Hexacyrtis dickiana Plant Care

Hexacyrtis dickiana Dinter

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Hexacyrtis, common name Namib lily, is a plant genus native to Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa but cultivated elsewhere as an ornamental plant. At present only one species is recognized: Hexacyrtis dickiana Dinter.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Hexacyrtis dickiana?

Water Hexacyrtis dickiana every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% 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.

Where Is the Hexacyrtis dickiana Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Hexacyrtis dickiana?

Hexacyrtis dickiana (Hexacyrtis dickiana) belongs to the Colchicaceae family within the Hexacyrtis genus. Hexacyrtis dickiana is native to Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa.

Hexacyrtis dickiana displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hexacyrtis dickiana produces showy, tubular flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Hexacyrtis dickiana?

Hexacyrtis dickiana 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 Hexacyrtis dickiana Need?

Hexacyrtis dickiana thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Hexacyrtis dickiana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full shade

100–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hexacyrtis dickiana Prefer?

Hexacyrtis dickiana grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Hexacyrtis dickiana prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hexacyrtis dickiana?

Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Hexacyrtis dickiana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Hexacyrtis dickiana?

Feed Hexacyrtis dickiana 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 Hexacyrtis dickiana?

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 Hexacyrtis dickiana?

Hexacyrtis dickiana can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds.

Is the Hexacyrtis dickiana Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

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 Hexacyrtis dickiana?

Hexacyrtis dickiana 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 Hexacyrtis dickiana Need?

Hexacyrtis dickiana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hexacyrtis dickiana is native to Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Hexacyrtis dickiana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Hexacyrtis dickiana 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 Hexacyrtis genus — compare its care with other Hexacyrtis species on PlantoScan.

Hexacyrtis is part of the Colchicaceae plant family — browse all Colchicaceae genera and species.

Hexacyrtis dickiana copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Hexacyrtis dickiana Dinter, family Colchicaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 30: 84 (1932)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Hexacyrtis dickiana 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.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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