Cyrtanthus bicolor, the Curved Firelily, is a striking South African bulbous plant featuring vibrant red and white tubular flowers, blooming primarily after fires.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright
75% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Well-drained soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers 18-24°C during growing season; cooler (10-15°C) during dormancy.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during active growth with diluted liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
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 during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly during dormancy to prevent bulb rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, as bulbs are susceptible to fungal diseases.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent seed formation. Remove yellow or dead foliage only after it has naturally withered and turned brown, typically after flowering or during dormancy.
This helps the plant store energy.
Propagate by offsets or bulbils that form around the parent bulb. Carefully separate these when repotting. Seeds can be sown, but this method is slower and less common for home growers.
Allow bulbs to mature before dividing.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the bulbs become crowded. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a sandy loam. Repot after flowering, usually in late summer or early autumn, before new growth begins.
Ensure the bulb neck is just at 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 Curved Firelily (Cyrtanthus bicolor)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Cyrtanthus |
| Species | Cyrtanthus bicolor |
Similar in genus Cyrtanthus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
