Red Spider Lily | Lycoris Radiata

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Lycoris Radiata, commonly known as Red Spider Lily, is a bulbous perennial that produces umbels of four to six coral-red flowers. Although the petals are curled, the real eye-catching feature is their exceptionally long stamens which give them an elegant eyelash effect. They bloom in late summer to early fall, giving you one last burst of summer color before the cold weather sets in. They can reach up to 24 inches tall and are great as an ornamental plant in groups of three to five or on mass for a sheen of coral carpet. It is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, and a perennial type of plant.

How to Plant

Red Spider Lily is quite versatile and can be grown indoors, in patio containers and also in gardens outdoors. A sunny location near masses of other plants is ideal, but Red Spider Lily can also accommodate some shade. The ideal soil pH range is 6.0 to 7.5, and it is important that the soil is well-drained but still retains some moisture especially during the growing season. It can handle some periods of drought, but the ideal way to water is to keep the soil moist while allowing excess water to drain away. In terms of temperature, Red Spider Lily can handle a minimum of 20F (-6C). Fertilizing the plant once a month is a great way to encourage larger, more vibrant flowers.

Meaning & Symbolism

The Red Spider Lily has been a part of Asian folklore for centuries. It is believed that these memorable flowers embody the souls of the dead, and many cite them as the “Flower of Hades”. In Japan, Red Spider Lily is traditionally planted near Buddhist temples in the belief that no one will ever forget the dead if they have a Red Spider Lily in front of them. The Japanese regard the red spider lily as symbols of both comfort and death. The name Lycoris also comes from Greek mythology, as it is the name of the daughter of a river god.

History, Mythology, and Religious Significance

The Red Spider Lily is regarded as a flower of longevity in China, but is also a representation of love and many cite this flower in their stories and sonnets throughout the ages. In China, red spider lilies are believed to bring good luck and it is also recognized for its medicinal properties as Chinese doctors traditionally use the bulbs for treating digestive issues and as an anti-inflammatory. In Japan, the flower has become a symbol of the fading of summer and so it has become linked with the transition from life to death. Red Spider Lily, as mentioned before, has been strongly entwined with Buddhist mythology once again due to the idea that it represents the souls of the dead.

Flower Varieties & their Defining Characteristics

The species name of Red Spider Lily is Lycoris Radiata, which includes several varieties that can be easily differentiated by their distinct characteristics. The most common variety is the bright red spider lily with yellow anthers. This variety is easy to find and is quite common in gardens. There is also a white variety of Red Spider Lily with white petals and yellow anthers. This variety is less common as it can be difficult to find and is quite delicate and prone to wilting. The last variety is the pink variety with pink petals and yellow anthers. This variety is the most difficult to find as it is quite rare, but it is quite stunning and a delight to behold when it can be found in gardens.

How to Pot and Repot

Since Red Spider Lilies have bulbs, they require proper potting and repotting processes to ensure they have optimal soil and amount of space. When choosing a pot, make sure it’s wider than it’s tall, so there is plenty of even soil surrounding the bulbs. Make sure drainage is not a problem, so planting in a terracotta pot or lined with a plastic pot is recommended. When repotting, it’s important to use proper soil for the bulbs, such as a blend of organic material, compost, and perlite. It’s also recommended to add a bit of nitrogen fertilizer and to avoid over-fertilizing. Give the lily enough room to grow but not too much, as it tends to become lanky if given too much space.

How to Prune

Red Spider Lilies like to be left to their own devices, and so pruning is not necessary; however, from time to time, it can be beneficial. If the plant is too lanky or overgrown, it is worth pruning it back to encourage compact growth and improved flowering. It is also important to cut off dead and wilting foliage to ensure that the energy is used for healthier growth and more vibrant flowering instead. It is also important to note that the right time for pruning is when it is not in bloom, as the energy put into flowers is often wasted if pruned when flowering. It is also important to prune Red Spider Lilies back to the ground in late fall or early spring as this will encourage new growth and more prolific flowering.

How to Propagate

Red Spider Lilies can be easily propagated through division, although this process can be tricky. The best time to divide the bulbs is in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back. The bulbs should be separated carefully, and any damaged or immature bulbs should be discarded. Once divided, the bulbs can be replanted in the same way as freshly bought bulbs, ensuring that they are deeply buried in the soil so they can remain safe during winter. It is also recommended to sprinkle each bulb with a little nitrogen fertilizer to help encourage growth and more vibrant flowering.

Common Pests & Diseases

There aren’t many pests or diseases that are associated with Red Spider Lilies; however, they are susceptible to fungal diseases like red blotch and leaf spot. These can be easily managed by following a few simple steps such as avoiding wetting the leaves when watering and pruning away any affected foliage. Japanese beetles also enjoy nibbling on the leaves and buds of red spider lilies, but they can be easily managed by picking them off by hand or spraying an insecticide if the infestation is too strong. It is also important to ensure that the Red Spider Lilies are planted in well-draining soil, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.

Three Frequently Asked Questions about Lycoiris Radiata

Q: Is Red Spider Lily poisonous?
A: Red Spider Lily is not usually listed as one of the more poisonous plants; however, its bulbs contain toxins, so ingestion is not recommended.

Q: Can you propagate red spider lily from seed?
A: Yes, Red Spider Lilies can be propagated from seeds, but they tend to be quite slow-growing, so it may take a while before you see results.

Q: Does red spider lily need to be divided?
A: Red Spider Lilies do not need to be divided often, but it is recommended that you divide them every three to five years to ensure they stay healthy and vibrant.

Table Fact Sheet

Red Spider Lily	Lycoris Radiata
Family	Amaryllidaceae
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	Up to 24 inches tall
Sun Exposure	Full sun to light shade
Soil Type	Well-draining, moist soil
Soil pH	6.0 to 7.5
Bloom Time	Late summer to early fall
Flower Color	Red, Pink, White
Hardiness Zones	5-9
Native Area	China, Japan