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Description
Lycoris Radiata, commonly known as Red Spider Lily, is a flowering plant native to East Asia. It belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae and is often used for ornamental purposes due to its vibrant red color and unique shape. The plant has long been associated with death and reincarnation in Japanese culture and is often planted around cemeteries and temples.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Lycoris |
Appearance
The Red Spider Lily has long, slender stems that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are strap-shaped and can grow up to 50 cm long. The plant produces clusters of bright red flowers that have six petals each and a yellow center. The flowers bloom in late summer or early fall, and the plant produces no foliage during flowering. The bulbs of the plant are round and can grow up to 5 cm in diameter.
Care Guide
Water: The Red Spider Lily prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The Red Spider Lily prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: The Red Spider Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Red Spider Lily is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to bulb rot if overwatered. It is also important to protect the bulbs from rodents, as they may be eaten.
Habitat
The Red Spider Lily is native to East Asia and can be found in China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Red Spider Lily be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a container. However, it may not flower as well as it would outdoors.Q: How often should the Red Spider Lily be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.Q: What is the significance of the Red Spider Lily in Japanese culture?
A: The plant is often associated with death and reincarnation in Japanese culture and is often planted around cemeteries and temples.Q: How long does it take for the Red Spider Lily to bloom?
A: The plant typically blooms in late summer or early fall, approximately 60-90 days after planting.
Related Plants
- Lycoris Aurea
- Lycoris Squamigera
- Lycoris Traubii
References
- “Lycoris Radiata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c634.
- “Lycoris Radiata.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67306/.
- “Lycoris Radiata.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/22706/Lycoris-radiata/Details.
