Here’s a detailed description of the Rain Lily bulb – a popular ornamental plant known for its charming, lily-like flowers that often bloom after rainfall.

🌱 Rain Lily Bulb Description
Feature Description
Common Name Rain Lily, Fairy Lily, Zephyr Lily
Botanical Name Zephyranthes spp.
Family Amaryllidaceae
Bulb Type True bulb – underground storage organ (similar to an onion)
Bulb Size Small to medium-sized; typically 1–3 cm in diameter
Bulb Shape Rounded or oval, with a pointed tip; covered in brown papery tunics (protective layers)
Color White or light brown outer tunic; inner tissue is fleshy white
Propagation By bulb division or from seeds (bulbs are faster)
🌸 Key Features of Rain Lily Plants
Feature Description
Flowers Star-shaped, 3–5 cm wide; usually pink, white, yellow, or peach
Leaves Grass-like, narrow, dark green
Height 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall
Blooming Trigger Blooms after rainfall or deep watering, often in warm seasons
Growth Habit Clump-forming perennial; multiplies by bulb offsets
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade
Soil Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil preferred
Water Needs Moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings
Dormancy May go dormant during dry or cold periods; bulbs survive underground
🪻 Popular Rain Lily Species
Species Flower Color Notes
Zephyranthes candida White Common white rain lily
Zephyranthes rosea Pink Also called Pink Fairy Lily
Zephyranthes citrina Yellow Fragrant yellow blooms
Zephyranthes grandiflora Deep pink Larger flowers than most species
🌿 Bulb Care Tips

Planting Depth: 1.5 to 2 inches deep, with pointed end facing up

Spacing: 2–4 inches apart for natural clumping

Fertilizing: Light application of bulb fertilizer during growing season

Winter Care: In colder climates, bulbs can be dug up and stored dry, or mulched heavily

🌧️ Why "Rain Lily"?

They earned the name because they often bloom suddenly after rain—a result of the bulbs responding to moisture changes in the soil.