Painted Lady
haemanthus albiflos
Also known as: ["Painted Lady","Snow Amaryllis"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with fleshy leaves and clusters of white flowers with yellow stamens.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Haemanthus |
| Botanical Name: | Haemanthus albiflos |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or shaded outdoor garden
- 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, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once a year or when dead foliage is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 4–6 hours/day; tolerates partial shade; adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun; move indoors if outdoor conditions are too harsh.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright indirect light to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust based on season and growth phase.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of cactus soil and regular potting soil; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Ideal 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild fluctuations; prefers cooler dormancy in winter.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Division of offsets or seed propagation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets.
- Plant in new pots.
- Water lightly.
- Place in warm spot.
- Monitor for growth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite or sand).
Hormone
Not required for offsets; optional for seeds to speed up germination.
Timeline
Offsets root in 2–4 weeks; seeds germinate in 4–8 weeks and take months to establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Allow offsets to callous before planting; keep seeds consistently moist; use bottom heat for faster germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead leaves at the base; avoid cutting into healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove only dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess to drain; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly during active growth (spring-summer) when soil is dry to the touch; reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing, wilting, or browning; stunted growth; bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C); can lead to fungal issues.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or drooping; reduced flowering; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring-summer; avoid fertilizing in fall-winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicHaemanthus albiflos is toxic to cats, particularly the bulb and roots, which contain compounds that can induce severe gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects. Cats may be more sensitive to these toxins.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe bulb and roots of Haemanthus albiflos are toxic to dogs, containing compounds that can cause significant gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic effects. Ingestion may lead to more severe symptoms in canines compared to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHaemanthus albiflos contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and irritation upon ingestion. The bulb and roots are the most toxic parts, containing alkaloids that may lead to mild physiological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Haemanthus albiflos toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Haemanthus albiflos?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Haemanthus albiflos require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright indirect light to parti |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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