Zephyranthes Candida: How to grow and care for Fairy Lily?

Zephyranthes candida is a common house plant that also goes by the name of Rain Lily. Popularly called Zephyr lily, the plant is native to the Americas. However, through extensive horticulture, the plant has now naturalised in major parts of Asia and Europe.

The plant rises only upto a few centimetres. The thin and long ribbon-like leaves shoot out from the ground and droop. Flowers frequently appear from March to September. These flowers are white at the petals and yellow at the centre. They grow on a single stem and often bloom in abundance.

These plants are commonly kept in the garden and balcony to add some colour and keep things fresh. Flowers are a major attraction of the plant and one of the top reasons why people plant them. There are many types of lily’s namely Blood Lily or African Blood Lily. Visit to learn more.

 

See also: 21 best flowers for your garden

 

Zephyranthes candida: Key facts

 

Source: Wikimedia

see also : all about Zephyranthes Carinata

Name	Zephyranthes candida
Common names	Fairy Lily (Pink),  Zephyr lily
Family	Amaryllidaceae
Origin	South and Central America
Soil	Loamy, sandy soil or moist, clay soil
Temperature	18–28°C
Sunlight	Full sun
Flowers	Pink with 6-7 petals
Leaves	Long and narrow
Indoor/Outdoor	Outdoor

 

Zephyranthes candida: How to grow?

• To ensure the plant will be at the same level in the ground as the soil level in the container, dig the hole up to two times the size of the root ball and deep enough that the root ball will not be overshadowed by the soil. 
• Holding the plant by the roots, use your fingers to lightly rake them apart. Gently push soil around the roots to fill in the empty space around the root ball. 
• Using your foot or a trowel, tamp down the soil around the plant to make it firm. 
• Fill in the planting hole with soil one inch higher than the root ball, or even with the surrounding soil. Water daily for a couple of weeks to get them started.
• Zephyranthes candida is a succulent plant that can be grown in warm climates.
• The plant prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. It can also handle poor drainage if it’s planted in pots or containers with drainage holes.
• Zephyranthes candida prefers warm weather but will tolerate cold temperatures if it’s kept indoors during winter months. It also tolerates drought conditions, though it may need water during periods of heat stress when it’s exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time without shade protection in summer.

See also: What is Hibiscus and how to grow it in your home?

Zephyranthes candida: Care tips

Zephyranthes candida is not a plant that needs the utmost care. In fact, it can survive for a long time even without fertilisers.

Source: Pinterest

 

Even though these plants are rather low maintenance, they still require proper care and nourishment to grow and bloom in abundance. You can always grow them back from bulbs if they die. However, it would be more rewarding to keep them alive and have them flower continuously. Here are some requirements of the Zephyranthes candida plant and what you should do to make sure it grows well:-

• Rain lilies, in general, need water, and the flowers often appear after rain. To ensure your plant blooms, you need to water it well and keep the soil moist. 
• During drought conditions, the plant will require more water. You need to make sure the topsoil never dries, and it would be recommended to spray on some water twice a day for relief. 
• The plant survives well in loamy and fertile soil. It can live on sandy and clayey soil, but you will need to use fertilisers to grow it well.
• Compost is a good fertiliser for Zephyranthes candida. You can use compost every month in the spring for the best blooms.
• Make sure to plant Zephyranthes candida plants in a well-drained pot. It would be ideal to use earthen pots for the best results. 

 

Zephyranthes candida: Benefits

The Zephyranthes candida plant is a great addition to your garden if you are looking for fresh flowers. It acts as great ornamentation, and the flowers will bring you joy even on a bad day. However, the plant is not just beneficial for ornamentation.

Source: Pinterest 

Zephyranthes candida actually has some amazing health benefits that people rarely know about. They have been used by people all around the world as a natural fix for various diseases and illnesses. Here are some of the top medical benefits of Zephyranthes candida that you should know:-

• Relieves insomnia

Insomnia is a serious problem since it takes away the body’s need to rest. Rain Lily is often used by people suffering from insomnia to induce sleep. The leaves of the plant are boiled in water, and the final mix is ingested orally to deal with insomnia. 

• Cure for migraines

Migraines and headaches can be easily cured by the use of Zephyranthes candida. A concoction of water that has been boiled with Zephyranthes candida leaves can help relieve headaches when consumed immediately. 

• Combats epilepsy

In ancient medicine, the plant has been used to invent the cure for epilepsy. It is still widely used by Ayurveda and by African tribes to help deal with symptoms of epilepsy. 

• Improves liver health in hepatitis A patients

Zephyr lily is said to improve liver function and help people who have liver issues. People with Hepatitis A especially will find the plant beneficial for their health.

FAQs

Are Zephyranthes plants toxic to dogs?

Yes, Zephyranthes candida is toxic to animals. Dogs especially will experience severe symptoms after ingesting the plant. Pet parents are recommended not to plant this at home.

Do rain lilies need full sun?

Yes, a rain lily will require full sun. It is completely an outdoor plant and needs plenty of sunlight to survive. However, make sure the leaves don't get scorched. Water them generously if they are kept under the sun for long hours.

Do rain lily bulbs multiply?

Rain lily bulbs do multiply. You can plant them in the right soil mix and get new plants in no time. Even if the plant has died, you can keep the bulbs and plant them to bring the plant back.