Oxblood Lily Rhodophiala bifida
ABOUT
Rhodophiala bifida, commonly known as the oxblood lily, is a flowering plant that strikingly resembles a miniature lily. This plant typically blooms with a vibrant, deep red color, though in some cases, the petals can range from pink to orange. The oxblood lily's flowers have a funnel-shaped form with flaring tips, giving them a star-like appearance when viewed from above. These flowers sprout from a single, leafless stem, creating a singular and eye-catching display. At the base of the oxblood lily, you'll find narrow, strap-like leaves that are glossy and have a tendency to emerge after the blooming period, providing a lush green contrast to the vivid red of the flowers above. As for the flowers themselves, they are composed of six tepals, which is a term used to describe the segments that form the outer part of the flower when they are indistinguishable as either petals or sepals. The overall aesthetics of the oxblood lily is one of simple elegance and vibrant color that captures the attention in garden settings, especially when planted in clusters, where they can create a carpet of red while in bloom. The visual impact of the oxblood lily is natural yet striking, with a floral display that signals the end of summer and the onset of fall in areas where it is commonly grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae.
Synonyms
Oxblood Lily, Schoolhouse Lily, Hurricane Lily, Rhodesian Lily.
Common names
Amaryllis bifida, Hippeastrum bifidum, Rhodolirion bifidum, Zephyranthes bifida.
ToxicityTo humans
Oxblood lily (Rhodophiala bifida) does not have a well-documented history of toxicity to humans. There is limited or no strong evidence to suggest that this plant poses serious risks upon ingestion. However, with most plants not commonly recognized as edible, caution is advised, and ingestion of any part of the plant should be avoided. If a person suspects they have been poisoned by any plant, they should seek medical advice.
To pets
Oxblood lily (Rhodophiala bifida) is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as cats and dogs. However, due to the general lack of comprehensive information, it is prudent to prevent pets from ingesting this or any unknown plants. Signs of plant poisoning in pets can vary but often include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. If a pet owner suspects their animal has ingested a potentially poisonous plant, they should contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
0.5 foot [15 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Argentina Chile
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Rhodophiala bifida, commonly known as oxblood lily, has attractive, showy red flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought resistance: Oxblood lily is well adapted to dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in regions with water scarcity.
- Low maintenance: Oxblood lilies require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Cold hardiness: Capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, oxblood lily can thrive in a variety of climate zones.
- Propagation ease: Oxblood lilies can easily be propagated from bulbs, allowing gardeners to spread and share the plant with minimal effort.
- Seasonal interest: The plant provides a splash of color in late summer to early fall when many other plants are no longer blooming.
- Attracts pollinators: The vibrant flowers of the oxblood lily are known to attract bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for gardens and the environment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ecological Indicator: Rhodophiala bifida can serve as an indicator species in certain habitats, indicating the health of the ecosystem where it thrives.
- Photography Subject: The striking blooms of the Oxblood Lily make it a popular subject for photographers and garden enthusiasts looking to add vivid imagery to their portfolios.
- Garden Design: Landscape architects and garden designers often use Oxblood Lilies for color theming in gardens, thanks to their deep red flowers.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture educators may use Oxblood Lily as a plant specimen to teach about bulbous plant growth cycles and care.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its edibility, the flowers can occasionally be used as a non-toxic garnish to add color to dishes.
- Bee Forage: Oxblood Lily can provide a late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators in the garden.
- Themed Events: The vibrant red of Rhodophiala bifida can be used in floral arrangements for events with specific color themes, such as Valentine's Day or Christmas décor.
- Bulb Propagation Education: Gardeners might use this plant to demonstrate and learn about propagating plants from bulbs in gardening workshops.
- Dye Source: The pigments in the blooms could potentially be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics or crafts, although not a common practice.
- Time-Lapse Photography: Due to its flowering pattern, the Oxblood Lily is an ideal candidate for time-lapse photography to study and display plant growth and blooming stages.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oxblood Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oxblood Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Overcoming Difficulties: Rhodophiala bifida, commonly known as the Oxblood Lily, often pushes through tough soil or dense groundcover to bloom, symbolizing the ability to overcome challenging situations.
- Renewal: As a perennial that dies back and returns each year, the Oxblood Lily signifies renewal and the cyclical nature of life.
- Survival: The Oxblood Lily is a hardy plant that can survive in hard-to-grow areas, which can represent resilience and survival against the odds.
- Beauty and Strength: Despite its delicate appearance, the Oxblood Lily is tough, representing a combination of beauty and strength.
- Pride: The deep, striking color of the Oxblood Lily's blossoms is often associated with a sense of pride.
WaterOxblood Lily requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist, especially during its active growing season in the spring and summer. Water the plant once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be approximately every 7 to 10 days, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. When watering, use roughly 16 to 24 ounces of water for a medium-sized pot, ensuring you do not saturate the soil to the point of standing water. During the dormant period in late fall and winter, reduce watering significantly and allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.
LightOxblood Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight when grown indoors or dappled sunlight outdoors. The ideal spot for this plant is a location where it can receive at least four hours of direct sunlight, especially in the morning, with some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching.
TemperatureOxblood Lily can tolerate a temperature range from 10°F to 90°F but thrives best when the temperature is consistently between 50°F and 80°F. Protect the plant from extreme cold and frost, as temperatures below 10°F can be detrimental to its survival. It's ideal to keep them in a spot where they are not exposed to harsh winter conditions or excessively high temperatures during the summer.
PruningPruning Oxblood Lily is typically not necessary; however, you can remove dead or faded flowers to maintain its appearance and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. The best time for this light pruning is after blooming, usually in the late summer or early fall. If leaves become yellow or die back, they can also be gently removed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the oxblood lily should be sandy, well-draining, and slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal mixture could include equal parts of loam, sand, and organic compost to provide nutrients and improve drainage.
RepottingOxblood lilies should be repotted every 3-5 years or when they become overcrowded. It's best to repot them after flowering when they are dormant.
Humidity & MistingOxblood lilies prefer moderate humidity levels and do not require high humidity, making standard indoor conditions generally suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for indoor oxblood lilies.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to partial shade and well-draining soil for outdoor oxblood lilies.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleRhodophiala bifida, commonly known as Oxblood Lily, initiates its life cycle when its bulb, lying dormant underground, begins to sprout in late summer or early fall, typically after a heavy rain. The plant rapidly develops a flower stalk bearing a solitary or sometimes a cluster of trumpet-shaped, deep red flowers. After blooming, which may last for a couple of weeks, the flower fades and seeds develop within a capsule, which eventually dries and releases the seeds for dispersal. With the onset of cooler temperatures, foliage emerges in the form of strap-like leaves that photosynthesize and replenish the bulb's energy reserves. The leaves then die back in early summer, and the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hot, dry months. The cycle repeats as the bulb remains dormant until the next favorable season for growth, which is typically triggered by rainfall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: Oxblood Lily, with its botanical name Rhodophiala bifida, is typically propagated by dividing its bulbs, with the best time for this being after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. This commonly occurs in late summer or early fall. To propagate, carefully dig up the clump of bulbs, taking care not to damage them. The bulbs will usually separate easily by hand. Replant the individual bulbs at least 4 inches apart and at a depth that is three times the height of the bulb, which is generally about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) deep. Water the newly planted bulbs well to settle the soil around them. This process will encourage new growth in the following season, leading to more of these vibrant flowers in your garden.
