Amazon Lily (Eucharis): Fragrant White Blooms for Your Indoor Garden

Botanical Name: Eucharis x grandiflora

Often overlooked as a houseplant, the Amazon Lily is a stunning member of the amaryllis family that thrives indoors with minimal fuss. This evergreen hybrid boasts deeply veined, glossy green leaves up to 1 ft (30 cm) long, making it attractive even when not in flower.

But the real show begins in summer, when clusters of star-shaped, snowy-white blooms appear on thick, upright stems. Each fragrant flower, about 3 in (8 cm) wide, features a distinctive green-tinged cup at its center—reminiscent of a narcissus. The stems may need staking to support the weight of the flower clusters.

Repot in Spring every 3 years or when necessary. This lily actually blooms best when slightly pot-bound, so choose a container just large enough to accommodate the roots. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. This is also the perfect time to remove and pot up any offset bulbs.

Give It a Rest Period After flowering, cut back on watering to allow the bulb to dry out, and stop fertilizing until spring. Resume normal care when new growth appears. Sometimes the plant will surprise you with a second bloom cycle in fall or winter; if not, expect flowers again the following summer.

If you've never grown this type of lily, give it a try. With good care, you'll enjoy its gorgeous, fragrant flowers year after year.

Amazon Lily Care Quick Reference

Origin: Colombia and Peru

Height: 2 ft (60 cm)

Light: Bright light, but no direct sun.

Water: Water generously during the growing season, keeping soil evenly moist. Water sparingly during the rest period.

Humidity: Average room humidity is fine.

Temperature: Average room temperatures, 60–75°F (16–24°C).

Soil: Rich, humusy potting mix amended with coarse sand for excellent drainage.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Detach offset bulbs and pot them separately. Plant with the bulb's nose just barely covered. Water sparingly until new growth emerges.