Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Scadoxus cyrtanthiflorus, the Rwenzori Bloodlily, is a striking bulbous perennial native to East Africa, producing vibrant red, spherical flower clusters atop tall stems.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, filtered light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, reduce in winter.
Well-drained, humus-rich soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost and extreme cold.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic.
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 its dormant period in winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent bulb rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Remove spent flower stalks at the base once flowering has finished to encourage further blooms and prevent seed production, which can deplete the bulb's energy. Trim any yellowing or dead foliage as it appears to maintain a tidy appearance.
Propagate by offsets (bulblets) that grow around the main bulb. Carefully separate these in spring when repotting, ensuring each has at least one small bulb and a few roots.
Pot them in a well-draining mix and keep lightly moist.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the bulb outgrows its container, typically in spring before new growth begins. Use a 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 Rwenzori Bloodlily (Scadoxus cyrtanthiflorus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Scadoxus |
| Species | Scadoxus cyrtanthiflorus |
Similar in genus Scadoxus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
