Red Spider Lily Plant Care
Lycoris radiata (L'Hér.) Herb.
Lycoris radiata, known as the red spider lily, red magic lily, corpse flower, or equinox flower, is a plant in the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. It is originally from China, Japan, Korea and Nepal and spread from there to the United States and elsewhere.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–70%
What Is the Red Spider Lily?
Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Lycoris genus. Red Spider Lily is also known as Surprise Lily, Hurricane Lily, Blood Lily.
Red Spider Lily displays an upright, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 inches tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 inches. Red Spider Lily produces showy clusters of funnel-shaped flowers in red, pink, white, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Spider Lily?
Lycoris radiata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Red Spider Lily Need?
Red Spider Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Red Spider Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Spider Lily Prefer?
Lycoris radiata grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. Red Spider Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Spider Lily?
Well-draining, sandy soil with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Red Spider Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Red Spider Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Red Spider Lily?
Red Spider Lily can be propagated through offsets, seeds.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Red Spider Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to Pets & Children
Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; skin irritant to humans
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red Spider Lily?
Red Spider Lily is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red Spider Lily Need?
Red Spider Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Red Spider Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Red Spider Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lycoris genus — compare its care with other Lycoris species on PlantoScan.
Red Spider Lily tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
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