The blood flower is still relatively rare in this country, even though it can convince with a magnificent flower. In addition, it is very easy to plant and care for.
Blood flowers - also known scientifically as Haemanthus - are one of the houseplants that enthusiasts like to plant in large numbers because of their spectacular blooms. The bulbous plant is available in several subspecies and is from the amaryllis family and is native to South Africa where it is widespread. The flower is very popular because of its red blossom and the full structure of the leaves and stem, but also because the flowers can reach a diameter of up to 15 or even 20 centimeters. Due to the color and size, but also the arrangement of the flower brushes, this ensures a spectacular look that is second to none during the flowering period. Below we explain in more detail how to properly plant the blood flower as a houseplant.
Why the blood flower is called blood flower
At first glance, you might think that the blood flower is called a blood flower because its large flowers are a bright red - but this is not the case. Rather, the stem of the houseplant has led to it being given the name blood flower: it is filled with blood-red sap, which escapes when the stem is damaged - much like blood. In addition to the spectacular flowering of the plant, this is one of the special properties that attract plant lovers and hobby gardeners again and again. At the same time, the plant cuts a good figure even without flowers: long, wavy and strong leaves appear evergreen in a few subspecies, but are usually shed as foliage before winter and can reach a length of up to 35 cm. When the flowers appear, the plant can reach a height of up to 60 centimeters.
Other things worth knowing about the blood flower
The flowering period of the blood flower usually begins in late summer, i.e. August. During this time, the flowers with star-shaped brushes develop, which inspire again and again with their red color and bloom. After flowering, mostlyin September, the flowers develop berries which, depending on the degree of ripeness, can be white, pink, but also orange and red. In winter, the plant is generally dormant in order to be able to ensure dense and strong foliage again in spring. Some species of Haemanthus develop white flowers instead of red ones without being visually less appealing, but otherwise behave in the same way. Here is a clear profile of the popular houseplant:
- Blood flowers are referred to by the scientific name Haemanthus
- The onion plant is used as a houseplant in this country
- Origin is South Africa, but the plant is also widespread in other parts of Africa
- red or white flowers reach a diameter of up to 20cm, plant itself can reach 60cm in height
- after the flowering period the plant bears berries
- deciduous plant, but some subspecies are evergreen
Planting Blood Flowers - That's what matters
Location:
If you want to keep the blood flower as a houseplant, you need to find out about its preferred location. A temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius is ideal for the flower, if it gets too cold it will take much longer to sprout. The houseplant does not tolerate direct sun at all, in this case sunburn often occurs and the leaves burn quickly, causing them to die off completely or at least partially. A bright place in the home for the blood flower is ideal, as long as it is not directly sunny and provides sufficient shade. A good choice for the Bloodflower is a south-facing window or shady conservatory.
Substrate:
If you bought the plant as a bulb, it should be put into a pot as soon as possible and planted in it in the spring. Cultivation soil, which can provide as many nutrients as possible, is suitable as a substrate. The onion should be covered with this substrate, but only in a rather thin layer. The bulb is kept slightly moist in the soil, but should not be overwatered - then a bright, but not sunny and not too warm location is important for growing the plant.
If you have bought a young plant, it must also be placed in its suitable pot immediately. Nutrient-rich, loamy and humus-rich soil can be used for this, but mature compost is also very suitable. Then the plant can be placed right next to a bright window if the room temperature is right. As already described, avoid direct sunlight.
Watering & fertilizing
Regular watering and fertilizing will help the germinating plant to grow well until it withers before winter. If this has occurred, the leaves should be cut off and the plant given a slightly darker spot. After the winter around the beginning of March, the little plant can then be moved to a lighter and slightly warmer place with new soil.
Keeping blood flowers outdoors
As a rule, an adult blood flower plant can also be grown outdoors. However, there are a few aspects to consider here so that the plant remains in good condition: The plant should only be kept outdoors in a pot or tub so that it can be brought back inside for the winter before the first frost. Furthermore, it needs a bright but not sunny place, which must also be protected. Extreme heat should be avoided by placing in the shade, and increased watering should be observed in summer. In general, the soil should otherwise be kept slightly moist, but not too wet. Young specimens are better kept indoors, as they are not yet able to adapt to the weather too well. In winter, the ideal temperature for the plant indoors is around 14 degrees, which is why it is very well cared for in the basement. Light is not needed during the winter period because the plant is dormant.
Blood Flower Pros and Cons
Advantages
✔ easy to care for
✔ can be bought as a bulb or young plant
✔ ideal as a houseplant
✔ takes a break in winter, when care is significantly less fails
✔ can be kept outdoors in summer
✔ needs a moderate amount of water, occasionally fertilizer or soil containing compost
✔ impresses with its magnificent red or white flowers
✔ becomes quite large and lush
Cons
✘ is not suitable for winter outdoors and must therefore be brought in in autumn
✘ after the leaves have withered, cut them off
✘ in winter it is cool but frost-proof dark place asked
Once you know how to use the Bloodflower, you don't need a green thumb or expert knowledge to acquire this pretty plant. The magnificent plant is a visual eye-catcher during the flowering period, but can also be seen without flowering. It is only in winter that it cannot deliver much from a purely visual point of view, but it also requires less care. The blood flower is therefore ideal for all lovers who want to be rewarded with little effort in summer, but also for everyone who is looking for a special plant thatso not very common. Because of the many subspecies, it is also not a problem to discover your favorite plant.