Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Auckland Island Lily Plant Care
Xeronema callistemon W.R.B.Oliv.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to New Zealand, this striking plant stands out with its long, sword-shaped leaves that form a dense rosette. The vibrant red, brush-like flowers that emerge from the center add a dramatic pop of color, making it a coveted addition to any plant collector's garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Auckland Island Lily?
Water Auckland Island Lily every 7–14 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 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Auckland Island Lily Native To?
What Is the Auckland Island Lily?
Auckland Island Lily (Xeronema callistemon) belongs to the Xeronemataceae family within the Xeronema genus. Auckland Island Lily is native to the Poor Knights Islands and Taranga Island in the north of New Zealand. Auckland Island Lily is also known as Poor Knights Lily.
Auckland Island Lily displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Auckland Island Lily produces bright red tubular flowers on tall spikes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Auckland Island Lily?
Xeronema callistemon 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 Auckland Island Lily Need?
Auckland Island Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Auckland Island Lily Prefer?
Xeronema callistemon grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Auckland Island Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Auckland Island Lily?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Auckland Island Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Auckland Island Lily?
Feed Auckland Island 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 Auckland Island Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years. 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 Auckland Island Lily?
Auckland Island Lily can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds.
Is the Auckland Island Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Auckland Island 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 Auckland Island Lily?
Auckland Island Lily 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 Auckland Island Lily Need?
Auckland Island Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Auckland Island Lily is native to the Poor Knights Islands and Taranga Island in the north of New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Auckland Island Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Auckland Island 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 Xeronema genus — compare its care with other Xeronema species on PlantoScan.
Xeronema is part of the Xeronemataceae plant family — browse all Xeronemataceae genera and species.
Auckland Island 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: Xeronema callistemon W.R.B.Oliv., family Xeronemataceae (first published in Trans. & Proc. New Zealand Inst. 56: 1 (1926)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Auckland Island 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, 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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