Scadoxus membranaceus
Scadoxus membranaceus · Amaryllidaceae
📷 James Steakley · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant scadoxus membranaceus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Membrane-bracted fire lily
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Type
- Bulb
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 30 to 50 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Tropical plant, low hardiness (requires protection)
- Origin
- West and Central Africa
Expert tips
The key tip
Cultive-le en pot plutôt qu'en pleine terre : c'est un bulbe gourmand qui redoute l'humidité stagnante hivernale. Laisse sécher entre deux arrosages en croissance, et réduis drastiquement l'eau d'octobre à février — c'est là que la plupart échouent. Le substrat doit être très drainant (terreaux légers, sable grossier), sinon le bulbe pourrit.
The common mistake
L'erreur classique est de le laisser dans un sol mouillé en hiver ou de l'arroser régulièrement pendant son repos : le bulbe gonfle et pourrit avant même d'avoir le temps de fleurir au printemps.
The pro's trick
Après la floraison, garde le feuillage intact jusqu'à son jaunissement naturel (mai-juin) : c'est lui qui reconstitue les réserves du bulbe. Si tu le coupes trop tôt, tu affaiblis la floraison de l'année suivante. Dès que les feuilles meurent, arrête quasi complètement l'eau.
Seasonal watch
En automne-hiver, surveille l'humidité du pot même si le feuillage a disparu : un substrat détrempé en novembre-décembre tue le bulbe avant le retour du printemps. Attends les premiers signes de croissance (bourgeons qui émergent) pour recommencer à arroser régulièrement.
Care
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the substrate moist but without waterlogging. Reduce watering considerably in autumn and winter, during the bulb's dormancy period. In dry periods, lightly mist the foliage to increase ambient humidity.
Light exposure
Place your Scadoxus in a very bright location, with indirect and warm light. Avoid direct exposure to midday sun rays which could scorch the leaves. Indoors, an east or west-facing window is ideal.
Soil
Use a well-draining substrate, rich in organic matter: a mix of potting soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand. Drainage is critical to prevent bulb rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH works well.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer or one rich in potassium every 3 to 4 weeks during the growth and flowering period. Stop fertilizing once flowering ends and during winter dormancy.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove faded flowers to encourage prolonged flowering. Remove completely dry and yellowed foliage at the end of the season. Avoid cutting active green foliage, as the leaves feed the bulb's regeneration.
Pests and diseases
Watch for red spider mites and mealybugs, especially indoors. Prevent bulb rot by ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding excess moisture in winter. Ventilate the space well to limit fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Scadoxus membranaceus is famous for its pompom-shaped inflorescences, composed of hundreds of small scarlet red flowers. Its genus Scadoxus comes from the Greek 'skiadion' (umbrella) and 'oxus' (pointed), reflecting the characteristic shape of its flowers. Once classified in the Haemanthus genus, it remains highly prized by tropical plant collectors for its spectacular appearance and African charm.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- RamsonsAllium ursinum
- ChivesAllium schoenoprasum
- Sand leekAllium scorodoprasum
- Elephant garlicAllium ampeloprasum
- OnionAllium cepa
- Belladonna lilyAmaryllis belladonna
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.