African lily (Agapanthus campanulatus)
Care, watering, light and tips for African lily on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About African lily
Agapanthus campanulatus, also known as Bell Agapanthus, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family, native to South Africa. It's characterized by its slender stalks bearing umbels of bell-shaped blue flowers, often with a darker hue in the center. It's ideal for borders, containers, or as part of a low-maintenance garden, adding an elegant and exotic touch.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for abundant flowering, although it tolerates partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, and reduced in winter. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils; a universal potting mix with coarse sand is suitable. Avoid waterlogging, as its roots are sensitive to rot.
How to save a dying African lily
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown, soft leaves, drooping stems. Also if it doesn't bloom in summer.
- First aid
- Check drainage and watering. If potted, consider repotting with fresh, light substrate. Prune dead leaves.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, rotting its fleshy roots. Lack of direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted. Act quickly with good drainage and less water.