Zulu Lily
cyrtanthus elatus
Also known as: ["African Lily","Candle Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous plant native to South Africa, known for its tall, waxy, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of orange, red, or yellow.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Cyrtanthus |
| Botanical Name: | Cyrtanthus elatus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a protected spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- 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 mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; occasional tidying of foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid drafty windows.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust frequency with seasons.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; use a mix designed for bulbs or succulents.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) during dormancy in fall/winter.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or offsets; occasionally from seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb.
- Plant in small pots with well-draining soil.
- Water lightly until established.
Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are actively growing (late spring/early summer).
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use bulb compost.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to mature; seed propagation can take 2–3 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Ensure offsets have roots before separating; plant at the same depth as the parent bulb; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower stalks at the base; cut yellowed leaves near the base of the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flowers to encourage bulb development; trim yellowed or damaged leaves.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Check for dead or damaged foliage; sanitize tools before pruning; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot that is 1–2 inches wider than the bulb’s diameter.
Method
Gently remove bulb, trim any dead roots, plant in fresh well-draining soil, and ensure the bulb is at the correct depth.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 2–3 years; best when the plant is dormant or just starting growth.
Checklist
Check for root-bound bulbs; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; plant at proper depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering significantly in fall/winter to mimic dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, sand, or coarse grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions; can lead to leaf damage or death in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is well-drained; protect from cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest parts of Cyrtanthus elatus may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The plant is not highly toxic to felines but can cause discomfort and digestive disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cyrtanthus elatus can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's toxins are not highly potent but can cause discomfort and digestive issues in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCyrtanthus elatus, commonly known as the Zulu Lily, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The toxins primarily affect the digestive system, leading to discomfort without severe systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Cyrtanthus elatus?
A: Water sparingly during dormancy and moderately during active growth, ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Q: Does Cyrtanthus elatus require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, depending on climate conditions.
Q: Can I grow Cyrtanthus elatus indoors?
A: It is best suited for outdoor cultivation in temperate to subtropical climates, though it can be grown indoors with adequate light and proper care.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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