The prettiest of the 3-4 Rauhia species, R. decora has green flowers (like all Rauhia), but with long curved stamens that give them the elegant look of a Eucrosia. Young leaves are attractively tesselated with silver giving them a jewel-like look.

Like all Rauhia species, R. decora produces two large, round, succulent leaves. It should be planted in gritty mix (a standard potting soil mixed 50% by volume with coarse sand), and allowed to dry off for a winter rest. Begin watering again when new growth is seen emerging from the center of the bulb. The bulb should be planted half out of the soil. Light shade in hot climates, full sun in cool coastal climates. They are probabaly not tolerant of freezing temperatures.

All Rauhia species are restricted to dry, Inter-Andean valleys of the Utcumbamba and Maranon river basins in north-central Peru at elevations of 800 to 1200 meters. seed germinates readily and shuld be handled like any other amaryllid. Allow the seedlings to grow without rest until the first leaves begin to yellow.

Dr. Alan Meerow