Also known as April Fool · Smooth Bloodlily
Paintbrush (Haemanthus sanguineus) is an evergreen bulbous perennial native to South Africa, featuring striking clusters of red, paintbrush-like flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce significantly during dormancy.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers daytime temperatures between 18-24°C and slightly cooler at night. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil surface is dry to the touch, but allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during its dormant period in late summer or autumn to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Prune away any dead or yellowing leaves as needed. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Avoid cutting back healthy foliage during the growing season.
Propagate from offsets (bulblets) that form around the base of the parent bulb. Carefully separate these offsets when repotting and plant them in well-draining soil. They will take a few years to reach flowering size.
Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when the bulb appears crowded. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent mix with added perlite.
Do not bury the bulb too deeply; the tip should be at or slightly above the soil surface.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Paintbrush (Haemanthus sanguineus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Haemanthus |
| Species | Haemanthus sanguineus |
Similar in genus Haemanthus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
