Kaffir Lily
crinum moorei
Also known as: ["Kaffir Lily","Natal Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with large, fragrant, lily-like flowers and strap-like leaves, native to South Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Crinum |
| Botanical Name: | Crinum moorei |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot, or large container
- 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 to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can use a mix of cactus soil, perlite, and compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once or twice a year after flowering or when leaves yellow.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or discolored foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of direct morning sun is ideal; reduce direct sun in hottest months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; provide shade during intense afternoon sun; indoors, place near an east or south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun; adjust light based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix that dries out between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.
Temperature
Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm conditions; reduce watering in cooler months.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; adjust watering with temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
monthly during growing season, every 2 months in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a fertilizer with micronutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Division of offsets (bulbils) or bulb cuttings; rarely propagated by seed due to slow germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb, allow to callus for a few days, plant in well-draining medium, water sparingly until established.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil, perlite, and coarse sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for bulb cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 months to establish; bulb cuttings can take 3–6 months to root and grow.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife, potting mix, small pots, rooting hormone (optional), humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Ensure offsets have roots before separating; keep soil lightly moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut leaves at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into the bulb itself.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, or scissors; sterilize tools before use.
Checklist
Check for dead leaves, use clean tools, cut at base, dispose of debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 inches wider in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, shake off old soil, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when the bulb is pot-bound or every 3–4 years; avoid frequent repotting as Crinum prefers to be root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, 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 and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for 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 leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, and reduce watering to keep soil barely moist.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water early in the day to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxins in Crinum moorei. Ingestion of the bulb or leaves can result in severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, potentially leading to serious health complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Crinum moorei can lead to severe toxicity due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. These compounds can cause significant gastrointestinal upset and may affect the nervous system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCrinum moorei contains toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological effects when ingested. The bulb and leaves contain alkaloids and other toxins that disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crinum moorei toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Crinum moorei?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially during dormancy.
Q: Does Crinum moorei attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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