Haemanthus (Blood-Lily)

Temperature:
50-60 F

Another very unusual lily-like plant a single thick stalk about a foot high terminates in a ball of thin red spikes, resembling a pincushion. Flower spikes may appear before or after foliage. The tender bulbs like a rich fibrous loam mixed with sand. Do not cover the bulb but leave the top just visible above the soil.

Once established, growth is delayed if roots are disturbed, so plan to grow in the same pot for several years. When growth appears, replace an inch or two of the topsoil with fresh soil. This will be in either spring or fall, depending on the species. Water sparingly at first, but as plant grows, give plenty of water, and liquid fertilizer on a regular 2-week schedule.

After blooming, bulbs become dormant. Withhold most moisture then, allowing just enough to keep bulbs from shriveling.

Recommended:

H. coccineus, scarlet flower in fall before foliage; H-Katharinae, red flower in spring after foliage, evergreen.