Stripe Leaf Amaryllis

Stripe Leaf Amaryllis (Hippeastrum reticulatum var. striatifolium) is a strappy leaved tropical bulb from South America with a crisp white band running down the middle of each leaf. It grows to about 50cm tall and 60cm wide, and in late summer and autumn it lifts tall stems topped with clusters of pink trumpets. The foliage looks good long before and after the flowers.

Why you'll love it

• Striped leaves all year. The white central stripe makes each leaf a feature, so the plant earns its space even out of flower.
• Orchid like flowers. Clusters of pink trumpets open on tall stems in late summer and autumn, with petals pinstriped or netted in a deeper pink.
• Every plant is a little different. Flowers range from pale pink with pink pinstripes to musk pink with darker stripes, or pale pink with a magenta mosaic.
• Made for shade. Dappled shade suits it, so it fills the cooler corners of a tropical or subtropical garden where flowers are scarce.
• Good in a pot. It grows happily in a container, including indoors in bright light.

Where it works best

Tropical and subtropical borders. Plant 50cm apart in dappled shade. The clumps meet within a few seasons to form a bold band of striped leaves.

Pots and indoors. A container suits it well, indoors in bright light or on a shaded verandah. Choose a pot with drainage holes and keep it out of hot afternoon sun.

Under trees. Light shade beneath tall trees gives it the protection from hot afternoon sun that it needs.

Growing Stripe Leaf Amaryllis in Australia

Position and climate. Filtered light in a tropical or subtropical bed is ideal, and a bright room works indoors. Deep shade is tolerated, but flowering suffers. Keep it clear of frost, cold snaps and hot afternoon sun. In cooler districts treat it as a pot plant and keep it under cover in winter.

Soil. Free draining soil enriched with organic matter. Mulch the clump to hold moisture around the roots.

Water and feed. Water weekly while it is in growth, and give a good deep soak if the soil dries out. Use a liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength once new growth appears in spring.

Pruning. There is little to prune. Once flowering finishes, ease off the water and leave the flower stems to die back, because the plant likes a quieter, semi dormant winter. Lift and divide the clump every three or four years, or sooner if it crowds.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Stripe Leaf Amaryllis as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Amaryllis are usually sold as large dry bulbs, so a tube is an unusual and economical way to start one. Expect leaves first. The plant needs time to build its bulb, so flowers usually follow after a season or two.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for partial shade
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Indoor flowering plants
• Shade gardening: what to plant where

Common questions

Is it safe for pets?

No. Amaryllis bulbs and leaves are toxic to dogs and cats if eaten and can cause vomiting and drooling. Keep it where pets cannot chew it.

Why has mine not flowered?

The usual reasons are deep shade, a young plant that has not built its bulb yet, or no winter rest. Give it dappled light and let it rest after flowering.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. It suits pots indoors in bright light without hot direct sun. Water weekly while it is growing and ease off after flowering.