Photo: André AmbrozioCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Aulicum amaryllis Plant Care
Hippeastrum aulicum Herb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's long, strap-shaped leaves are a vibrant green with striking red veins, adding a pop of color to any garden. Originating from Brazil, Hippeastrum aulicum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and stunning trumpet-shaped flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Aulicum amaryllis?
Water Aulicum amaryllis every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°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.
Where Is the Aulicum amaryllis Native To?
What Is the Aulicum amaryllis?
Aulicum amaryllis (Hippeastrum aulicum) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Hippeastrum genus. Aulicum amaryllis is native to the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado ecoregions from Brazil to Paraguay, in South America.
Aulicum amaryllis displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Aulicum amaryllis produces large, showy trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aulicum amaryllis?
Hippeastrum aulicum 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 Aulicum amaryllis Need?
Aulicum amaryllis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Aulicum amaryllis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aulicum amaryllis Prefer?
Hippeastrum aulicum grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Aulicum amaryllis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aulicum amaryllis?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Aulicum amaryllis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aulicum amaryllis?
Feed Aulicum amaryllis 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 Aulicum amaryllis?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Aulicum amaryllis?
Aulicum amaryllis can be propagated through offsets, bulb scales, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to elegant amaryllis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aulicum amaryllis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Aulicum amaryllis?
Aulicum amaryllis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, bulb mites. 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 Aulicum amaryllis Need?
Aulicum amaryllis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Aulicum amaryllis is native to the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado ecoregions from Brazil to Paraguay, in South America. In cooler regions, grow Aulicum amaryllis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Aulicum amaryllis 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 Hippeastrum genus — compare its care with other Hippeastrum species on PlantoScan.
Hippeastrum is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Aulicum amaryllis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Hippeastrum Species
Other Hippeastrum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hippeastrum aulicum Herb., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Appendix : 31 (1821)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Aulicum amaryllis 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: André Ambrozio, 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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