Cyrtanthus elatus
TAXONOMY
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusCyrtanthus
Zone9
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Cyrtanthus elatus, commonly known as the Scarborough Lily or Fire Lily, is a bulbous geophyte native to South Africa. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is known for its striking red or pink trumpet-shaped flowers. The plant thrives in subtropical climates and has a dormancy period during which it requires less water.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Amaryllis Elata
Amaryllis Speciosa
Crinum Speciosum
Scarlet River Lily
Amaryllis mexicana
Amaryllis purpurea
Cyrtanthus purpureus
Cyrtanthus purpureus f. albus
Cyrtanthus speciosus
Cyrtanthus speciosus f. albus
Cyrtanthus speciosus f. magnificus
Vallota
Vallota elata
Vallota grandiflora
Vallota purpurea
Vallota purpurea var. magnifica
Vallota speciosa
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Cyrtanthus elatus requires bright, indirect light and moderate temperatures. It prefers a humid environment but can tolerate average household humidity levels. Water the plant when the top layer of soil dries out, but avoid waterlogging. During its dormancy period, reduce watering significantly.Soil
The plant prefers well-draining loamy soil. A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost works well. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent bulb rot. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormancy period.Repotting
Repot Cyrtanthus elatus every 2-3 years or when the bulbs outgrow the pot. Repot during the dormancy period. Use fresh, well-draining soil and a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one.Propagation
Propagate the plant by separating the offsets (bulblets) from the parent bulb during repotting. Plant the offsets in individual pots with well-draining soil. Water sparingly until new growth appears.Pruning
Pruning is not required for Cyrtanthus elatus. Remove spent flowers and dead leaves to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth.Toxicity
Cyrtanthus elatus is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The bulbs contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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