Butterfly amaryllis Hippeastrum papilio
ABOUT
a robust species producing abundant leafy growth. Flowers are borne 2 or 3 to a stem, to 50cm tall, and have distinctive colouring, the greenish-white tepals strongly streaked and edged with dark red. The lower pair of tepals, widely spread and pointed, suggesting the "butterfly" specific name. This is potentially an evergreen species, unless grown with managed dormancy, and may flower twice a year, in spring and autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Butterfly Amaryllis, Papilio Amaryllis
Common names
Hippeastrum papilio.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Brazil
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Butterfly Amaryllis produces striking flowers that add beauty to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Bloom Period: The flowers of the Butterfly Amaryllis last for several weeks, providing long-lasting visual appeal.
- Container Gardening: It is well-suited for pots and containers, enabling cultivation in limited space areas such as balconies and patios.
- Pollen and Nectar Source: It can serve as a food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies during its bloom time.
- Breeding Programs: The unique appearance of Butterfly Amaryllis makes it valuable for breeding programs aimed at developing new cultivars.
- Gift Potential: Due to its attractive blooms and ease of forcing indoors, it is a popular choice for gifting on occasions like holidays and celebrations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hippeastrum papilio bulbs can be utilized as a source of starch in some cultures, with the starchy content extracted and used similar to other tuberous crops.
- The plant's large, attractive blooms are often used in floral art and arrangements, providing a striking visual element with their unusual patterns and coloration.
- Enthusiasts may breed Hippeastrum papilio with other Hippeastrum species to create hybrid varieties with unique colors and patterns, expanding the range of horticultural offerings.
- The sturdy stems of the plant can be used in teaching botany and horticulture, demonstrating principles of plant structure and growth in classrooms.
- Hippeastrum papilio's leaves can serve as a natural green dye for fabrics, yielding a range of green hues when used in traditional dyeing processes.
- When dried and pressed, the flowers of Hippeastrum papilio can be incorporated into handmade papers to create beautiful and decorative sheets for craft projects.
- The plant can also be employed in landscape photography, providing a vivid and exotic focal point that enhances the aesthetic of natural scenes.
- Hippeastrum papilio can be used as a natural insect attractant in gardens, drawing pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the area.
- In colder regions, the bulbs can be forced indoors during the winter months, providing a burst of color and a reminder of spring during the darker, colder days.
- Elements of Hippeastrum papilio, such as petals or leaves, can be used in creating botanical prints or in the practice of nature-inspired art, like eco-printing on textiles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Butterfly Amaryllis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Butterfly Amaryllis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Butterfly Amaryllis, as it is often called, blooms even in indoor settings, signifying the ability to thrive in different conditions.
- Beauty and Pride: With its striking, butterfly-like petals, the Butterfly Amaryllis symbolizes stunning beauty and a sense of pride in one's allure.
- Rare and Unique: As Hippeastrum papilio is not as commonly found as other amaryllises, it represents uniqueness or something rare and extraordinary in one’s life.
- Transformation: Its common name, Butterfly Amaryllis, and its petal patterns reminiscent of butterfly wings, symbolize transformation and personal growth.
WaterThe Butterfly Amaryllis should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to become dry between waterings. During active growth in spring and summer, this may mean watering approximately every 7 to 10 days with about 16 ounces per watering for a standard pot size. Decrease watering in the fall and allow the soil to dry out completely when the plant is dormant in winter. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so it’s important to ensure the pot has good drainage.
LightThe Butterfly Amaryllis thrives in bright, indirect light. It is best placed in a spot that receives plenty of light but is protected from the harsh midday sun. An east or west-facing windowsill is ideal for providing the necessary light conditions without the risk of scorching the foliage.
TemperatureThe Butterfly Amaryllis prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during its growing season. The plant can survive temperature drops down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should not be subjected to temperatures below that as it can damage the plant. The ideal condition to encourage bloom is keeping it in a cooler spot during the night at around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning the Butterfly Amaryllis is mainly focused on removing spent flower stalks after blooming by cutting them back to about an inch or two inches above the bulb. This should be done immediately after the flowers fade to conserve the plant's energy. Pruning leaves is generally not necessary unless they are dead or damaged, in which case they should be cut back to the base.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Butterfly Amaryllis should be well-draining and fertile, with a mix of loam, perlite, and peat moss or coconut coir to ensure good aeration and moisture retention. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingButterfly Amaryllis should be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when the bulb outgrows its pot. It's best to repot after the blooming period when the plant is dormant.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Amaryllis thrives in average household humidity levels, but it can benefit from increased humidity, ideally between 40% and 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep at room temperature.
Outdoor
Grow in partial shade with protection from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Butterfly Amaryllis, or Hippeastrum papilio, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in moist soil conditions, giving rise to a small bulb. From this juvenile bulb, foliage emerges in the form of strappy green leaves, which photosynthesize to provide energy for growth. With proper care, sunlight, and nutrients, the bulb matures and enlarges over several months to a few years. Once mature, the Hippeastrum papilio bulb initiates a flowering stalk, or scape, which leads to the development of one or several striking flowers with a characteristic butterfly-like appearance. After blooming, the flowers will wither, and if pollination has occurred, seed pods may develop which can burst open to disperse seeds for reproduction. The plant then enters a period of dormancy, where it conserves energy before beginning the cycle again with the emergence of new growth in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Hippeastrum papilio, commonly known as Butterfly Amaryllis, is by division of offsets from the mother bulb. These offsets, also known as 'pups', can be carefully separated when they reach a size of about one third of the parent bulb, often after the flowering season when the plant is not in active growth. The best time to propagate is late summer or early fall. Gently detach the pups with a clean, sharp instrument, making sure each offset has a portion of the basal plate to ensure proper root development. Once separated, allow the offsets to dry for a few days to allow the cuts to callous over, which helps to prevent rot. Then, plant the offsets in well-draining potting mix at a depth of about twice their height. Water sparingly until new growth appears, signifying that they have established a root system. Transplant after a year or two when they become crowded or too large for their pot.
