Why did my plant lose all its leaves?

It is a natural part of the plant's cycle to go dormant after flowering.

How often should I water it?

Water regularly during the growing season, but keep the soil nearly dry while it is dormant.

Plant guide

Blood lily.

Scadoxus multiflorus

Pronounced ska-DOK-sus mul-ti-FLOR-us

Also known as Bloodlily, Fireball lily

Scadoxus multiflorus — Photo by Sunčana Bradley (CC BY) via gbif

The blood lily is a stunning bulbous plant known for its massive, spherical clusters of bright red flowers. It makes a dramatic statement in any collection during its active growing season. You will love how easily it commands attention when it blooms.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Bulb
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 2 feet tall
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil evenly moist while the plant is actively growing and flowering. Once the foliage begins to yellow after blooming, reduce water significantly to allow the bulb to enter its dormant phase. Watch for mushy stems, which indicate the bulb is sitting in too much water.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry during the growing season.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing months.
Pruning: Remove dead or yellowing foliage only after the plant has finished its dormant cycle.
Repotting: Repot only when the bulb becomes too crowded in its current container.
Soil: Well draining potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 10 to 30°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Bulbs becoming crowded in the pot

Safety

People: The plant contains alkaloids that are poisonous to humans and pets if consumed.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children as the bulbs are highly toxic if chewed or swallowed.
Contact allergens: Handling the bulbs or sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not typically considered a major allergen.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.

How to identify it

Large spherical red flower heads
Bright red star shaped florets
Broad wavy edged green leaves
Thick fleshy bulb base

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.45m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: red, 15 to 25cm
Fruit: red, Late summer

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Root RotCommon
Bulb RotUncommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your blood lily from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: Move containers to a frost free location and withhold water until new growth appears in spring.
In containers: It thrives in containers, which makes it easy to move indoors during cold weather.

Division

1. Wait until the plant is dormant.
2. Gently lift the clump from the soil.
3. Separate the offsets from the parent bulb.
4. Replant in fresh, well draining soil.

Pair with plants that have similar dormant periods to keep your garden beds looking tidy.

Grows well with

Ferns · They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Caladium · They provide beautiful foliage contrast during the lily's growth phase.

Similar species

Haemanthus · They are closely related and share a similar growth habit.

Science

Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Scadoxus
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical and Southern Africa.
Conservation: This species is not currently threatened in the wild.

It grows in shaded forest floors where it relies on seasonal rainfall to trigger its growth cycle.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental container plant, tropical garden accent

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why did my plant lose all its leaves?: It is a natural part of the plant's cycle to go dormant after flowering.
How often should I water it?: Water regularly during the growing season, but keep the soil nearly dry while it is dormant.

Where the name comes from

The name Scadoxus comes from the Greek words for cup and glory, while multiflorus refers to the many flowers in each cluster.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the blood lily due to its vibrant red color.
The plant goes through a distinct dormant period where the foliage dies back completely.
It is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family.
The flower heads can reach up to 10 inches in diameter.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your blood lily growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.