Few-leaved Paintbrush Lily
haemanthus pauculifolius
Also known as: ["Paintbrush Lily","Few-leaved Haemanthus"]
Overview
A bulbous plant native to South Africa, known for its striking red inflorescence and few leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Haemanthus |
| Botanical Name: | Haemanthus pauculifolius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered 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 root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining mix with coarse sand, perlite, and organic matter.
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 for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
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.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
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 soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand if needed.
Temperature
Prefers 15–25°C (60–77°F); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from drafts; maintain moderate temperatures year-round.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or division of offsets; seed propagation is more common for this species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect fresh seeds or separate offsets.
- Sow seeds shallowly or plant offsets.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining seedling mix or cactus mix with perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; rooting hormone may help with offsets.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–3 months to germinate; offsets root in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, small pots, seedling mix, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for better germination; keep offsets warm and humid until rooted.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower stalks at the base; remove yellowing leaves carefully.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves to maintain appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes pot-bound or every 3–4 years; avoid frequent repotting.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water lightly after 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 between waterings; reduce watering significantly in fall-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; wilting.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; can lead to root rot if soil remains wet in cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil dries faster in cool conditions; protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch; wilting; reduced flowering; may go dormant prematurely.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring-summer; avoid fertilizing in fall-winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Haemanthus pauculifolius may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The bulb and roots are the primary toxic components, capable of causing digestive disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Haemanthus pauculifolius by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The bulb and roots contain compounds that may irritate the digestive tract, causing discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHaemanthus pauculifolius contains toxic compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and irritation upon ingestion. The bulb and roots are the most toxic parts of the plant, containing substances that can disrupt normal digestive processes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Haemanthus pauculifolius toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Haemanthus pauculifolius?
A: Water sparingly during dormancy and moderately during active growth.
Q: Does Haemanthus pauculifolius attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its red inflorescence.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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