Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Broad, strap-like green leaves with smooth margins, emerging after flowering
- Flower: Dense spherical umbel of bright red, star-shaped florets atop a thick fleshy stem
- Bulb: Underground tunicate bulb storing water and nutrients for dormancy
Care Guide
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering as flowering ends
Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Use a low-nitrogen feed to support bulb health and flowering
Banana peel compost tea:Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid pest infestations and odor- Remove spent flower stems at the base after blooming to redirect energy to bulb growth
- Trim yellowing leaves at the base once they die back naturally during dormancy
- Repot overcrowded bulbs in early spring; avoid disturbing the bulb’s root system excessively
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy
Humans: Contains lycorine alkaloids; ingestion causes mild gastrointestinal upset; sap may irritate skin
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes dramatic vibrancy in tropical garden design
Usage: Ornamental flowering plant for indoor containers or shaded outdoor garden beds
PlantFun







