Paintbrush Lily
haemanthus coccineus
Also known as: ["Paintbrush Lily","Red Paintbrush Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous plant native to South Africa, known for its striking red inflorescence and strap-like leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Haemanthus |
| Botanical Name: | Haemanthus coccineus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with excellent drainage; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when foliage looks untidy.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates full sun in cooler climates but prefers partial shade in hot regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
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 with sand or grit.
Temperature
Prefers 50–75°F (10–24°C); thrives in cooler conditions; tolerates mild frost but avoid prolonged cold.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent cool temperatures during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a low-nitrogen formula.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or division of offsets; seeds are viable but slow to mature.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or separate offsets.
- Sow seeds or plant offsets in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; rooting hormone may aid offset division.
Timeline
Seeds: 1–2 years to germinate and mature; offsets: several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, small pots, rooting hormone (optional), misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds shallowly; keep offsets warm and humid; be patient with germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune only dead/damaged parts; avoid cutting bulb; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot only when the bulb is pot-bound or every 3–4 years; avoid frequent repotting to prevent disturbance.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; water sparingly post-repotting.
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 directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce or cease watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or browning; stunted growth; bud drop; premature dormancy.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions.
Solution: Ensure well-drained soil; move to a warmer location if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C); reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch; wilting; reduced flowering; may enter early dormancy.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water early morning or late evening; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Haemanthus coccineus may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The bulb and leaves are the primary toxic components, containing irritants that affect the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Haemanthus coccineus by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The bulb and leaves contain compounds that may cause irritation and discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHaemanthus coccineus contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and irritation upon ingestion. The bulb and leaves are the most toxic parts due to their higher concentration of alkaloids.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Haemanthus coccineus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Haemanthus coccineus?
A: Water sparingly during dormancy and moderately during active growth, ensuring the soil does not remain waterlogged.
Q: Does Haemanthus coccineus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its vibrant flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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