Butterfly Amaryllis
hippeastrum papilio
Also known as: ["Butterfly Amaryllis","Butterfly Hippeastrum"]
Overview
A bulbous plant with striking, butterfly-like flowers, native to South America.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Hippeastrum |
| Botanical Name: | Hippeastrum papilio |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or sheltered outdoor garden bed
- 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 waterlogged roots.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand; can include orchid bark for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed during flowering and dormancy; typically once after flowers fade and once at the end of the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged parts without drastically reducing foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, position near an east or south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light or partial sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot; 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).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with perlite if soil retains too much water.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C) during active growth; tolerates a cooler dormant period of 50–60°F (10–15°C).
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
By bulb division or seed; bulb division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb.
- Plant in well-draining soil with the top third exposed.
- Water sparingly until roots form.
Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are mature and energy reserves are high (late spring/early summer).
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun until established.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water initially for bulb division.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seed propagation to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulb division: roots establish in 4–6 weeks; seed propagation: germination in 1–3 months, flowering in 3–5 years.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, small pots, well-draining soil mix, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools to avoid infection; plant bulbs with the growing tip upward; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base after blooming; cut yellowing leaves at the base once they are fully dry.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to redirect energy to bulb development; prune foliage only after it has fully died back in dormancy.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers promptly; cut only dead or damaged foliage; sanitize tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before the growing season begins, or after flowering when the bulb is dormant.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the bulb's diameter with drainage holes.
Method
Remove bulb carefully, trim any dead roots, place in a pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and ensure the top third of the bulb is above soil level.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure proper drainage; plant bulb correctly; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage; water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess to avoid waterlogging.
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 dormancy (fall/winter).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; use orchid bark for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to flower in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, inhibiting growth and potentially causing root damage if prolonged.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap in cold climates; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and premature flower bud drop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; ensure adequate air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; flush soil periodically.
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
ToxicHippeastrum papilio is toxic to cats, with ingestion leading to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential cardiac issues. The toxic alkaloids affect the cat's physiological systems, causing distress and discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe ingestion of Hippeastrum papilio by dogs can lead to significant gastrointestinal and cardiac toxicity due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. These compounds can disrupt normal physiological functions in canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicHippeastrum papilio contains toxic alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological effects upon ingestion. The plant's physiological impact includes irritation of the mucous membranes and potential systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Hippeastrum papilio?
A: Water sparingly during dormancy and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during active growth.
Q: Does Hippeastrum papilio require full sun?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is Hippeastrum papilio toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light or part |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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