Rain lily (Zephyranthes mesochloa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Rain lily on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Rain lily
Zephyranthes mesochloa, commonly known as the Rain Lily, is a charming small perennial bulbous plant that produces delicate trumpet-shaped flowers. Its white or pink blossoms, often with a greenish throat, emerge spectacularly after rainfall, creating a beautiful contrast with its grass-like foliage. It is ideal for rock gardens, path edgings, or pots, adding a touch of wild grace.
Native range
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering. Watering should be moderate during growth and blooming, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, and reduced during dormancy. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils, avoiding waterlogging which can rot the bulb. A common mistake is overwatering during the dormant period.
How to save a dying Rain lily
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or soft leaves, rot at the bulb base, prolonged lack of flowering.
- First aid
- Remove bulb, inspect roots, cut rotten parts, replant in dry, well-draining substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in winter, causes bulb and root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't advanced too far. Act quickly to save the bulb.