Blood Lily Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. katherinae
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Blood Lily is a striking and exotic bulbous plant. It has a glossy, deep green foliage that provides a lush backdrop for its most captivating feature, the flower head. The flower head is a large, spherical cluster of numerous small flowers, which are striking with their bright scarlet to orange-red color. This globe of fiery blooms sits atop a sturdy, leafless stem, making it appear as if it is floating above the green leaves. The individual blooms radiate outward from the center of the sphere, creating a starburst pattern. In contrast to the vivid flowers, the Blood Lily's leaves are wide and strap-shaped, with a smooth and sometimes wavy edge, providing a dramatic and tropical appearance to the plant's overall aesthetic. The allure of the Blood Lily is not just in its bold flower head; its inflorescence can attract various pollinators to the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Katherine Wheel, Blood Lily, Poison Root, Saint John's Lily, Powderpuff Lily, Oxblood Lily.
Common names
Haemanthus katharinae Baker, Haemanthus multiflorus Martyn, Scadoxus multiflorus (Martyn) Friis & Nordal
ToxicityTo humans
The Blood Lily is considered toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids along with saponins. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, it can lead to an irregular heartbeat or respiratory difficulties due to its cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects. It is essential to handle this plant with care and ensure that it is kept out of the reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
The Blood Lily is also toxic to pets. Its alkaloids and saponins can be harmful if ingested by animals such as cats and dogs. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, abdominal pain, and even possible seizures. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac problems or central nervous system depression. It is important to keep Blood Lily away from pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Blood lily, with its striking globe-shaped flower, can serve as an ornamental focal point in gardens and indoor spaces.
- Easy to Grow: It's a relatively low-maintenance plant that doesn't require expert gardening skills, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Bulb Propagation: Blood lily can be easily propagated through division of bulbs, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's drought-resistant, making it ideal for xeriscaping and for gardeners in arid climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that are beneficial to the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest in the garden when it bursts into bloom, typically in the spring or summer.
- Low Pest Risk: Blood lily is relatively resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. katherinae, commonly known as Blood lily, can be used in sacrificial rituals in some traditional African cultures, where the brightly colored flowers may be associated with spiritual significance.
- The Blood lily's striking appearance makes it an ideal subject for botanical art and photography, often used to teach about plant structure and symmetry.
- In tropical and subtropical landscaping, the Blood lily is used for seasonal color due to its vibrant inflorescences that add visual interest to garden designs.
- The large, showy flowers of the Blood lily can be used as a natural dye source, providing pigments for fabrics and crafts.
- Educationally, the Blood lily can be part of school projects on biodiversity and conservation, highlighting the importance of protecting rare plant species.
- Due to its unique appearance, the Blood lily can serve as a symbol in logos and branding for businesses related to floriculture or horticulture.
- In floral arrangements, the long-lasting cut flowers of the Blood lily provide an exotic and tropical flair for special events.
- The bulb of the Blood lily can be used in botanical studies as a research subject to understand storage organ development and physiology.
- As a collector's plant, the Blood lily is sought after by exotic plant enthusiasts for personal greenhouses or specialty botanical collections.
- The Blood lily is sometimes used in fantasy literature and media as a representation of exotic or magical flora due to its dramatic appearance and rarity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blood Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blood Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: Blood Lily, as Scadoxus multiflorus is commonly known, is often associated with exotic beauty due to its striking, bright red, spherical blooms which are unusual and eye-catching.
- Daring and Boldness: The prominent and vivid appearance of the Blood Lily flower can symbolize a daring nature or a bold action, as it makes a strong visual statement in any setting.
- Resilience and Survival: Blood Lily, being a bulb plant that can endure through tough conditions and reemerge year after year, may represent resilience and the ability to survive through hardship.
- Passion and Love: The deep red color of the Blood Lily is commonly linked to strong emotions, particularly love and passion, drawing a parallel with its intense hue and the fervor of romance.
- Mystery and Surprise: Since Blood Lilies can suddenly bloom after periods of dormancy, they may symbolize the unexpected or the mysterious unfolding of events.
WaterThe Blood Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Generally, this may mean watering once every 5-7 days, depending on environmental conditions. Use lukewarm water and apply it directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the leaves or the bulb. During the active growing season in spring and summer, a Blood Lily might need approximately 1 gallon of water every week, but always adjust based on the soil moisture.
LightThe Blood Lily flourishes best in bright, indirect light. A spot near a north or east-facing window, where it can receive some morning light but is shielded from harsh, direct afternoon sun is ideal. Avoid placing it in full shade or direct sunlight, both of which can harm the plant.
TemperatureThe Blood Lily prefers warm temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, making it unsuitable for cold outdoor environments. To encourage blooming and healthy growth, maintain a comfortable room temperature and protect the plant from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
PruningPruning the Blood Lily is typically limited to removing yellowed or dead leaves and spent flower stalks. This encourages the plant to redirect its energy to new growth and bloom production. Pruning is best done after the flowering period, usually in the late summer or early fall. Occasionally, you can also trim away any damaged or diseased parts of the plant as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Blood Lily requires a well-draining soil mix consisting of one part peat, one part loamy soil, and one part sand or perlite. A pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for this bulbous plant.
RepottingBlood Lilies should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and renew the soil, ideally during their dormant period.
Humidity & MistingBlood Lilies thrive in high humidity conditions, generally above 60%, mimicking their native tropical environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Blood Lily in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Blood Lily in partial shade, protect from cold, in rich soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleScadoxus multiflorus subsp. katherinae, commonly known as the Blood Lily or Katherine Wheel, begins its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the dry season. Upon the arrival of the wet season, the bulb sprouts and produces a stem, with lush green leaves unfolding to photosynthesize and gather energy. Following the development of the foliage, the plant's most striking feature, a large spherical inflorescence composed of numerous small red or reddish-orange flowers, emerges on a tall stalk above the leaves. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers give way to berry-like fruits, which contain seeds. Once the fruits mature, they disperse seeds into the surrounding environment, where they can germinate and grow into new bulbs when conditions are favorable. The adult plant then enters a period of dormancy once again as the dry season approaches, with the bulb surviving underground until the next wet season initiates a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Blood Lily (Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. katherinae) is through division of its bulbs. This is typically done during the dormant period, which falls after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer or early fall. Careful separation of the offsets, which are smaller bulbs that develop at the base of a mature bulb, allows new plants to be produced. It is crucial to keep the offsets attached to the main bulb until they have developed a good root system. Once separated, the offsets should be planted immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters). The newly planted bulbs should be watered well and allowed to establish in a warm, well-lit environment, avoiding direct sunlight, in preparation for the next growing season.
