Hippeastrum striatum, also known as St. Joseph's lily or the orange-striped amaryllis, is a bulbous perennial plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. Native to South America, it can grow up to 60 centimeters tall.
This plant features large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange-red with yellow stripes. The flowers bloom in late winter or early spring and can last for several weeks.
Hippeastrum striatum thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun. It requires regular watering during its growing season but should be allowed to dry out between waterings during its dormant period.
In a Greek legend, a beautiful shepherdess encountered a handsome shepherd in a small village. She fell in love with him at first sight, but initially, the shepherd was unmoved by her affection. Determined to win his heart, the shepherdess cultivated a bouquet of flowers with all her heart and soul. Touched by her dedication, the shepherd's feelings changed, and they fell in love with each other. The bouquet she gave him was of striped Barbados lilies. FUN FACT · FROM THE LIBRARY
Commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage, Hippeastrum striatum is easy to cultivate both indoors and outdoors, whether in containers or garden beds. This makes it a popular choice among gardeners.
Overall, Hippeastrum striatum is a beautiful flowering plant that adds color and vibrancy to any garden with minimal care requirements.
The Striped Barbados Lily gets its name from the Latin word "striatum," which means "striped." Although it is commonly known as the Barbados Lily, it is not actually a lily. Therefore, it is often referred to as the Striped Barbados Lily.
Striped Barbados lily is fairly disease-resistant and generally not prone to illnesses. Still, it can develop leaf spots when light and air circulation are inadequate and watering is too heavy. The plant is regarded as easy to care for, needing mainly regular watering and little additional attention. Striped Barbados lily is a good choice for people who lack the time and energy for frequent maintenance.
How to keep Hippeastrum Striatum.
Light
The striped Barbados lily grows best in locations with abundant sunlight, though it also does well in spots that receive a moderate amount of sun. Because it comes from environments with similar light conditions, large fluctuations in light can slow its growth or cause leaf scorch.
Water
The striped Barbados lily, which originates from moderately moist environments, strikes a balance between needing hydration and tolerating drought. It should be watered every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. As an indoor ornamental plant, the striped Barbados lily needs consistent moisture during its growing season to ensure vibrant flowering.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
The natural habitat for the striped Barbados lily usually ranges from 59 to 100.4 ℉ (15 to 38 ℃). This plant favors a warm, humid setting with temperatures between 60 and 85 ℉ (15.5 to 29.4 ℃). For seasonal adjustments, during winter it is best to keep the striped Barbados lily at 55 to 65 ℉ (12.8 to 18.3 ℃). In summer it can withstand temperatures as high as 100 ℉ (37.8℃).
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Striped Barbados lily is in early spring, as it is coming out of dormancy and starting active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. While the Striped Barbados lily has relatively low fertilizer requirements, feeding it annually can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting blooms.
Pruning
The striped Barbados lily boasts stunning flowers and vibrant foliage. To ensure optimal growth, prune dead blooms after flowering and trim any damaged leaves from early to late spring. Regular pruning promotes plant health, prevents disease, and improves light and air circulation.
Pot & Repot
Repot Striped Barbados lily in early spring. Choose a pot that is wider than it is deep and provides good drainage. Use a loamy, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Carefully remove old soil from the bulb and plant it at a depth equal to the bulb's height. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the pot in a sunny spot. Avoid overwatering to prevent the bulb from rotting.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Hippeastrum
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 15 cm to 23 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Red, Orange, White
- Flower Size
- 15.24 cm to 30.48 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Brazil
Other names.
Reader questions.
When Should I Water My Striped Barbados Lily?
Proper watering of the Striped Barbados Lily is key to its health and flowering. It's time to water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Additionally, limp or wrinkly leaves and drooping are signs of needed hydration. Be cautious though; over or under-watering can lead to serious health issues like root rot or dehydration, affecting the plant's growth and ability to flower.
Why should I put plant food on my Striped barbados lily?
Fertilization is important for the Striped Barbados Lily for various reasons. Primarily, it provides essential nutrients that contribute to the plant's overall growth, both above and below ground. Despite having relatively low fertilization requirements, annual fertilization can greatly benefit the Striped Barbados Lily. It helps ensure the plant's survival and may also result in improved, longer-lasting flowers. Therefore, for those wishing to enhance the appearance of their Striped Barbados Lily, maintaining regular annual fertilization is recommended.
What are the sunlight requirements for Striped Barbados Lily?
The Striped Barbados Lily, also known as Hippeastrum striatum, requires full sun, which means it thrives in conditions with above 6 hours of sunlight per day. It can also manage well in partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight daily. Observing how sunlight moves through your garden and choosing spots that provide the right balance of light and shade is crucial for the happiness and health of your plants.
