Rain lily (Zephyranthes drummondii)
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
<i>Zephyranthes drummondii</i>, commonly known as Mayflower or Rain Lily, is a small perennial bulbous plant that produces delicate white or pink trumpet-shaped flowers. Its blooms emerge rapidly after rainfall, creating a fleeting and charming display. It is ideal for rock gardens, path edgings, or pots, where its surprising flowering can be appreciated.
Native range
Southern United States and northern Mexico
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering, although it tolerates partial shade. Watering should be moderate during the growing and flowering season, reducing it drastically during the dormancy period. It prefers well-drained, sandy, and slightly acidic soil. A common mistake is overwatering during dormancy, which can lead to bulb rot.
How to save a dying Rain lily
- Warning signs
- Yellow/soft leaves, no blooms, soft/rotten bulbs. Often indicates overwatering or poor drainage.
- First aid
- Remove bulb, inspect roots. Cut off soft/rotten parts. Replant in well-draining soil. Water only when soil is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is the main culprit, causing bulb rot. Also, insufficient light can be fatal.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the bulb isn't completely rotten. Act quickly to clean and repot under optimal conditions.