Also known as Orange-Flowered Surprise Lily · Spider-Lily
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Lycoris sanguinea, a deciduous bulbous perennial, offers vibrant scarlet-red flowers in late summer/early autumn. It thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light or morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce in dormancy.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers daytime temperatures of 18-24°C and cooler nights. Requires a winter dormancy period of 7-13°C.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize lightly during active growth; not needed during dormancy.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Bulbs are toxic if ingested, containing lycorine and other alkaloids, causing gastrointestinal upset.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in late summer and fall when the foliage dies back. Ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
Water sparingly during winter dormancy, only if the soil is completely dry.
Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent seed formation and conserve energy for the bulb. Cut back the dead foliage only after it has completely yellowed and dried, typically in late summer.
This allows nutrients to return to the bulb.
Offsets (bulblets) can be carefully separated from the mother bulb during repotting in late summer or early autumn. Plant the offsets immediately in well-draining soil.
Seed propagation is possible but slower and less common for home gardeners.
Repot every 2-3 years in late summer or early autumn, just as new growth appears. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the bulb cluster.
Ensure the bulbs are planted at the correct depth, with the tip just at or slightly below the soil surface.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Lycoris Sanguinea (Lycoris sanguinea)
Where Lycoris Sanguinea (Lycoris sanguinea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Lycoris |
| Species | Lycoris sanguinea |
Similar in genus Lycoris
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
