Zephyranthes insularum Plant Care

Zephyranthes insularum (Zephyranthes insularum) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Zephyranthes genus. Zephyranthes insularum is native to Cuba and reportedly naturalized in Florida and in parts of Mexico.

Zephyranthes insularum displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Zephyranthes insularum produces showy funnel-shaped flowers in various colors like white, pink, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Zephyranthes insularum every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Zephyranthes insularum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Zephyranthes insularum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Zephyranthes insularum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Zephyranthes insularum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Zephyranthes insularum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Zephyranthes insularum is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Zephyranthes insularum can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Zephyranthes insularum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Zephyranthes insularum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Zephyranthes insularum can be propagated through division of offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to atamasco lily plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Zephyranthes insularum 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.

Zephyranthes insularum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Zephyranthes insularum is native to Cuba and reportedly naturalized in Florida and in parts of Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Zephyranthes insularum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.