The Blood Lily (Haemanthus) is a stunning member of the Amaryllis family, which means it can be a bit of a diva. These exotic beauties grow their long stalks and vibrant, “exploding” blooms from a single bulb. If you want to see those show-stopping flowers in your own home, you’ll need to give your Blood Lily a little extra TLC. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered! Here is everything you need to know to grow this exotic gem successfully.
Pick the Perfect Spot
Blood Lilies love a bright spot with plenty of sun or partial shade. However, if you’re keeping yours on a windowsill that gets hit by that intense midday sun, you’ll want to provide a little shade to prevent scorching. Ideally, they like to stay around 72°F (22°C). During the warm summer months, feel free to move your plant outside to enjoy the fresh air!
Timing is Everything
The best time to get your Blood Lily in the ground (or a pot!) is between March and May. Whether you just bought a new bulb or divided one from a friend, make sure to plant it right away so the bulb doesn’t dry out.
Use the Right Soil
To keep a Blood Lily happy, use a compost-based potting mix designed for flowering plants. They prefer soil that is a bit loamy and rich in organic matter (humus). Most importantly, the mix needs to be loose and well-draining so the roots can breathe.
Pro Planting Tips
When working with your Blood Lily, always handle it with a gentle touch.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planting or repotting:
- Don’t choose a pot that’s too large.
- The tip of the bulb must remain above the soil line.
- Press the soil down very gently.
- Keep the soil moist, but never soggy.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location.
Whatever you do, don’t bury the bulb too deep! The “nose” or tip of the bulb should be clearly visible.
The perfect pot should be about 1.5 to 2 inches (4 cm) wider than the bulb itself. To prevent the dreaded root rot, always add a layer of drainage material (like pebbles or leclay) at the bottom of the pot.
If you play your cards right, you’ll be rewarded with exotic blooms from August through September.
How to Propagate Your Blood Lily
The easiest way to get more plants is by dividing the bulbs. You can do this right after the plant finishes its winter dormancy. Simply separate the small “baby” bulbs (offsets) from the main mother bulb. A word of caution: only do this every three years at most. If you do it too often, you’ll stress the plant out and it won’t bloom.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try propagating from seeds. Just a heads-up: this requires a lot of patience! It can take up to three years for a seedling to grow large enough to produce its first flower.
