Amazon Lily Eucharis amazonica
ABOUT
The plant known as Amazon lily is admired for its elegant, glossy green leaves and its delicate, white, daffodil-like flowers. The leaves emerge from a bulb and display a broad, strap-shaped form with a smooth and sometimes slightly wavy edge. The foliage has a graceful, arching habit, creating an attractive glossy green backdrop. The Amazon lily's stunning flowers are borne on tall stems that rise above the foliage. The blooms are composed of several star-shaped flowers with a central cup, and they possess a delightful fragrance which can add a sweet scent to the surrounding area. The overall look of this plant is a lush and tropical one, and it typically thrives in environments that mimic the warm and humid conditions of its native rainforest habitat.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Amazon Lily, Eucharis Lily, Amazonian Eucharis
Common names
Eucharis grandiflora, Caliphruria hartwegiana, Caliphruria korsakoffii, Eucharis candida, Eucharis sanderi, Eucharis mastersii.
ToxicityTo humans
The Amazon Lily is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant could lead to mild symptoms, including irritation of the mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to keep in mind that reactions can vary based on individual sensitivity, and if significant ingestion occurs or symptoms persist, seeking medical attention is advisable.
To pets
Amazon Lily is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, it can experience symptoms such as vomiting, hypersalivation, oral irritation, and difficulty swallowing. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause these adverse reactions. If you suspect your pet has ingested Amazon Lily, you should contact a veterinarian. Prompt treatment will help reduce the risk of serious health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
11
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: The plant features large, glossy green leaves and striking white flowers, making it a beautiful addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.
- Low maintenance: Amazon lily is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and accommodating various light conditions.
- Long blooming period: With proper care, the plant can produce flowers multiple times a year, providing a long-lasting display.
- Humidity tolerance: It thrives in humid conditions, making it suitable for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels are higher.
- Non-toxic to pets: Amazon lily is not known to be toxic, which makes it safe to keep around pets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eucharis amazonica, commonly known as the Amazon Lily, can be used in cut flower arrangements due to its attractive blooms and longevity when cut.
- The plant's large glossy leaves can add a tropical aesthetic to floral designs, serving as a rich green backdrop for more colorful flowers.
- Amazon Lily can be utilized as a natural humidifier, as it releases moisture into the air through the process of transpiration.
- The bulbs of the Amazon Lily can be shared or gifted to other gardeners, as they can be divided and replanted to propagate new plants.
- Eucharis amazonica can serve as an educational tool for botanical studies, providing a live example of bulbous plant growth and asexual reproduction.
- Due to its origins in South America, it can be incorporated into themed gardens that aim to represent the Amazonian flora or tropical biodiversity.
- This plant can be used in photography, offering a lush and exotic backdrop for portraits, product photography, or macro shots of its flowers.
- Amazon Lily is sometimes used in ceremonial floral décor, such as at weddings or religious events, symbolizing purity and tranquility.
- For hobbyist plant breeders, Eucharis amazonica can be a candidate for hybridization projects to create new varieties with unique floral characteristics.
- The fragrance of the Amazon Lily's flowers can subtly scent a room, providing a natural and delicate alternative to artificial air fresheners.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Amazon lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Amazon lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charm: Often referred to by its common name, the "Amazon Lily," Eucharis amazonica encapsulates enchantment and a beguiling beauty that is characteristic of the exotic biodiversity of the Amazon where it is prevalent.
- Purity: The Amazon Lily's pristine white blossoms symbolize clarity and purity, echoing the innocent allure of its delicate form.
- Peace: The gentle appearance of the Amazon Lily can convey a sense of peace and tranquility, reminiscent of a serene and undisturbed habitat.
- New Beginnings: As a flowering plant that can bloom several times a year, the Amazon Lily represents renewal and the start of new phases in life.
- Fertility: Given its lush and frequent blooms, the Amazon Lily can also be considered a representation of fertility and the flourishing of life.
WaterThe Amazon lily should be watered once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once every week or two, although this can vary based on environmental conditions. The method involves watering the plant thoroughly, allowing water to penetrate deep into the roots without excess water standing in the saucer. Generally, one to two gallons of water should be given at each watering, ensuring that the entire root ball is moistened. During winter months, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks.
LightAmazon lilies prefer bright, indirect light away from direct sunlight which can scorch their leaves. The best spot for these plants would be near a window with sheer curtains, where they can receive diffused sunlight throughout the day. They can tolerate some shade, but too little light may hinder their blooming.
TemperatureAmazon lilies thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. These tropical plants can survive a minimum temperature of about 50°F and should not be exposed to temperatures below this threshold. They perform best if not subjected to temperatures over 90°F.
PruningPruning Amazon lilies is typically done to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower stalks, which encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking tidy. The best time to prune is after a flowering cycle has completed. They don't require frequent pruning; doing so as needed is generally adequate for maintaining plant health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAmazon lily prefers a rich, well-draining potting mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sand or perlite is ideal for ensuring adequate drainage and fertility for healthy growth.
RepottingAmazon lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or once it becomes root-bound. Gently separate clusters if needed during repotting to encourage rejuvenation and more vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingAmazon lily thrives in high humidity, ideally around 60-70%. Maintaining these humidity levels helps to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Grow in shade, shield from direct sun, keep moist.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Amazon Lily (Eucharis amazonica) begins with seed germination, which is relatively rare and slow, so many gardeners propagate through offsets. The plant produces basal rosettes of wide, glossy, dark green leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in length. This evergreen perennial enters a growth phase in favorable conditions, typically exhibiting a surge in leaf development. The Amazon Lily then initiates the flowering stage, developing fragrant, star-shaped white flowers atop tall stems, mainly in late winter or early spring, but sometimes also intermittently throughout the year. After pollination, which is infrequent under cultivation, the flowers may develop into fruit containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Over time, Eucharis amazonica will naturally produce clumps by forming offsets, which can be separated and replanted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Amazon lily, known scientifically as Eucharis amazonica, can be propagated effectively through division, which is generally done in spring or early summer when the plant is not in active bloom. This popular method involves carefully separating the offsets, which are the small, baby bulbs that form at the base of the parent plant. To propagate, one should gently remove the plant from its pot and brush off the excess soil to reveal the bulb and attached offsets. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, the offsets can be cut away from the mother bulb, making sure each offset has some roots attached. After separation, the offsets should be allowed to dry for a day to callous the cuts. Once dried, they can be potted into individual pots with well-draining potting mix and watered in to settle the soil around the roots. The new pots should be kept in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight until new growth appears, indicating successful propagation.