What is the native growth environment for Striped Barbados Lily?
The Striped Barbados Lily, or Hippeastrum striatum, thrives in its native growth environment when the temperature is between 59 to 100.4°F (15 to 38°C). It prefers a warm and humid environment, ideally within a temperature range of 60 to 85°F (15.5 to 29.4°C). To adapt to different seasons, it's recommended to maintain a winter temperature of 55 to 65°F (12.8 to 18.3°C), but during summer, it can tolerate temperatures up to 100°F (37.8°C). Striped Barbados Lily has a certain degree of cold tolerance and doesn't require additional measures if the temperatures are above its tolerable minimum. However, if temperatures are expected to drop below this threshold, protective measures like wrapping the plant in plastic film, fabric, or other materials should be taken, and once the temperature rises, these protections should be removed promptly.
How Should I Water My Striped Barbados Lily?
The Striped Barbados Lily thrives on a consistent moisture level but dislikes over-watering, which can cause root rot. Bottom-watering is a beneficial technique where the plant absorbs water through the pot's drainage holes, reducing the risk of wet foliage. A narrow-spout watering can is recommended for precise watering. Utilizing a moisture meter can provide accurate soil moisture levels, helping to tailor your watering routine. Remember to avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases and ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
When should I fertilize my Striped Barbados Lily?
The best time to fertilize a Striped barbados lily is late winter to early spring when it is starting to grow again after being dormant. Fertilizing at this time will help promote healthy growth for the season. It is also possible to fertilize during the fall, but it is not recommended during summer or winter.
What are the essentials for growing Striped Barbados Lily?
The Striped Barbados Lily flourishes in abundant sunlight and can adapt to moderately sunny areas. Originating from such conditions, the plant may exhibit slower growth or suffer from leaf scorching if there's a significant change in light levels. For indoor plants, artificial lighting can be a vital solution when natural sunlight is insufficient, especially in winter or less sunny spaces. Indoor plants typically require specific artificial light conditions, including choosing the right type of light, such as LED, setting the correct distance (12-36 inches above the plant), and ensuring proper duration of light exposure (8-12 hours per day).
How does Striped Barbados Lily react to low temperatures?
Striped Barbados Lily has a moderate tolerance to low temperatures and flourishes best when kept above its suitable growth minimum temperature. During the winter, it should be maintained above its tolerable growing minimum temperature. If the temperature falls below this plant's growth limit, the leaves may begin to droop, and in severe cases, they can wilt and eventually fall off. To manage frost damage, it's advised to trim off the damaged parts and wrap the plant with materials like non-woven fabric or cloth, and construct a wind barrier for protection against cold winds prior to encountering lower temperatures again.
How Much Water Does Striped Barbados Lily Really Need?
The optimal watering amount for a Striped Barbados Lily varies with factors like pot size and plant size, given its shallow roots. Generally, watering every 7-10 days is sufficient, aiming to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Proper hydration is indicated by healthy foliage, sturdy stems, and active flowering, without any signs of pooling water or soil dryness. Preventing both over and under-watering is crucial to avoid root rot or dehydration. Using well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes can also help manage water levels effectively.
When is the best time to not fertilize my Striped barbados lily?
To properly care for your Striped Barbados Lily, it's important to know the right time to fertilize. Late winter and early spring are the only suitable times to fertilize this plant. It has low fertilization needs, so one feeding per year is enough. Overfertilizing during spring, summer, and fall can cause issues, unless you didn't fertilize in spring, in which case fall fertilization is allowed. During most of the growing season, it's best to not fertilize. Additionally, fertilizing during the winter is not recommended as the plant goes through a dormant phase and does not produce new growth.
What symptoms indicate Striped Barbados Lily is receiving inadequate light?
Symptoms of inadequate light in Striped Barbados Lily include leggy or sparse growth, lighter-colored new leaves, potential impact on flowering and fruiting, chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These symptoms reveal the plant's struggle with the current light conditions, indicating a need for adjustment to ensure better growth and health.
What should be done when Striped Barbados Lily is exposed to high temperatures?
When exposed to high temperatures—specifically, during the summer months—it's critical to keep the Striped Barbados Lily below its suitable growth maximum temperature. Exceeding the tolerable growing maximum temperature can result in lighter leaf colors, dry and withered leaf tips, curling leaves, and increased susceptibility to sunburn. To remedy this, trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant. It’s also beneficial to move the plant to a shaded location away from the midday and afternoon sun or use shade cloth to create shade. Watering the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist can also help mitigate the effects of high temperatures.
