Doryanthes excelsa, commonly known as the gymea lily, is a flowering plant in the family Doryanthaceae that is endemic to coastal areas of New South Wales near Sydney. It has sword-like leaves more than 1 metre (3 ft) long and it grows a flower spike up to 6 metres (20 ft) high. The apex of the spike bears a large cluster of bright red flowers, each 10 centimetres (4 in) across. Its common name is derived from the name given to the plant by the indigenous [Dharawal] people. The Sydney suburbs of Gymea and Gymea Bay are named after the lily.
The flame lily has strong disease resistance and generally does not develop many illnesses. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These problems are typically not serious. Regarding care, this plant requires a moderate level of maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage it to flower. The flame lily is well suited for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or patio, and does not need extensive gardening experience. It may demand more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Doryanthes Excelsa.
Light
The flame lily thrives under full sun. It can tolerate partial sunlight, which still supports healthy growth and encourages flowering. In its native habitat, it is especially common in spots that receive abundant sunshine. However, too much sun or too little can negatively affect the plant's health.
Water
The flame lily thrives in well-drained soil with moderate moisture and is drought-tolerant once established. It should be watered every two weeks, taking advantage of its ability to retain water. While it is typically grown outdoors, consider your local climate to determine if additional watering is necessary.
Temperature
Flame lily is a native plant that does well in temperatures from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It typically favors these moderately warm temperature ranges. In cooler climates, seasonal adjustments may be necessary, and bringing it indoors for the winter is suggested.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Flame lily is in early spring when it breaks dormancy. This promotes overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are large, vivid, and long-lasting. It also helps transport nutrients from the roots to the blooms and boosts the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
The flame lily is known for its striking flowers and sword-shaped leaves. To encourage new growth and improve air circulation, prune the plant in early spring or late winter to remove any dead foliage. For the best health and blooming performance, keep its natural shape by avoiding heavy pruning.
Pot & Repot
To keep your flame lily healthy, repot it every 2-3 years in the spring. Choose a tall container to accommodate its deep roots, and use well-draining soil. After repotting, ensure the plant receives consistent moisture and indirect light. Following these practices is essential for maintaining the health of this majestic plant.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Doryanthes
- Family
- Doryanthaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 3.96 m
- Mature Spread
- 3.05 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Red
- Flower Size
- 10.16 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Flame lily?
Your Flame lily is not demanding when it comes to watering. You can use any common watering tool, like a watering can, hose, or even a cup, to water it. Just make sure to water the soil directly and evenly to give all parts of the root system the necessary amount of water. Filtered water is preferable to tap water, as tap water may contain harmful particles. It is also better to use water that is at or slightly above room temperature, as extreme temperatures can shock the Flame lily. However, the plant generally responds well to any type of water.
Why do I have to put plant food on my Flame lily?
Proper fertilization is key to the overall health and well-being of a Flame lily. It ensures that the plant develops healthy foliage, strong stems, and branches. Additionally, fertilization plays a crucial role in the production of large, vibrant, and long-lasting flowers. This is because the right fertilizer facilitates the transfer of fuel from the roots to the flowers through the stems. Furthermore, proper fertilization helps keep the plant in good general condition, boosting its ability to resist diseases.
How much sunlight does Flame lily need to grow?
Tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants are well-suited to areas with strong and direct sunlight, as they need this light to flourish. In their natural habitats, they tend to grow in open fields or along forest edges, where they can enjoy abundant sunlight all day long.
What temperature is best for Flame lily?
To help your tropical plants thrive, it's best to maintain a temperature range of 75℉ to 90℉ (25-32℃). While different species can tolerate temperatures outside this range, sticking within a few degrees of these limits will ensure optimal growth. However, there are extreme temperature limits to be aware of. Anything below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) can hinder growth and cause issues with the leaves and stems. Low temperatures are particularly damaging, as even a light frost can lead to the death of your tropical plants. In fact, cellular death can occur rapidly, with some species dying within 12 to 24 hours.
What do I need to do if I give too much or too little water to my Flame lily?
Outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, can suffer from lack of watering. Make sure to water them consistently for a few months until they establish their roots. Once the roots are established, Flame lily plants can rely on rainfall. When you have Flame lilies in pots, overwatering is a common mistake. If you accidentally overwater your plant, act promptly to fix the situation. Stop watering immediately to minimize the impact. Take out the plant from the pot and check its roots for signs of root rot. If there is no root rot, you can return the plant to the pot. However, if there is root rot, trim the affected roots and use a fungicide to prevent further damage. Repot the Flame lily in well-draining soil. In the case of underwatering, simply water the plant more frequently. It is generally easy to fix underwatering. If you notice drooping, dried-out leaves, and leaf loss, water the plant thoroughly. The leaves will regain fullness quickly after sufficient watering. Adjust your watering frequency once you notice underwatering.
When should I fertilize my Flame lily?
To ensure healthy growth and flowering of your Flame lily, it is best to fertilize during the early spring when it is coming out of dormancy. This provides ample energy for overall growth. Additionally, a smaller feeding in the fall can also benefit the plant. Some gardeners choose to fertilize during planting, but this is not always required.
What will happen if Flame lily doesn't get enough sunlight?
Tropical ornamental plants that need full sun may face issues if they don't receive enough sunlight. They might become leggy and weak, and their leaves could turn yellow or pale. Furthermore, they may stop producing flowers. Ultimately, if these plants continue to lack the required amount of direct sunlight, there is a possibility that they may die.
Does Flame lily need different temperatures at different stages of growth?
To ensure the healthy growth of Flame lily, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth, regardless of its current phase. Therefore, keeping the plant in a controlled environment is recommended. The ideal temperature range for Flame lily is between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃), with it being crucial to stay above the lower limit. While temperatures exceeding 90℉ (32℃) are not ideal, this tropical plant can tolerate them to a certain extent. However, temperatures below 50℉ (10℃), especially 40℉/5℃, can directly damage this heat-loving plant species.
How much water does my Flame lily need?
If your area gets enough rainfall, most outdoor plants can grow fine without additional watering. However, if your area lacks rainfall, you should water your plants every 2 weeks in spring and fall, and more frequently in the summer. In winter, when plants need less water, water sparingly or not at all. If your Flame lily is young or newly planted, water more often to help it establish and grow. For potted plants, there are two ways to determine how often to water your Flame lily. One way is to follow a predetermined watering schedule, such as once a week or every other week. However, this may not always be accurate for your specific growing conditions. Another approach is to check the soil moisture. Wait until the top two to four inches of soil, about ⅓ to ½ depth of the pots, are completely dry before watering again. This method allows you to adjust the watering frequency based on the season and the plant's water needs.
When is the best time to not use fertilizer on my Flame lily?
During the winter, Flame lilies are in a dormant phase where they don't require fertilization. They don't need much energy from the soil to grow during this time. Fertilizing in winter increases the chances of overfertilization, which has negative effects. The main times to feed Flame lilies are in early spring and fall. Therefore, during most of spring and summer, fertilizer is not needed. It is also advisable to avoid feeding the plant if it is experiencing extremely hot or dry conditions.
What will happen if Flame lily gets too much sunlight? What happens if Flame lily gets too much sunlight?
Tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun require ample direct sunlight, but excessive exposure to intense sunlight can harm them. Prolonged periods of direct sunlight can cause sunburned leaves or the development of unsightly brown spots. Additionally, if the soil dries out too rapidly in full sun, these plants may become dehydrated.
Does Flame lily require varying temperatures for different seasons?
Flame lily is a plant that doesn't require different temperatures for different seasons. The key to taking care of it is maintaining optimal temperature levels, which is why it's recommended to keep it indoors. By keeping the plant inside, you have control over the temperature, regardless of the weather outside. When it comes to light, tropical species like the flame lily prefer partial side sun exposure. This means they should be exposed to dappled or filtered light, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing them indoors. Excessive direct sunlight can harm the plant's leaves and hinder its growth.