Hippeastrum doraniae

Hugh Bollinger

Dennis Tsang

Origin:  Hippeastrum doraniae is native to islands in the estuary between Macareo and Mariusa of the Orinoco Delta in north-eastern Venezuela. Doran suggests that bulbs were found at about 50-60 miles east of Pedernales and describes the habitat as a wet horror without any landmark. Hippeastrum doraniae var. doraniae is said to be native to Peru.

Habitat:  Bulbs grow at about 30 m on islands of the Orinoco River estuary where the climate is hot and humid in most part of the year.  

Varieties:  Hippeastrum doraniae var doraniae is the only variety known to exist in cultivation. However, I am not aware of any major differences between this variety and the typical H. doraniae.

Cultivation:  H. doraniae is one of the less common species in cultivation. The bright pink colour and sweet fragrance of its flowers make this species a valuable subject for the growers. In cultivation, H. doraniae seems to be able to tolerate a much drier and cooler condition than in its natural habitat. The species enjoys ample sunlight and a warm/hot condition. I grow my bulbs in a growing medium containing equal parts of compost and sand. The bulbs are about 1 inch below soil level. H. doraniae is favoured by mealy bugs and this species is prone to virus infection. Frequent spraying of plants is strongly recommended.  

Potential for Breeding:  H. doraniae has been used for breeding with other species, including H. traubii.