Asiatic lily, Spider lily
crinum asiaticum
Also known as: ["Crinum latifolium","Crinum americanum"]
Overview
A large, bulbous perennial with broad, strap-like leaves and fragrant, white, funnel-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Crinum |
| Botanical Name: | Crinum asiaticum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in warm climates, or large indoor pot in cooler regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can also use a cactus or succulent mix with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the year, but focus on removing dead foliage; prune after flowering if desired.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but prefers partial shade in hot regions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching; provide shade during peak afternoon sun in hot climates; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light patterns.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix that doesn’t retain too much moisture; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); can tolerate brief dips to 50°F (10°C) but thrives in warm conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
monthly during growing season (spring–summer), every 2 months otherwise
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid fertilizing newly repotted plants for 4–6 weeks.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or bulb offsets; stem cuttings can also be used but are less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate bulb offsets carefully, plant at the same depth as the parent bulb, water lightly, and place in a warm spot with indirect light.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; bulb offsets can be planted directly in the ground or pots.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb offsets; rooting hormone can be used for stem cuttings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Bulb offsets may take 1–2 years to establish and flower; stem cuttings can root in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or shears, small pots, well-draining soil mix, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible to speed up rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut leaves back to the base with clean, sharp tools; remove spent flower stalks at the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics; prune after flowering to encourage new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged leaves, use clean tools, cut close to the base, dispose of clippings, clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant carefully, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh well-draining soil, water lightly, and place in indirect light.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the bulb becomes crowded; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root crowding, prepare new pot with drainage, trim dead roots, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in indirect light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure excess water is removed to prevent waterlogging, water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have adequate drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate the root zone with mulch, protect from cold drafts, and reduce watering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to pests due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water deeply but less frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, flush periodically, stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Crinum asiaticum. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects, which may rapidly escalate to critical conditions requiring urgent veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Crinum asiaticum can lead to severe toxicity due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. These compounds disrupt normal metabolic processes, resulting in gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicCrinum asiaticum contains toxic compounds, including alkaloids, which can cause significant physiological disturbances when ingested. These compounds interfere with normal cellular functions, leading to systemic effects such as gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Crinum asiaticum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water Crinum asiaticum?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Crinum asiaticum require full sun?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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