Rain lily Zephyranthes candida
ABOUT
Zephyranthes candida, commonly known as the rain lily or fairy lily, is a perennial bulbous plant noted for its elegant and dainty appearance. It has slender, grass-like foliage that is glossy and bright green, forming a clump of linear leaves. The flowers emerge on slender, hollow stems above the foliage. The blooms are white, trumpet-shaped with six pointed petals, and have a delicate and graceful look, often likened to crocus flowers. They are known to appear after heavy rainfall, lending the plant its common name. The foliage and flowers of the rain lily make it a popular choice for gardens and borders, offering a fresh and clean presence in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
White Rain Lily, Autumn Zephyrlily, White Zephyr Lily, Peruvian Swamp Lily, White Fairy Lily
Common names
Amaryllis candida, Atamosco candida, Zephyranthes texana.
ToxicityTo humans
Rain lily, also known as Zephyranthes candida, is not typically considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it is still not advisable to ingest any part of the rain lily, as individuals may have varying sensitivities or allergic reactions that could cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other mild symptoms. It is always best to keep plants out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
To pets
Rain lily, the common name for Zephyranthes candida, is generally not known to be toxic to pets. While ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to non-specific irritation, there are no widely recognized toxic components in the rain lily that would suggest serious harm or specific symptoms of poisoning in pets from incidental ingestion. Nevertheless, it is prudent to monitor pets and discourage them from eating non-food plants, as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Spread
1 foot [0.3 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Argentina
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Zephyranthes candida, commonly known as Rain Lily, adds beauty to gardens with its delicate white flowers that resemble crocus blooms.
- Low Maintenance: Rain Lily requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of soils and requiring little pruning or special treatment.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite resistant to drought, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Rapid Growth: Rain Lily bulbs spread quickly, filling in garden spaces and providing ground cover without the need for frequent replanting.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- User-Friendly for Beginners: Its ease of care makes Zephyranthes candida an excellent choice for novice gardeners seeking to cultivate flowering plants.
- Versatile Landscaping: The Rain Lily can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, and rock gardens, offering a variety of landscaping uses.
- Naturalizing Habit: Zephyranthes candida tends to naturalize in favorable climates, creating a charming, wildflower look in meadows and open areas.
Medical Properties- Antipyretic: Zephyranthes candida has been used traditionally to reduce fever.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant is believed to have properties that help in reducing inflammation.
- Diuretic: It is thought to promote the production of urine, aiding in the elimination of excess fluids from the body.
- Analgesic: There are claims that the plant may possess pain-relieving properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zephyranthes candida, commonly known as Rain Lily, can be used to create a living mulch in garden beds, suppressing weeds with its dense foliage.
- In landscaping, Rain Lily bulbs can be planted in turf grass to provide seasonal color when the grass is dormant, as they bloom after heavy rains.
- The plant is valuable for its ability to thrive in wet soils, making it an ideal species for rain gardens and areas that are temporary wetlands.
- The dried seed pods of Rain Lily can be used in floral arrangements and crafts for their unique appearance.
- Rain Lily's quick proliferation makes it an excellent candidate for ground cover in large areas where low-maintenance vegetation is desired.
- Because of its attractiveness to pollinators, the Rain Lily serves as a beneficial addition to butterfly and bee gardens.
- The plant's ability to naturalize in suitable climates allows it to be used for erosion control on slopes and riverbanks.
- Zephyranthes candida can be used in education as a model plant to study bulb growth and floral response to rain in botany courses.
- The species can also be used for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation.
- In pond or waterside plantings, the Rain Lily provides a soft edge transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments, attracting wildlife with its blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rain Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rain Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Zephyranthes candida, commonly known as the Rain Lily, often blooms following rainstorms, symbolizing new beginnings and hope as it heralds the arrival of clearer skies.
- Purity: With its clean white flowers, the Rain Lily is frequently associated with purity and innocence, much like the way rain can cleanse the atmosphere.
- Renewal: The growth cycle of the Rain Lily, with its tendency to lie dormant until the rains come, symbolizes renewal and the idea that life can begin anew after a period of latency or difficulty.
WaterRain lilies, as Zephyranthes candida is commonly known, should be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to mimic their natural rain cycle preferences. During active growth in warmer months, they may require watering once every week with approximately one gallon of water per square yard of soil, depending on climate conditions. In winter, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks as their growth slows down. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent water logging, which can lead to root rot.
LightRain lilies thrive in full sunlight to partial shade, with a preference for a minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot would be a south-facing window if grown indoors or an open area that receives ample sunlight when planted outdoors. They can also adapt to bright indirect light, which makes them versatile in different garden settings.
TemperatureRain lilies are comfortable in a temperature range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which are their ideal growing conditions. They can survive minimum temperatures down as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Consistency in temperature without extreme fluctuations is best to prevent stress to the plant.
PruningPruning rain lilies is usually done to remove spent flowers and to keep the appearance tidy. It's best to prune after they have finished flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. Prune only the dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower stalks, which encourages new growth and more blooms in the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRain lily thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best soil mix would be equal parts of loam, sand, and peat for optimal drainage and nutrient retention.
RepottingRain lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they become crowd in their current container. This helps to replenish the soil nutrients and provide space for growing bulbs.
Humidity & MistingRain lily prefers moderate to high humidity levels. The best humidity level for this plant is between 60% and 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place rain lily in bright, indirect light, and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant rain lily in sunny spot, protect from harsh frost.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleZephyranthes candida, commonly known as the white rain lily, begins its life cycle as a seed, which will germinate when conditions are favorable, typically in moist soil. The seedling emerges and grows into a vegetative plant, developing narrow, grass-like leaves. This perennial produces bulbs, which are underground storage organs, allowing the plant to survive adverse weather conditions or periods of dormancy. Under suitable conditions, which often follow rain, the white rain lily will produce flowers - delicate, white, and trumpet-shaped blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. After pollination, these flowers will develop into capsules containing seeds, which when mature, are dispersed into the environment to begin the cycle anew. During its life, the white rain lily will often multiply by producing offsets, small bulbs that can be separated from the parent to produce new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Zephyranthes candida, commonly known as the Rain Lily, is typically propagated through division since it produces offsets which can be easily separated. This popular method is best carried out in late spring or early summer after the plant has finished flowering for the season. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of Rain Lilies, ensuring to minimize root disturbance. Gently separate the offsets from the parent plant; each offset should have its own set of roots. Replant the offsets at the same depth they were growing at before, spacing them about 3 inches (approximately 7.5 centimeters) apart to allow space for growth. Keep the soil moist until the newly planted offsets establish themselves and resume regular cultivation practices for the Rain Lily once they show signs of new growth.
