White Spider Lily: Are They Poisonous to Humans? (Care Guide)

Lycoris Albiflora, also known as white spider lily, is one of the most beautiful flowers with 6 to 8 blooms. It has curly white petals with long stamens perfect for summers. The same is why people plant them in their backyard or the garden.

However, why is this beautiful flower nicknamed after a dangerous and creepy insect: Spider? Does this flower obtain the qualities of a Spider?

Well! Lycoris albiflora belongs to the family of amaryllis. The breed was first introduced in Japan Along with some other flower breeds. However, in today’s world, white spider lilies cover a vast area of the world. They can be found all around all across Europe, Asia, and America.

Their flowers are considered one of the best options for home gardening. It is an attractive and appealing number of six to eight glistening white flowers that obtain exceptionally long stamens and beautifully curled petals.

Most of the petals of the white spider Lily are dual-shaded and display an elegant creamy pink stripe down its center. The blossoms appear on naked stems, usually in late summer, and stay till early fall.

These flowers grow up to 18 to 25 in. tall ( 45- 60 cm) and 12 inches wide.

According to Epic Gardening, the Crinum lily is a plant that must be handled with warning as it’s far poisonous to humans, mainly the bulb. It incorporates numerous alkaloids that the human frame can not tolerate. Therefore, it’s essential to be privy to the capability toxicity of this plant whilst handling it.

Additionally, it’s well worth noting that no matter their similar names, the spider plant isn’t poisonous, in contrast to the spider lily, as cited in WagWalking. So, when you have pets, it’s vital to make sure that they do not eat any part of the Crinum lily, as it can be dangerous to them as well.

All in all, Lycoris albiflora is a lovely flowering bulb that adds a sense of beauty and elegance to your home garden. So if you are looking for that perfect flower breed that can grant your home a completely new and attractive look, white spider lilies would be a great option.

However, there are some essential things that you must know, such as how to care for the flower,their blooming season etc. to rest assure maximum benefits

Stay tuned, and we will let you know about all the essentials! You must know information about the white spider lily before you plant them in your house. So without wasting time any further, let’s proceed.

white spider lily has different meanings that makes it more amazing to grow.

White lily specification :

Common names White spider lily: Lycoris Albiflora, White Lily, White spider lily
Botanical name:  Hymenocallis Carolina
Family Amaryllis
Country of origin:  Japan
Color White, Yellow, Cream, Beige, Nude, Pale white, Pale yellow
Flower shape:  Spider shaped
Blooming time From late summers to early winters
Native areas Were first introduced in Japan. However, in today’s world, their native area is in the US.
Toxicity:  poisonous to humans
Price $10 to $30 

About Hymenocallis (White Spider Lilies Native to USA)

Hymenocallis, in simple words, can be called a sub-branch of white spider lilies that resemble daffodils. These bulbous perennials are fragrant and come in bright white, pale white, cream, and yellow colors. Hymenocallis are born on thick stems and are adorned by the central cup that is surrounded by projecting stems and spreading tepals.

This branch of spider lilies is native to the United States (US) and blooms in mid to late summers. The flower variety is an excellent option for moist soil. Hence you can also grow the flower bulbs on the edge of ponds. Here are a few popular types of Hymenocallis that you can consider.

White spider Lily

White Spider Lily Care

White spider lily (Lycoris albiflora) have elegant white blossoms on long stalks and may enhance any garden or landscape. White spider lily care instructions:

Soil and Sunlight: White spider lilies like well-drained, organic soil. For gardens shadowed by trees or buildings, they flourish in partial shade or dappled sunshine.

Planting: Plant white spider lilies in early autumn or spring. At least 6 inches should separate bulbs planted two to three times their height.

White spider lilies need frequent watering to keep the soil wet. Overwatering these plants might damage the bulbs.

White spider lilies need spring fertilization. Employ phosphorus-rich slow-release fertilizer to promote flowering.

Pruning: To keep white spider lilies clean, remove dead or fading leaves.

Propagation: Divide white spider lily bulbs after flowering. Carefully detach and replant the bulbs at the same depth.

