Want to grow your Blood Lily collection? You’re in luck! These stunning plants are actually pretty easy to propagate yourself. You can either start them from seeds or—my personal favorite—by dividing the mother plant. Spring is the perfect time to get in there and divide your bulbs.
Here’s the lowdown on how to do it right so your new plant babies thrive.
Growing New Plants by Division
If you’ve been giving your Blood Lily plenty of love and overwintering it properly, you’ll eventually notice little “baby” bulbs (offsets) forming around the main mother bulb. These are your golden ticket to new plants!
Since these bulbs are a bit delicate, keep these tips in mind before you start:
- Timing is everything: Always divide your Blood Lily in the spring. The best way to do this is while you’re already repotting the plant. It saves you work and keeps the plant from getting stressed out twice.
- Don’t overdo it: This exotic beauty doesn’t like to be disturbed too often. Wait at least three years between divisions.
- Size matters: Don’t try to separate tiny shoots. Your Blood Lily should be about 12 inches (30 cm) tall before you think about dividing it. If the plant is too small, it likely won’t survive the move.
- Pick the strongest: Only detach offsets that already have strong, healthy shoots. If a shoot looks weak, it probably won’t produce flowers later on.
How to Plant Your Offsets Like a Pro
Getting your offsets into the soil correctly is the secret sauce to this propagation method.
Here’s how to make it happen:
- Choose the right pot: Grab a container and gently set the bulb inside. Don’t go too big! If your pot is on the larger side, you can actually plant a few offsets together.
- Watch the depth: Fill the pot with soil, but make sure the very tip of the bulb is still peeking out. Be super careful with the roots—they’re fragile and break easily.
- Water lightly: Give them a little drink, but whatever you do, avoid soggy soil. Standing water is the enemy here!
- Find the “Goldilocks” spot: Place your new plant in a bright, warm spot, but keep it out of direct, harsh sunlight. They’re happiest right around 68°F (20°C).
- Keep them indoors: For the first few months, keep your young Blood Lilies inside. They aren’t tough enough for the outdoor elements yet, so a cozy windowsill is your best bet.
- Be patient: From here on out, just treat them like your adult Blood Lilies. It usually takes about three years before you’ll see that spectacular first bloom, but trust me—it’s worth the wait!