Haemanthus albiflos aka White Paintbrush

Haemanthus albiflos prefers cool to moderate temperatures and is not frost-hardy. It can tolerate minimum temperatures of 1-5°C (34-41°F) but performs best in temperatures above 10°C (50°F). In USDA zones 9-11, it can be grown outdoors year-round in sheltered locations, but in colder regions it must be protected from freezing and grown as a houseplant or in a cool greenhouse.

Unlike most bulbs, Haemanthus albiflos is evergreen and doesn't have a true dormancy period, though growth slows in winter. During the active growing season (spring through autumn), water freely when soil begins to dry and fertilize monthly. In winter, reduce watering significantly—keep the soil just barely moist but not completely dry. The plant blooms naturally in autumn to winter (April-July in the Southern Hemisphere, October-January in the Northern Hemisphere). Avoid repotting unless absolutely necessary as it flowers best when pot-bound.

Haemanthus albiflos can be propagated by separating offsets or growing from seed. For offsets, gently separate bulblets from mature clumps in early spring, ensuring each has good roots—don't force them. Replant immediately and keep shaded until established. For seed propagation, harvest when berries turn bright orange-red, wash seeds clean, dry for 1-2 days, then sow 3-4mm deep in moist soil. Germination takes several months. Note that plants flower better when congested, so offset removal may reduce blooming.

Haemanthus albiflos strongly prefers being pot-bound and flowers most reliably in congested conditions. Mature bulbs only need dividing every 7-8 years when flowering performance noticeably diminishes. If repotting is necessary, do so in early spring before the growing season begins. Use well-draining soil and plant bulbs with the upper half exposed above the soil surface. The best blooms occur when the plant is restricted in a small pot, so resist the urge to repot too frequently.

Haemanthus albiflos is generally very hardy and pest-resistant, but can occasionally be affected by mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and the lily borer (amaryllis caterpillar). The most common disease is bulb rot caused by overwatering or fungal infection in poorly-drained soil. Other potential issues include soft rot and anthracnose. Treat pest infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Prevent disease by ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering, especially during the cooler winter months when the plant's growth slows.

Haemanthus albiflos is pollinated by insects, primarily bees and butterflies attracted to the brush-like white flower heads. The flowers feature prominent protruding stamens with yellow or orange anthers that make pollen easily accessible to visiting insects. Following successful pollination, the plant produces attractive bright orange or red fleshy berries containing white seeds. While insect visitation is well-documented, the complete pollination mechanism has not been fully verified in scientific literature.

Haemanthus albiflos requires no regular pruning. As an evergreen bulbous plant, it maintains its strap-shaped leaves year-round. You can remove damaged, yellowed, or dead leaves at the base as needed for aesthetic purposes, but this is not essential for plant health. After flowering, you may leave the spent flower stalks to develop into ornamental orange-red berries, or remove them if you prefer. The plant's low-maintenance nature and natural compact form mean pruning is rarely necessary.

The broad, strap-shaped leaves of Haemanthus albiflos are naturally hairy or softly pubescent, which helps them trap dust. Gently wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove accumulated dust, taking care not to damage the fine hairs on the leaf surface. Avoid using leaf shine products as these can clog the leaf pores and damage the natural texture. Since the plant prefers indirect light and shade, dust accumulation is less of an issue than with plants in brighter locations. Clean leaves only when visibly dusty.

Haemanthus albiflos does not have widely recognized cultivars or varieties in cultivation. The species shows some natural variation in leaf color (pale to dark green or greyish-green) and may display yellowish spots or varying degrees of hairiness on the leaves. POWO documents several historical subspecies and variants that were recognized by 19th-century botanists, but these are now generally treated as synonyms of the single species. The plant is typically grown in its natural species form without named cultivated varieties.

Haemanthus albiflos can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where temperatures rarely drop below -1°C (30°F). In the UK and similar climates (RHS H2), it must be protected from frost and is best grown in a cool greenhouse or as a houseplant. Outdoors, plant in sheltered, shaded locations similar to Clivia preferences—under trees or on shaded verandahs. The plant naturally occurs in coastal forest and bushveld habitats in South Africa, preferring dappled shade and protection from harsh sun. In borderline climates, grow in containers that can be moved indoors before frost.

Yellowing leaves on Haemanthus albiflos usually indicate overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Check that your pot has adequate drainage holes and the soil is drying out between waterings. In winter when growth slows, reduce watering to just barely moist. Yellowing can also occur from too much direct sunlight—this shade-loving plant prefers dappled light and can scorch in full sun. Occasionally, older outer leaves naturally yellow and die back as part of normal growth; these can be removed at the base. If multiple leaves yellow suddenly, check for root rot by examining the bulb for soft, mushy spots.

Brown leaf tips or edges on Haemanthus albiflos typically result from underwatering during the growing season or low humidity, though this plant is quite tolerant of dry air. Brown spots or patches may indicate sunburn if the plant is in too much direct light—move it to a location with dappled shade. Brown, crispy leaves can also develop if the plant is too close to heating vents or in very dry indoor conditions. While this species is extremely drought-tolerant, it still needs regular watering during active growth (spring through autumn). If browning is accompanied by softness, suspect fungal infection or rot from poor drainage.

Slow growth is completely normal and expected for Haemanthus albiflos—it is naturally a very slow-growing plant that can take 2-3 years to reach flowering maturity from seed. If your established plant seems stagnant, ensure it's receiving adequate water during the growing season (spring through autumn) and monthly fertilization with diluted balanced fertilizer. Paradoxically, the plant flowers best when pot-bound and slightly stressed, so don't expect rapid growth or rush to repot. Very slow or no growth in winter is normal as this is the plant's resting period. If there's been no growth for over a year, check that it's not in full shade (needs dappled light) and hasn't been overwatered to the point of root damage.

No, Haemanthus albiflos is not edible and is toxic if ingested. As a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, all parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if eaten. The bulbs are particularly toxic. The Royal Horticultural Society explicitly warns that these are ornamental bulbs that must not be eaten, and recommends wearing gloves and protective equipment when handling the plant as contact with skin may cause irritation. Keep this plant away from children and pets who might be tempted to taste the attractive berries or bulbs.

Haemanthus albiflos has minimal documented medicinal use. In traditional South African medicine, it is reportedly used to treat chronic coughs, though this use is not well-documented in scientific literature and efficacy has not been clinically verified. Given that the plant contains toxic alkaloids and can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested, any medicinal use would need to be undertaken with extreme caution and proper preparation. The Royal Horticultural Society warns that all parts of the plant are toxic and handling requires gloves. This plant should be considered primarily ornamental rather than medicinal, and self-medication is not recommended.

Haemanthus albiflos is valued purely as an ornamental plant with no documented utility uses such as fiber, dye, construction material, or other applications. Its primary value lies in horticulture where it is prized for its unusual brush-like white flowers, evergreen strap-shaped hairy leaves, decorative orange-red berries, and exceptional tolerance of neglect. The plant is particularly valued for container cultivation on shaded verandahs, in cool greenhouses, and as a low-maintenance houseplant. Its ability to flower reliably when pot-bound and its suitability for shady locations where many flowering plants struggle make it a favorite among collectors and shade gardeners.