Tiger Amaryllis
hippeastrum vittatum
Also known as: ["Tiger Lily","Tiger Amaryllis"]
Overview
A bulbous plant with striking, large, trumpet-shaped flowers with distinctive red and white stripes.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Hippeastrum |
| Botanical Name: | Hippeastrum vittatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright location or protected outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can use bulb-specific mix.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when leaves yellow.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light or partial sun
Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak sun hours; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; adjust based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, loamy potting mix with added perlite or sand
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy garden soil; ensure soil dries between waterings; amend with sand if too dense.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F) during dormancy promote better flowering.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during active growth, none in winter
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; switch to low-nitrogen formula post-flowering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or offsets; occasionally by seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb.
- Plant in new pots at the same depth.
- Water sparingly until established.
Best Time: Spring, after flowering, when new growth begins.
Environment
Warm, bright indirect light; moderate humidity.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite).
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to mature; bulbs establish quickly when planted.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Ensure offsets have roots before separating; plant at the same depth as the parent; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base after blooming; trim yellow leaves near the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers and yellow leaves to redirect energy to bulb growth; minimal pruning needed.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged parts; sanitize tools; prune carefully to avoid stem damage.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too deep to avoid waterlogging.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any rotting roots; plant bulb at the same depth with the neck above soil; use fresh well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; encourages better flowering.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; plant at correct depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess to drain; water in the morning to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly during active growth (spring/summer) when top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in fall/winter dormancy; avoid waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or failure to flower.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure good drainage; protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or bud drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use diluted fertilizer; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during active growth; reduce or stop in dormancy; dilute to half-strength.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Hippeastrum vittatum, with ingestion leading to severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The bulb is especially dangerous, necessitating urgent veterinary care to mitigate adverse outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Hippeastrum vittatum can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity due to the presence of lycorine and other alkaloids. The bulb is particularly hazardous, causing significant distress and requiring prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicHippeastrum vittatum contains toxic alkaloids, primarily lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects upon ingestion. The plant's tissues, particularly the bulb, are rich in these compounds, leading to significant physiological disruption if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hippeastrum vittatum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water my Tiger Amaryllis?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially during dormancy.
Q: Does Hippeastrum vittatum require direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in cooler climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright, indirect light or part |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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