Photo: ChristinaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Fergusons Fire Lily Plant Care
Cyrtanthus fergusoniae L.Bolus
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cyrtanthus fergusoniae is a striking plant known for its vibrant red trumpet-shaped flowers and long, slender green leaves. Native to the rocky slopes of South Africa, this species is beloved by plant enthusiasts for its bold color and unique floral display.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Fergusons Fire Lily?
Water Fergusons Fire Lily every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Fergusons Fire Lily?
Fergusons Fire Lily (Cyrtanthus fergusoniae) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Cyrtanthus genus. Fergusons Fire Lily is native to South Africa. Fergusons Fire Lily is also known as Rooi Viooltjie.
Fergusons Fire Lily displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Fergusons Fire Lily produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fergusons Fire Lily?
Cyrtanthus fergusoniae requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fergusons Fire Lily Need?
Fergusons Fire Lily thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fergusons Fire Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fergusons Fire Lily Prefer?
Cyrtanthus fergusoniae grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Fergusons Fire Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fergusons Fire Lily?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Fergusons Fire Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fergusons Fire Lily?
Feed Fergusons Fire Lily every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fergusons Fire Lily?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fergusons Fire Lily?
Fergusons Fire Lily can be propagated through offsets, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scarborough lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fergusons Fire Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to cats and dogs, mildly toxic to humans
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fergusons Fire Lily?
Fergusons Fire Lily is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fergusons Fire Lily Need?
Fergusons Fire Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Fergusons Fire Lily is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Fergusons Fire Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Fergusons Fire Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cyrtanthus genus (family Amaryllidaceae) — search all Cyrtanthus species in the plant lookup.
Fergusons Fire Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cyrtanthus fergusoniae L.Bolus, family Amaryllidaceae (first published in S. African Gard. 21: 77 (1931)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Fergusons Fire Lily is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Christina, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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