Spider Lily
hymenocallis littoralis
Also known as: ["Beach Spider Lily","Seashore Spider Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial with striking white, spider-like flowers and strap-like leaves, native to coastal regions.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Hymenocallis |
| Botanical Name: | Hymenocallis littoralis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or containers near water features
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; cactus or succulent mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when leaves yellow and die back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or damaged foliage.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light patterns.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix that doesn’t retain excess moisture, avoid heavy clay soils, ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) during dormancy.
Monitor temperature fluctuations, adjust care during seasonal changes, protect from extreme conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing when growth slows.
Propagation
Methods
By bulb division or seed; bulb division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from the parent bulb, plant in a new pot at the same depth, water lightly, and provide warmth.
Best Time: After flowering, when the plant is actively growing (late spring or early summer).
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture for seeds.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulb division: immediate establishment; seeds: 1–2 years to flowering size.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, pots, well-draining soil, water spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterilized tools to prevent disease, plant bulbs with the neck above soil level, keep seeds consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim leaves just above the bulb or soil line.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics; focus on tidiness rather than shaping.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged parts, sterilize tools, prune carefully, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before the active growth period begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, loosen roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, and place in indirect light.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root health, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water sparingly post-repotting, monitor for stress.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is 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 drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf burn (heat stress), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, reduce watering during dormancy.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may cease, and the plant may wilt despite adequate water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water early in the day, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Hymenocallis littoralis may experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress. The toxic compounds in the bulbs and leaves can cause irritation and discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Hymenocallis littoralis can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. The bulbs and leaves contain compounds that may cause irritation to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHymenocallis littoralis contains toxic compounds that can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant's bulbs and leaves are the most toxic parts, containing alkaloids that may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Hymenocallis littoralis?
A: Water moderately, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season.
Q: Does Spider Lily attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Hymenocallis littoralis be grown indoors?
A: It is best suited for outdoor cultivation in coastal or temperate climates, though it can be grown indoors with bright light and proper care.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
