Rain lily (Zephyranthes fosteri)
Care, watering, light and tips for 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 Rain lily
Zephyranthes fosteri, commonly known as Rain Lily, is a perennial bulb from the Amaryllidaceae family, renowned for its delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers that emerge rapidly after rainfall. Its blooms, typically white or pink, appear on slender, leafless stems, creating a fleeting yet charming display. It is ideal for rock gardens, path edgings, or pots, where its sudden flowering can surprise and delight the garden.
Native range
South America, specifically in Chile and Argentina.
Care tips
It thrives in full sun to light partial shade for optimal flowering. Watering should be moderate during growth and flowering, keeping it drier during dormancy. Use a well-draining, sandy, and fertile substrate. A common mistake is overwatering during dormancy, which can lead to bulb rot.
How to save a dying Rain lily
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or soft leaves, drooping stems, no blooms after rain. Soft or rotten roots.
- First aid
- Remove plant from soil, inspect roots. Trim soft/rotten parts. Repot in fresh, well-draining substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially during dormancy or without proper drainage. Bulb rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the bulb is not completely rotted. Swift action is key for recovery.