Water
Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Reduce watering significantly when the plant is dormant, keeping the soil barely moist.
Overwatering can lead to bulb rot.
Also known as Fire Starter
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Barbados Lily (Hippeastrum puniceum) is an evergreen bulbous perennial native to the Americas, featuring striking red-orange trumpet-shaped flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct morning sun
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
50% intensity
Keep soil barely moist during dormancy
Well-draining, fertile soil
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C during growth
50% intensity
Can tolerate cooler temperatures (10-13°C) during dormancy
Feed during growing season
50% intensity
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Bulbs contain toxic alkaloids.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Reduce watering significantly when the plant is dormant, keeping the soil barely moist.
Overwatering can lead to bulb rot.
After flowering, remove spent flower stalks by cutting them at the base to prevent seed formation, which can deplete the bulb's energy. Remove any yellow or dead leaves as they appear.
No other significant pruning is typically required.
Propagate by offsets (bulblets) that grow around the parent bulb. Carefully separate these during repotting. Alternatively, it can be propagated by seed, though this is slower and less common for home growers.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the bulb becomes crowded. Repot in spring, before new growth begins. Use a well-draining potting mix and plant the bulb with the top one-third to half exposed 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 Barbados Lily (Hippeastrum puniceum)
Where Barbados Lily (Hippeastrum puniceum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Hippeastrum |
| Species | Hippeastrum puniceum |
Similar in genus Hippeastrum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
