Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period in late summer or autumn, keeping the soil barely moist.
Also known as African Wonder Flower · Cape-Lily · Chincherinchee
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Ornithogalum thyrsoides produces clusters of star-shaped white flowers with green centers, often used as cut flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but tolerates light shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in dormancy.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C during the growing season. Can tolerate cooler conditions during dormancy.
Low
25% intensity
Feed lightly during the growing season; avoid fertilizing dormant bulbs.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Sap may cause skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period in late summer or autumn, keeping the soil barely moist.
Remove spent flower stalks at the base once flowering is complete. This prevents seed formation and directs energy back to the bulb for future blooms.
Cut back yellowing foliage only after it has fully senesced, usually in late summer.
Propagate by dividing crowded clumps of bulbs in late summer or early autumn as they begin to regrow. Plant the divisions about 5-10 cm deep in well-draining soil. They can also be grown from seed, sown in autumn.
Repot bulbs every 2-3 years in late summer or early autumn, just as new growth begins. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Choose pots that are only slightly larger than the bulb cluster to avoid excessive moisture retention.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Ornithogalum Thyrsoides (Ornithogalum thyrsoides)
Where Ornithogalum Thyrsoides (Ornithogalum thyrsoides) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Ornithogalum |
| Species | Ornithogalum thyrsoides |
Similar in genus Ornithogalum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
