Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period (winter) to prevent bulb rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Scadoxus cinnabarinus, the Forest Fireball Lily, is an African native bulbous plant known for its striking spherical clusters of bright red, star-shaped flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright indirect light
75% intensity
Prefers bright, filtered light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce significantly during winter dormancy.
Well-draining, humus-rich soil
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost and sudden cold drafts.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Bulbs contain toxic alkaloids.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant period (winter) to prevent bulb rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Remove spent flower stalks and any yellowing or dead leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on aesthetics and plant health rather than stimulating growth.
Propagate by dividing the offsets or bulbils that form around the base of the parent bulb during repotting. Alternatively, grow from seed, though this is a slower process and may require specific germination conditions.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the bulbs become crowded. This is best done in spring before new growth emerges. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that allows for some root expansion.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Forest Fireball Lily (Scadoxus cinnabarinus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Scadoxus |
| Species | Scadoxus cinnabarinus |
Similar in genus Scadoxus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
