It grows mainly as an epiphyte in tropical mountain forests, which are disappearing, making the species vulnerable to extinction.

[3] The umbel of 2–30 flowers has a dense brush-like appearance and is surrounded by a number of bracts, which persist until fruiting occurs.

[4][5] When the flowers fade and fruits are formed, the scape straightens, so that the ripe red berries, about 15 mm (0.6 in) long, are held upright.

[4] Scadoxus nutans is described as "vulnerable" as the mountain forest on which it depends is continually being lost through changes of land use.

The Ethiopian Tree Fund Foundation (ETFF) is endeavouring to maintain and restore native forest by working with local farmers.

Jonathan Hutchinson, the UK National Plant Collection holder for Scadoxus, recommends the addition of lumps of tree fern stem.