Red Spider Lily

Botanical Name: Lycoris radiata

An elegant-looking plant, Red Spider Lily adds a sizzling burst of color to your home.

 

This relative of the amaryllis is also easy to grow.

You can expect clusters of blooms in late summer or fall on top of tall, leafless stems that grow 1-2 ft (30-60 cm) tall.

Strap-like leaves follow the flowers and will stay green through the winter. Allow the leaves to die back naturally before cutting them off.

Pot up the bulbs as soon as they are purchased. They'll bloom when they're ready.

This is a long-lived plant and will provide years of beautiful flowers. This lily tends to bloom best after a hot, dry summer followed by a wet season...just like its native habitat. In fact, it gets another common name, Hurricane Lily, from the fact that it blooms during the stormy season in Asia.

Wondering whether to repot? This spider lily doesn't like to be disturbed, so divide bulbs only when it gets crowded in its pot.

CAUTION: The bulbs of this plant are poisonous.

Red Spider Lily Care Tips

Origin: China

Height: Up to 24 in (60 cm)

Light: Bright indirect light

Water: Water thoroughly while plant is growing and blooming. Use a pot with a drainage hole and empty drainage tray because these bulbs may rot if kept wet. Gradually decrease water after blooming, maintaining barely moist soil in spring and summer.

Humidity: Relative humidity of 40-50%

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F/16-24°C.

Soil: Peat moss based potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring to fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Division of bulbs.