Haemanthus katharinae, commonly known as the Blood Lily, is a vibrant bulbous perennial from South Africa. Valued for its striking crimson flower heads and large, textured leaves, this plant brings exotic flair to indoor spaces and conservatories. It thrives in bright, indirect light and grows well in containers, making it a standout choice for tropical-themed plant collections.
Read MorePlant Care Essentials:
Plant Profile:
- Scientific Name: Scadoxus multiflorus ssp. katharinae (formerly Haemanthus katharinae)
- Size: 30–60cm
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Temperature Tolerance: Protect below 10°C (50°F); frost-sensitive
- Drought Tolerant: No
- Poisonous To Humans: Yes
- Light Requirements: Semi‑shade to partial shade
- Pruning Month: Not required
- Fruits: Yes
- Tropical: Yes
- Indoor: Yes
- Flower Color: Scarlet‑red spherical umbels
- Plant Origin: South Africa
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Flowering Season: Summer to early autumn
- Poisonous To Pets: Yes
- Edible Fruit: No
Care Instructions:
Blood Lily is one of the showiest members of the Haemanthus genus. Its spherical clusters of blood-red flowers, supported by a stout stem and surrounded by broad, veined leaves, can span up to 25 cm in diameter. ‘Konig’s Albert’, a well-known cultivar, features even more robust, scarlet-red blooms. During dormancy from October to March, watering should be limited as some leaves may naturally fall. With proper care, it remains a long-lived and stunning addition to indoor displays.
Light
Place your Blood Lily in a bright spot with diffused or indirect light. A windowsill with filtered sun or a conservatory setting is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the broad, soft leaves.
Water
Keep the soil lightly moist during the growing season, watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. During the dormancy period (October to March), reduce watering significantly and allow the plant to rest.
Soil
Use a loose, well-drained soil mix rich in organic matter. A combination of potting soil, sand, and compost works well for potted plants.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Protect from cold drafts and avoid exposure below 10°C (50°F).
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity. If grown indoors in dry climates, occasional misting can help maintain ideal humidity levels.
Fertilizer
Feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid feeding during the dormancy period.
Best Placement Ideas
- Conservatories or greenhouses
- Bright indoor shelves or corners
- Near east-facing or filtered south windows
- Tropical or exotic-themed plant groupings
Common Issues
- Leaf drop during dormancy
- Root rot from overwatering
- No flowers if kept too dark
- Bulbs staying dormant if not fed
Things to Watch Out For
- Toxic bulbs (keep out of reach of pets/kids)
- Overwatering in dormancy
- Cold exposure below 10°C
- Salt buildup in pots from over-fertilizing
Propagation Tips
Propagate by separating bulb offsets during the dormant period or from fresh seeds, though seed-grown plants take longer to flower. Use gloves if handling bulbs and always plant offsets in fresh, well-drained soil.
Maintenance Tips
Remove old or yellowing leaves as needed. After flowering, allow the plant to enter its natural dormancy cycle by reducing water and stopping fertilizer. Repot every 2–3 years, or when bulbs become crowded in the pot.
Did You Know?
Despite its tropical appearance, Haemanthus katharinae is one of the few bulbous plants that can successfully adapt to indoor environments. Its brilliant red flowers inspired the genus name "Haemanthus," which comes from Greek for “blood flower.” It has been cultivated in Europe since the early 1900s, particularly the ‘Konig’s Albert’ cultivar, known for its vigorous growth and deep red blooms.
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