Pests and Diseases: White spider lilies are typically pest- and disease-resistant, although overwatering or planting in poorly-draining soil may cause bulb rot.

Hymenocallis Tropical giant

Tropical giant is a bulbous perennial that produces pure white flowers with a unique scent in mid-summer. When the flowers are born, they appear to resemble a giant white spider. However, these are not real spiders but flowers with a sweet fragrance.

Each flower has a cup with a Chartreuse throat. The Tropical Giants grow up to 25 to 27 inches in height and about 90 cm in width.

Hymenocallis Sulphur Queer

This is the most popular and award-winning type of Hymenocallis. The tender bulbous tumbles up to 6 to 7 big-sized flowers with a fantastic scent.

However, the color of Sulphur Queen is not White but Yellow. Each Of these flowers displays green stripes with a yellow padded cup

Hymenocallis Latifolia

Latifolia is a pure white flower. The flowers resemble white spiders with a giant Central cup and six long petals.

You can plant latifolia in moist weather as they don’t need much sunlight to grow. However, to provide regular maintenance.

4 Tips to Grow White spider Lily

No flower can survive for a more extended period if you don’t provide enough care to them. And the case gets even more sensitive when you talk about white spider lilies.

This flower asks for an adequate amount of care from its owner. So how do you care for white spider lilies?

Well! Here are some points you must consider for this purpose.

Water: watering is essential for every plant as they need it for photosynthesis. Thereforewater the plant throughout the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist. However, don’t overwater as it can destroy the whole plant.

Temperature; make sure to plant the white spider lilies at the right temperature as the temperature has profound effects on the plant growth. The most suitable temperature for lycoris albiflora is 70 to 85 degrees.

Fertilizer:As the name elaborates, fertilizers help the plant grow new branches and the flower itself. Make sure to feed your lycoris albiflora after every two weeks in spring and summer. Plus, don’t forget to purchase high quality.

Propagation: Separate the parent bulbs from new ones in spring and pot them separately. Water newly potted bulbs daily for the first month until you see some new growth.

When do white spider lilies bloom

Lycoris albiflora grows well in the sites that are exposed to sunlight. Most of its types bloom in late summers. Leaves start appearing in spring, yet they disappear in the mid-summer.

Nevertheless, you must plant the bulb in the winter and water it through the spring to encourage healthy blooming. So water moderately during the growing season.

Are spider lilies poisonous to humans?

Unfortunately, White spider lilies are poisonous to humans because it contains toxic component known as lycorine that is poisonous to human health. According to research, this plant was initially used for killing pests and insects that invaded crops.

Hence, if you have white spider lilies planted in your garden or backyard, instruct your children and pets not to swallow them as they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other severe diseases.

Ingesting white spider lilies (Lycoris albiflora) is harmful. Lycorine, a poisonous alkaloid found in all plant sections, may induce vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac collapse if taken in excessive amounts.

These plants are more likely to be ingested by youngsters and dogs. Get medical assistance if someone has eaten a white spider lily.

Reference:

  1. “Lycoris.” Poisonous Plants of North Carolina. North Carolina State University, n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2023. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lycoris-radiata/.
  2. “Lycoris Radiata.” ASPCA. n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2023. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/lycoris-radiata.

Spider lily poison effects

Spider lily poison side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting. Sometimes you may also feel nausea and too much salivation, this means that it is effecting your throat to stomach.

white spider lily meaning

Conclusion

To conclude, white spider lilies are one of the most popular flowers in today’s era. Above you can find all the essential information about this beautiful plant.

 

Source:

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/spider-lily.html

https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=50466&sharing=yes

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hymenocallis-occidentalis/

Amelia Clark

I'm Amelia Clark , a seasoned florist and gardening specialist with more than 15 years of practical expertise. Following the completion of my formal education, I dedicated myself to a flourishing career in floristry, acquiring extensive understanding of diverse flower species and their ideal cultivation requirements. Additionally, I possess exceptional skills as a writer and public speaker, having successfully published numerous works and delivered engaging presentations at various local garden clubs and conferences. Check our Social media Profiles: Facebook Page, LinkedIn, Instagram Tumblr

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