Contents
Description
Hippeastrum Royal Red is a stunning flowering plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to South America, particularly Brazil, but it is widely cultivated in many parts of the world as an ornamental plant. The plant produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are deep red in color and have a white throat. The flowers bloom in clusters of two or three and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Hippeastrum |
Appearance
Hippeastrum Royal Red grows up to 18 inches tall and has broad, strap-like leaves that are about 2-3 feet long. The plant produces a tall, sturdy stem that bears the flowers at the top. The flowers are about 6 inches in diameter and have six petals that are arranged in two layers. The outer layer is deep red, while the inner layer is white with red streaks. The flowers last for about 2-3 weeks and are followed by seed pods that contain black, shiny seeds.
Care Guide
Hippeastrum Royal Red requires moderate care and is easy to grow. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
Water: Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Stop fertilizing when the flowers start to fade.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix for planting the bulbs. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight: Place the plant in a bright, sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Hippeastrum Royal Red is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, the plant should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hippeastrum Royal Red is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white, cottony pests that suck the sap from the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol.
Gray mold: Gray mold is a fungal disease that causes the flowers and leaves to rot. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good air circulation.
Habitat
Hippeastrum Royal Red is native to the tropical forests of South America, particularly Brazil. It grows in well-draining soils in areas with mild temperatures and high humidity. The plant prefers partial shade and can grow under the canopy of trees.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Hippeastrum Royal Red?
A: Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.
Q: Can I grow Hippeastrum Royal Red outdoors?
A: Hippeastrum Royal Red is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, the plant should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Q: How long do the flowers of Hippeastrum Royal Red last?
A: The flowers of Hippeastrum Royal Red last for about 2-3 weeks.
Q: Does Hippeastrum Royal Red require fertilization?
A: Yes, fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Stop fertilizing when the flowers start to fade.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Hippeastrum Royal Red:
- Hippeastrum papilio
- Hippeastrum vittatum
- Hippeastrum puniceum
- Hippeastrum striatum
References
- “Hippeastrum Royal Red Information.” Plant Care Today, https://plantcaretoday.com/hippeastrum-royal-red.html.
- “Hippeastrum Royal Red.” Plant of the Week, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension, https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/hippeastrum-royal-red-12-11-15.aspx.
- “Hippeastrum Royal Red.” Pacific Bulb Society, http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/HippeastrumRoyalRed.
