Also known as Quarobe
Veltheimia capensis, the Sandlily, is a striking South African bulbous plant featuring tubular, rose-pink to reddish flowers on a tall stalk, blooming in winter.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water thoroughly when dry during growing season, reduce significantly during dormancy.
Well-draining, sandy loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures during growth (18-24°C). Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter (around 10-15°C) if kept dry.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth.
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 potting mix is dry during the active growing season (autumn to spring). Reduce watering significantly during the summer dormancy period, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely.
Overwatering is a common cause of root rot.
Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent seed formation and direct energy back into the bulb. Dead or damaged leaves can be trimmed away at any time.
No significant pruning is usually required beyond removing spent inflorescences and dead foliage.
Propagate from offsets (bulblets) that form around the base of the main bulb. Carefully separate these in late summer or early autumn when repotting.
Plant them in well-draining soil and treat them as you would the parent plant.
Repot every 2-3 years, preferably in late summer or early autumn before new growth begins. Use a gritty, well-draining potting mix.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the bulb, as they prefer to be slightly crowded.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sandlily (Veltheimia capensis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Veltheimia |
| Species | Veltheimia capensis |
Similar in genus Veltheimia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
