Hippeastrum reticulatum var. striatifolium

Kevin Preuss (March 17, 2004)

Hippeastrum reticulatum striatifolium - an exceptionally beautiful species (actually it is a favourite of mine!) native to areas west from Curitiba to Rio Parana, Brasil thought other varieties of the species are native to the provinces of Misiones and Corrientes in NE Argentina, and southern and south-eastern Brasil (State of Espirito Santo). I usually grow bulbs in full sun but the specimen shown here has been cultivated in 80% shade as an indoor plant. None of the bulbs that receive full sun produce more than 4 flowers on a spike but this bulb which has been staying indoors not getting much light produced 7 flowers on one spike (the one shown in the attached picture). Another spike of the same bulb produced 6 flowers later. H. reticulatum striatifolium enjoys a growing medium with high organic contents and lots of water, particularly during its active growing seasons in Spring and Summer. This species is highly susceptible to virus infection.
Dennis Tsang
Discovery Bay, Hong Kong

Hugh Bollinger

Dr. Alan Meerow

Willem Reuter

Mark Dimmitt

Hardiness: Not reliably hardy.

Growth: Evergreen. Active growing season fall to early winter; enters semi-dormancy in late spring. A shy bloomer in general. Main flowering season late summer to fall. In milder climates, it flowers at any time of year. Bulbs multiply rapidly.

Cultural Requirements: Bulbs generally enjoy being neglected. No particular soil requirements. Bulbs enjoy sandy, well drained and heavily mulched soil or growing medium with high organic contents. Grows well in indirect sunlight and shade. Reduce watering when growth slows down. Withhold watering up to few months to induce flowering. Feed bulbs 2 - 3 times in the spring. In severe climate, bulbs can be removed indoors or dug out and stored dry until the weather is warm enough. Excellent subject for both pot and ground cultivation. Generally pest free.

Natural Habitat: West from Curitiba to Rio Parana, southern Brazil.

Distinguishing Features: Flowers are reticulated with lilac-purple to deep cerise pink.

Leaves: mid-rib with a prominent white stripe which is dominant in F1 hybrids, successive breeding dilutes the character.

Variations/Forms: Slight variation of darker, narrower leaves and flowers of varied degree of "ruffling", sizes and pinks are observed.

Comment: Said to be self-compatible but it is also observed that some clones are self sterile. Widely cultivated throughout Asia.

Further reading: PLANT LIFE 1965 pp.127 - ; PLANT LIFE 1969, p.38. For Hippeastrum reticulatum: PLANT LIFE 1969, pp.72-; PLANT LIFE 1971 p.54 (seed production); PLANT LIFE 1975, p.46; PLANT LIFE 1977, pp.39, 63 (chromosome counts); BULBS by John Bryan p.208; HANDBOOK OF AMARYLLIDACEAE, 1888, p.51.

--Dennis Tsang