Yellow rain lily (Zephyranthes citrina)
Care, watering, light and tips for Yellow rain 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 Yellow rain lily
Zephyranthes citrina, commonly known as Citron Zephyrlily or Yellow Rain Lily, is a small perennial bulbous plant that produces vibrant lemon-yellow, solitary flowers, appearing rapidly after rainfall. Its delicate, funnel-shaped blooms and narrow, grass-like foliage make it ideal for garden borders, rockeries, or to brighten up pots and planters on patios and balconies.
Native range
South America, specifically Brazil and northern Argentina.
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for abundant flowering. Watering should be moderate during growth, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and reduced to minimal once the foliage begins to die back. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils; a common mistake is overwatering in heavy soils, which can lead to bulb rot.
How to save a dying Yellow rain lily
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or brown leaves, no blooms, soft or moldy bulb. May indicate overwatering or rot.
- First aid
- Remove plant, inspect bulb (cut off rotted parts). Replant in new, well-draining soil. Reduce watering.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its biggest enemy, quickly rotting the bulb. Also poor drainage and extreme cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the bulb still has firm, healthy parts. Act quickly at the first sign of rot.