PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full to partial sun; tolerates dappled shade in hot climates, but bright light is required for consistent flowering
Watering
Thrives in consistently moist or shallow standing water; avoid allowing the bulb substrate to dry out completely
Temperature
Prefers warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C to prevent bulb damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Long, strap-like glossy green leaves up to 1.5 m long, arching outward from central bulb
- Flower: Umbel of 10–20 trumpet-shaped white blooms with pale pink stamens, producing strong sweet fragrance
- Bulb: Large fleshy underground bulb with fibrous, water-adapted roots
Care Guide
Watering
Keep substrate fully saturated or submerged in 5–10 cm of standing water
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench to support healthy blooming without causing nutrient burnPruning
- Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to bulb growth
- Trim brown or yellowing leaf tips to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent fungal growth
- Divide overcrowded bulb clumps in early spring to promote better air circulation and flowering
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; lycorine exposure leads to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain
Humans: Contains lycorine alkaloids; ingestion causes gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and abdominal cramps
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wetland plant; fragrant cut flower for floral arrangements
