Colchicaceae
Flame lily: Medicinal Uses & Care Tips
Gloriosa superba
The Flame lily requires plenty of light, warmth, well-draining humus-rich soil, and consistent, moderate moisture during the growing season. After flowering, reduce watering and allow the foliage to die back. Overwinter the tubers in a dry, cool place (around 50 to 60 °F). Always wear gloves when handling the plant.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
10° - 30°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Flame lily?
Flame lily (Gloriosa superba) is a medium-care plant from the Colchicaceae family. The Flame lily (Gloriosa superba) is a perennial climbing tuberous plant from the Colchicaceae family, native to tropical Africa and Asia. Slender stems, usually 3 to 10 feet long, grow from an underground tuber and cling to supports using thin tendrils at the leaf tips. The striking flowers, with w...
Flame lily grows up to 3.0m, spread of 90cm, watering every 4 days, 10°C – 30°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 8 days.
How to Care for Flame lily?
TLDR: Flame lily needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 10-30°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Flame lily?
During the growing season, water approximately every 3 to 4 days to keep the substrate consistently lightly moist, but never waterlogged. Gradually reduce watering after flowering and do not water at all during the dormancy period.
How Much Light Does Flame lily Need?
It needs plenty of light and ideally several hours of direct sunlight; protect it from intense midday heat during hot summers. Choose the brightest spot to encourage blooming.
What Is the Best Soil for Flame lily?
A humus-rich, well-draining sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. Plant tubers about 4 to 6 inches deep and ensure excellent drainage, otherwise they rot easily.
What Pot Should You Use for Flame lily?
A deep, tall pot with drainage holes and a support or trellis for the climbing stems. The tuber should be well-covered with a layer of drainage material at the bottom.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Flame lily and Where Does It Come From?
The Flame lily (Gloriosa superba) is a perennial climbing tuberous plant from the Colchicaceae family, native to tropical Africa and Asia. Slender stems, usually 3 to 10 feet long, grow from an underground tuber and cling to supports using thin tendrils at the leaf tips. The striking flowers, with wavy, reflexed petals, change color from yellow through orange to deep red. The plant is extremely toxic, as all its parts—especially the tuber and seeds—contain the alkaloid colchicine. Grow it only where children and pets cannot reach it.
How to Propagate Flame lily?
Tuber division
Tubers are brittle and break easily; handle them with care. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
- 1 In spring, remove dormant tubers from the substrate, always wearing gloves.
- 2 Carefully separate the offsets from the parent tuber without damaging the growth points.
- 3 Allow the cuts to dry or dust them with charcoal powder.
- 4 Place the tubers horizontally about 4 inches deep in moist, well-draining substrate.
- 5 Place in a warm spot around 68 to 77 °F and water very sparingly until new growth appears.
Materials needed:
Sowing seeds
Seeds contain the highest concentration of colchicine; work with them wearing gloves and keep them out of reach of children and animals. Plants grown from seed take several years to flower.
- 1 Soak the seeds in lukewarm water overnight.
- 2 Sow them about 0.5 inches deep in moist, light seed-starting mix.
- 3 Maintain a temperature around 72 to 77 °F and constant humidity.
- 4 Carefully transplant young plants once they have formed their first small tuber and stem.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Flame lily Grow?
TLDR: Flame lily can reach up to 3.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- In traditional medicine (Ayurveda), the tuber has been used for joint pain and gout, but it is highly toxic and never suitable for home use.
- Colchicine is industrially extracted from the plant for use in pharmaceuticals.
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Flame lily?
TLDR: Flame lily is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
Mosaic Virus
Mosaic virus is a group of plant viruses that cause mottled, patchy patterns on leaves and can affect a wide variety of plants. The virus creates characteristic yellow, white, and green mosaic patterns, often accompanied by stunted growth and deformed plant parts. This highly contagious disease spreads rapidly through insect vectors and contaminated tools.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
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| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
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