Cape Asphodel Plant Care
Veltheimia capensis (L.) Redouté
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Veltheimia capensis is one of two species of flowering plants belonging to the genus Veltheimia, of the family Asparagaceae. It is a tender bulbous perennial reaching a height of 46 cm (18 in), with flowers varying in color from white with red spots to pink with green or red markings.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cape Asphodel?
Water Cape Asphodel every 7–14 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 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Cape Asphodel?
Cape Asphodel (Veltheimia capensis) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Veltheimia genus. Cape Asphodel is also known as Forest Lily.
Cape Asphodel displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cape Asphodel produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, or orange.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cape Asphodel?
Veltheimia capensis requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cape Asphodel Need?
Cape Asphodel thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cape Asphodel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cape Asphodel Prefer?
Veltheimia capensis grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Cape Asphodel prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cape Asphodel?
Well-draining, sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cape Asphodel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cape Asphodel?
Feed Cape Asphodel 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 Cape Asphodel?
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 Cape Asphodel?
Cape Asphodel can be propagated through offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to forest lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cape Asphodel Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cape Asphodel, 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 Cape Asphodel?
Cape Asphodel is susceptible to aphids, 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 Cape Asphodel Need?
Cape Asphodel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Cape Asphodel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Cape Asphodel 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 Veltheimia genus — compare its care with other Veltheimia species on PlantoScan.
Veltheimia is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Cape Asphodel 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: Veltheimia capensis (L.) Redouté, family Asparagaceae (first published in Liliac. 4: t. 193 (1807)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cape Asphodel, 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 13b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Cape Asphodel Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species