Tools
Clean scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged parts; avoid cutting healthy green leaves.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after flowering ceases and before dormancy begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the current one with drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; shake off old soil; divide bulbs if necessary; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; necessary to refresh soil and prevent root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Check for crowded roots; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the soil surface is dry to the touch, 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.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause root damage if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors during freezes; mulch soil in-ground plants; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil.
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.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest the bulbs of Zephyranthes candida may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant is not toxic if touched.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of the bulbs by dogs can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. The plant is otherwise non-toxic to dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe bulbs of Zephyranthes candida contain alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects if ingested. The plant is generally considered non-toxic to touch.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do Zephyranthes candida bloom?
A: They typically bloom after rainfall, often multiple times throughout the growing season.
Q: Are Zephyranthes candida toxic to pets?
A: They are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Zephyranthes candida?
A: They thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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