Aztec lily
sprekelia formosissima
Also known as: ["Jacobean lily","Red star of Bethlehem"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with striking red, lily-like flowers that resemble a star or star of Bethlehem.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Sprekelia |
| Botanical Name: | Sprekelia formosissima |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in warm climates, or indoor pot in a bright, sunny location
- 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 added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering, annually.
- Pruning Intensity: Light.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in east-facing windows for ideal light; move to shadier spots during peak summer heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging during dormancy; ensure soil dries between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use cactus or bulb-specific mix; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots drain freely.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates cooler temperatures (down to 50°F/10°C) during dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization to prevent bulb damage; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
By bulb division during dormancy or after flowering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully separate offsets from parent bulb.
- Allow cuts to callous for a day.
- Plant in new pots at the same depth as parent bulb.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, when bulbs are dormant and offsets are mature.
Environment
Warm, dry conditions with indirect light; keep soil lightly moist until new growth appears.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets can be planted immediately; bulbs may take 1–2 years to flower after division.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Ensure offsets have roots before separating; plant at the same depth as the parent; avoid overwatering new divisions.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; remove yellowed or dead leaves as needed.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks to redirect energy to bulb growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Cut spent flowers; remove dead foliage; clean tools before use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after flowering and before dormancy.
Pot Size
One size larger pot, ensuring good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove bulb, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 2–3 years; best when dormant.
Checklist
Check for crowded roots; use fresh soil mix; ensure bulb is not buried too deep.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer); reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in dormant periods (fall/winter).
Soil Improvement
Mix coarse sand or perlite into standard potting soil; add 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
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, leading to reduced growth and potential rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location above 50°F (10°C); ensure soil dries fully between waterings; use a heat mat if necessary.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and premature flowering cessation.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or pebble trays; water early in the day.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season only; water before fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to the alkaloids in Sprekelia formosissima, which can cause mild gastrointestinal issues if ingested. The bulb is the most toxic part and should be kept away from cats.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Sprekelia formosissima can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. The bulb is particularly toxic and should be kept away from pets.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSprekelia formosissima contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The bulb is the most toxic part, containing higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Sprekelia formosissima?
A: Water sparingly during dormancy and moderately during active growth, ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Q: Does the Aztec lily require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Can I grow Sprekelia formosissima indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant but can be grown indoors in a sunny location with proper care.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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