Amaryllidaceae
Red spider lily: Complete Care Guide
Lycoris radiata
Plant bulbs in late summer in well-draining soil. Provide moderate water during the growing season and keep the soil relatively dry during the summer dormancy period.
Every 10 days
Partial shade
-5° - 35°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Red spider lily?
Red spider lily (Lycoris radiata) is a medium-care plant from the Amaryllidaceae family. Lycoris radiata, known as the Red Spider Lily, is a bulbous perennial famous for its striking, coral-red flowers with long, curling stamens that resemble spider legs. Uniquely, the flowers bloom in late summer or autumn on naked stems, with the strap-like leaves appearing only after the flowers have...
Red spider lily grows up to 60cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 10 days, -5°C – 35°C, 40–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Red spider lily?
TLDR: Red spider lily needs Partial shade, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -5-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Red spider lily?
Water regularly when leaves or flowers are present, but stop watering almost entirely when the plant goes dormant in summer.
How Much Light Does Red spider lily Need?
Thrives in partial shade to full sun; in hotter climates, afternoon shade helps preserve the vibrant flower color.
What Is the Best Soil for Red spider lily?
Prefers rich, organic, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay that retains too much water during dormancy.
What Pot Should You Use for Red spider lily?
Deep ceramic or terracotta pots to accommodate the bulb's root system if not planted in the ground.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 1095 days
What Is Red spider lily and Where Does It Come From?
Lycoris radiata, known as the Red Spider Lily, is a bulbous perennial famous for its striking, coral-red flowers with long, curling stamens that resemble spider legs. Uniquely, the flowers bloom in late summer or autumn on naked stems, with the strap-like leaves appearing only after the flowers have faded. It is a symbol of final goodbyes and reincarnation in various East Asian cultures.
How to Propagate Red spider lily?
Bulb Division
- Wear gloves as the bulbs are toxic and can cause skin irritation.
- Do not divide too frequently; they bloom best when slightly crowded.
- 1 Lift Bulbs
Carefully dig up the bulb clumps during their dormant period in mid-summer.
- 2 Separate Offsets
Gently pull the smaller offset bulbs away from the main parent bulb.
- 3 Replant
Plant the bulbs immediately at a depth where the neck is just at or slightly above the soil surface.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Red spider lily Grow?
TLDR: Red spider lily can reach up to 60cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (processed bulbs only)
- Alkaloid extraction for research
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In Japan, it is associated with the arrival of fall and the Buddhist concept of the 'Other Shore' (nirvana).
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
