Aztec Lily Plant Care
Sprekelia formosissima (L.) Herb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Zephyranthes formosissima, also known as Aztec lilies or Jacobean lilies, is a species of bulbous perennial herb in the family Amaryllidaceae endemic to Mexico. After its former genus Sprekelia has been merged into the genus Zephyranthes in 2019, it was formally transferred to Zephyranthes in 2024.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Aztec Lily?
Water Aztec Lily every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°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 Aztec Lily Native To?
What Is the Aztec Lily?
Aztec Lily (Sprekelia formosissima) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Sprekelia genus. Aztec Lily is native to Mexico. Aztec Lily is also known as Jacobean Lily, St. James Lily.
Aztec Lily displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Aztec Lily produces large, showy red or pink flowers with prominent stamens.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aztec Lily?
Sprekelia formosissima 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 Aztec Lily Need?
Aztec Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aztec Lily Prefer?
Sprekelia formosissima grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Aztec Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aztec Lily?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Aztec Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aztec Lily?
Feed Aztec 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 Aztec 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 Aztec Lily?
Aztec Lily can be propagated through offsets, seeds.
Is the Aztec Lily 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 Aztec Lily?
Aztec 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 Aztec Lily Need?
Aztec Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Aztec Lily is native to Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Aztec Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Aztec 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 Sprekelia genus — compare its care with other Sprekelia species on PlantoScan.
Sprekelia is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Aztec 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: Sprekelia formosissima (L.) Herb., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Appendix : 35 (1821)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Aztec 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, 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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