Lycoris radiata aka Red Spider Lily

Taxonomy

Lycoris radiata, commonly known as the red spider lily, red magic lily, corpse flower, or equinox flower, is a bulbous perennial plant in the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. Originally from China, Japan, Korea, and Nepal, it has spread to the United States and other regions, even becoming naturalized in Seychelles and the Ryukyu Islands. This striking plant blooms in late summer or autumn, often in response to heavy rainfall, earning it the nickname hurricane lily. It is also referred to as the resurrection lily, alluding to its ability to come to life after a period of dormancy. The flowers of Lycoris radiata are a vibrant red, with wavy-margined, reflexed petals and conspicuous anthers. After flowering, dark green, strap-shaped leaves emerge and persist through the winter into early spring. Symbolically associated with death, these red spider lilies are often found at funerals or planted on graves. Their unique appearance and short-lived nature, lasting only a week or two before fading to a coral-pink hue, add to their allure.

Common names

Red Spider Lily, Spider Lily, Hell Flower, Red Magic Lily, Equinox Flower

How to care for Red Spider Lily

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Red Spider Lily is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Red Spider Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Red Spider Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Red Spider Lily requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Spider Lily is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Red Spider Lily to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Red Spider Lily is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Red Spider Lily should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Red Spider Lily as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Red Spider Lily’s native range is E. Asia - South-eastern China and southern Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia