Paintbrush Lily
haemanthus deformis
Also known as: ["Paintbrush Lily","Paintbrush Flower"]
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 deformis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, filtered light or sheltered outdoor spot
- 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.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when dead foliage is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf burn; adjust light exposure based on seasonal changes and plant response.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright indirect light, partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy potting mix with added perlite
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of cactus soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but avoid frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature during dormancy.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Reduce fertilizer in dormancy; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or division of offsets; division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent plant.
- Allow cut surfaces to callous for a few days.
- Plant in well-draining soil.
- Water sparingly until established.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing and offsets are well-formed.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use a mix of peat and sand for seeds.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; rooting hormone can be used for cuttings but is rarely needed for offsets.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to mature; seeds may take 6 months to germinate and several years to flower.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Handle offsets carefully to avoid damage; plant at the same depth as the parent; avoid overwatering new plants.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors; cut flower stalks back to the bulb after blooming.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune only dead or damaged parts; avoid cutting into the bulb.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the start of the growing season.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; loosen roots if pot-bound; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the bulb becomes pot-bound; best when the plant is not in active bloom.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; handle bulb carefully; avoid overwatering after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at root zone; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
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; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly during active growth (spring-summer) when top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot; allow soil to dry completely between waterings in dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or wilting leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; flower bud drop in temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage; prolonged exposure to cold may lead to leaf discoloration or necrosis.
Solution: Move plant to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap in cold climates; avoid placing near drafty windows or cold surfaces.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or premature dormancy; may lead to reduced flowering or bud drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; ensure adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with bulb base.
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
ToxicCats are particularly sensitive to the toxins in Haeman thus deformis. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and may lead to more serious systemic effects, requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Haemanthus deformis can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity due to the plant's toxic compounds. The effects can range from mild to moderate, depending on the amount consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHaemanthus deformis contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and irritation upon ingestion. The toxins primarily affect the digestive system, leading to discomfort but not typically severe systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Haemanthus deformis toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Haemanthus deformis?
A: Water sparingly during dormancy and moderately during active growth, ensuring soil is well-drained.
Q: Does Haemanthus deformis attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its bright red flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright indirect light, partial |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
