Amboina Lily Plant Care
Proiphys amboinensis (L.) Herb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Proiphys amboinensis is the type species of the flowering plant genus Proiphys. Its common names include Cardwell lily and northern Christmas lily.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Amboina Lily?
Water Amboina 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Amboina Lily Native To?
What Is the Amboina Lily?
Amboina Lily (Proiphys amboinensis) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Proiphys genus. Amboina Lily is native to Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Bismark Archipelago, Vanuatu, New Guinea and Australia. Amboina Lily is also known as Spider Lily.
Amboina Lily displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Amboina Lily produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Amboina Lily?
Proiphys amboinensis 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 Amboina Lily Need?
Amboina Lily thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Amboina 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 Amboina Lily Prefer?
Proiphys amboinensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Amboina Lily 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 Amboina Lily?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Amboina Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Amboina Lily?
Feed Amboina 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 Amboina Lily?
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 Amboina Lily?
Amboina Lily can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cunningham's lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Amboina Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Amboina Lily, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Amboina Lily?
Amboina Lily is susceptible to aphids, thrips, spider 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 Amboina Lily Need?
Amboina Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Amboina Lily is native to Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Bismark Archipelago, Vanuatu, New Guinea and Australia. In cooler regions, grow Amboina Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Amboina 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 Proiphys genus — compare its care with other Proiphys species on PlantoScan.
Proiphys is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Amboina 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: Proiphys amboinensis (L.) Herb., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Appendix : 42 (1821)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Amboina Lily, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. 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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