Amazon lily
eucharis amazonica
Also known as: ["Amazonian lily","Amazonian daffodil"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial plant native to South America, known for its elegant white flowers with a fragrant scent.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Eucharis |
| Botanical Name: | Eucharis amazonica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid room
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining potting mix with peat, loam, and perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when dead foliage accumulates.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing only damaged or unwanted growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; move outdoors in spring/summer with partial shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency in winter
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable temperatures; protect from extreme heat/cold.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or bulb offsets; occasionally stem cuttings (less common).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate rhizomes or offsets.
- Plant in fresh soil.
- Water lightly.
- Provide warmth and humidity.
- Monitor for new growth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use water for initial rooting.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can help speed up the process.
Timeline
Rhizome division can take 1–2 months to establish; stem cuttings may take 4–6 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, pots, well-draining soil, rooting hormone (optional), humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Ensure rhizomes have at least one bud; keep soil consistently moist; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut leaves at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance; shape as needed.
Tools
Pruning shears or sharp scissors, disinfectant.
Checklist
Identify dead/damaged leaves; use clean tools; cut cleanly; dispose of clippings; sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for blooming.
Checklist
Check root health; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly post-repotting; monitor for stress.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or browning, stunted growth, bud drop, or wilting.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; use a fan for air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; fertilize during active growth; reduce in dormant periods.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxins in Eucharis amazonica, particularly lycorine. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological effects, requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Eucharis amazonica can lead to significant toxicity due to lycorine and other alkaloids. The bulb is the most toxic part, capable of causing severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicEucharis amazonica contains toxic compounds, primarily lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and mild systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's bulb is particularly concentrated in these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Eucharis amazonica?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring the bulb does not sit in water to prevent rot.
Q: Does the Amazon lily require direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Amazon lily turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency; adjust care accordingly.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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