Haemanthus albiflos, commonly known as Paintbrush, is an evergreen bulbous perennial geophyte, valued for its distinctive appearance and exceptional tolerance to neglect. It is native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including coastal dunes, rocky outcrops, and shaded forest floors. The plant typically reaches a height and width of 1 foot and 1-2 feet respectively. Haemanthus albiflos features fleshy, dark green leaves and brush-like clusters of white flowers, which appear mainly in autumn and winter, adding interest during these seasons. The flowers are often followed by showy, red-orange berries.

The Paintbrush plant is appreciated for its adaptability as a houseplant, particularly in regions where it cannot be grown outdoors due to cold temperatures. It is hardy down to about 1 °C (34 °F) but cannot withstand prolonged freezing. Its ability to endure low light and infrequent watering makes it an excellent choice for indoor cultivation. When grown in containers, a confined root space can promote better flowering. This plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its value in ornamental horticulture. For optimal growth, Haemanthus albiflos should be placed in part shade with moderate watering and well-draining soil. Over-watering should be avoided to prevent bulb rot.CC BY-SA 4.0