Golden spider lily (Lycoris aurea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Golden spider lily on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Golden spider lily
Lycoris aurea, also known as "hu di xiao" or golden spider lily, is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family, renowned for its striking golden-yellow flowers that emerge before its foliage. Its bare flower stalks, up to 60 cm tall, are topped with intricate, bright umbels of flowers, resembling dancing spiders. It is ideal for adding an exotic and vibrant touch to rock gardens, borders, or pots, especially in late summer and early autumn.
Native range
China and Japan
Care tips
It requires full sun to light partial shade for optimal flowering. Watering should be moderate during the active growth period (flowering and leaf development), drastically reducing it when the plant is dormant and leaves die back. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH; waterlogging is a common mistake that rots the bulbs. Avoid disturbing the bulbs once established, as they dislike frequent transplanting.
How to save a dying Golden spider lily
- Warning signs
- Yellow, soft leaves, soft or moldy bulbs.
- First aid
- Remove bulb, cut soft parts, dip in fungicide, repot in dry, light substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially during winter dormancy; poor drainage.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the bulb is not fully rotted; act quickly.