Cyrtanthus is a large genus native to South Africa, where various species are found, growing in a wide range of habitats including damp bushy stream-edges, as epiphytes on other plants, and in near desert conditions. Cyrtanthus is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family.
Unfortunately they are rarely seen in cultivation, and are perhaps not sufficiently known, ever to become popular. A few species adapt well to general cultivation, but for others they require a rather different treatment as to resting periods and watering depending on their areas of origin. Their requirements are sometimes so exact, that they will only ever be grown by collectors and specialist growers.
The requirements of the more difficult species will have to be understood to be successful. That's why I always grow them in (generous) containers (various sizes according to species), not only for convenience, but mainly to control conditions required at the different times of the season.
When it comes to watering, when and how much is important as well. I usually water freely when in active growth and flowering, but soon after flowering and seed collecting, growth slows down and so does watering to the point where I keep them barely damp. Too much water combined with too much cold at this time, again could be detrimental for the plant. BTW: It is a well known fact that many pot plants are lost due to overwatering.
With the potting medium, the main requirements should be good drainage at all times. Our mix consist of 0.5 of composted bark, 0.25 pumice and 0.25 sand, to which I add some well decayed mushroom compost, plus a measure of (9-12 months) slow release, well balanced NPK ( + trace elements), low nitrogen fertiliser. Don't think with this (ours) medium your results will be magically solved.
I think the climate, the method of cultivation and potting mix together will determine success. It's best to treat each species separate.
My personal opinion is ( don't take that as gospel truth ) that Cyrtanthus like a steady, long, moderate to warmish growing season, without sudden shocks of very cold periods, which could also spell disaster. Growing Cyrtanthus species was never meant to be easy, (apart from C. elatus and hybrids) but if successful, will be fascinating, rewarding and very enjoyable. Enjoy the pictures, Bill Dijk
In late December 2003 Cyrtanthus was the subject of the pbs list TOW. Introductions were provided by Bill Dijk.
Introduction Part 1
Introduction Part 2
Picture of Cyrtanthus seed pods taken by Bill Dijk.
Cyrtanthus Hybrids is devoted mostly to hybrids of specific species and crosses and only a few cultivars at this time
Cyrtanthus species can be found alphabetically on these wiki pages:
Cyrtanthus A-C – Cyrtanthus D-J – Cyrtanthus K-O – Cyrtanthus P-Z
Or look for them and the two cultivars by clicking on the name in the table below.
Cyrtanthus Hybrids – Cyrtanthus A-C – Cyrtanthus D-J – Cyrtanthus K-O – Cyrtanthus P-Z
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