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Hippeastrum papilio. How to grow and care for Hippeastrum. Camden Park House website - Botanic name: Hippeastrum papilio Common name: Butterfly amaryllis Family: Amaryllidaceae Description: Hippeastrum papilio is a species hippeastrum. A bulb multiplies to form a large cluster of bulbs. The semi evergreen strappy foliage is arching, long, glossy, and flowers are eye-catching and stunning and large and gorgeous. They appear on tall upright robust stems. They are cream in colour displaying beautiful maroon strips that radiate from a green centre like the wings of a butterfly. The stamen and pistil resemble butterfly antennae. Hence the common name: butterfly amaryllis. History/ country of origin: As I mentioned previously, this is a species variety of Hippeastrum. That means it is a variety from the wild. It was discovered in the wild in the 1990s in southern Brazil n a tropical forest where it grows epiphytically in the tops of very tall trees. Around 50 plants survive in a small residual portion of a once great forest. Hippeastrum papilio is extremely rare in the wild but over the years, this beautiful plant has been cultivated and shared to ensure survival. Uses Terracotta pot, garden specimen, indoor plant, cut flower, epiphytic. It can be used as a garden specimen, planted in the ground or displayed as an epiphyte in the fork of a tree. It can also be used as an indoor plant while in flower or as a cut flower. If grown in a pot, it’s best to use a terracotta pot. Use a coarse sandy potting mix with added orchid bark as a potting medium. If grown in the garden, it’s best left undisturbed because it performs best when bulbs are crowded and also, ensure the bulb is planted proud of the garden soil or potting medium. Plant at least half the bulb above the soil surface. Hippeastrum won’t flower if the bulbs are buried too deeply. Position: Prefers a morning sun or dapple sun position. Avoid afternoon sun. Climate: Tropical to temperate/cool climates. Can withstand a mild frost to the foliage. Flowering time: Early spring Soil: Well drained. Constantly wet soil can cause bulbs to rot. Potting medium – Coarse sandy mix. Orchid bark mix. Pruning: Not required. Likes to be crowded. Remove spent foliage. Fertiliser Occasional liquid fertilise if desired after flowering and while in leaf during its growing season. Water: Water when coming into leaf. Do not leave too wet during dormant periods. Common problems, pests and diseases, additional information: Foliage and flower damage. - Slugs and snails Not flowering – bulb planted too deeply. Bulb needs to be at least half exposed above soil surface. Avoid root/bulb rot – Plant in a well drained or mound up soil. Water while in leaf but keep on the dry side when dormant. The best flowering plant What is the best flowering plant What is the best plant for pots What is the best plant for gardens. The world’s best plant Most beautiful flowers Most beautiful plants. What are the easiest plants to grow
