Genus guide
Hippeastrum — 11 species
Part of the Amaryllis & allium family family (Amaryllidaceae)
Hippeastrum — widely sold as Amaryllis — are South American bulbous plants grown indoors for their spectacular trumpet flowers in bold reds, soft pinks, and bicolour patterns, with popular cultivars including Red Lion, Apple Blossom, and Minerva. Pot them with roughly one-third of the bulb exposed above the soil surface, position in bright indirect light, and water sparingly until 2–3 inches of growth appear, then keep the medium consistently moist but never soggy — dormancy requires a cool, dark rest period of about eight weeks. All Hippeastrum species are toxic to cats and dogs; the bulb is the most concentrated source of lycorine alkaloids, which cause vomiting, salivation, and, in large ingestions, tremors and cardiac effects.
All Hippeastrum species we cover
- Amaryllis
- Amaryllis 'Apple Blossom'
- Amaryllis 'Christmas Gift'
- Amaryllis 'Minerva'
- Amaryllis 'Papilio'
- Amaryllis 'Picotee'
- Amaryllis 'Red Lion'
- Evergreen Amaryllis
- Forest Lily Amaryllis
- Mexican Lily
- Striped Amaryllis
Hippeastrum — frequently asked questions
Are Hippeastrum plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Hippeastrum are not pet-safe. Of the 11 Hippeastrum species in the Growli library, 11 (100%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 0 are pet-safe. Always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.
How much light do Hippeastrum plants need?
Most Hippeastrum do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Hippeastrum easy to care for?
Hippeastrum are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Hippeastrum varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 11 Hippeastrum species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Hippeastrum, the rest follow closely.
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