If you’re visiting Japan between mid-September and early October, you might spot a striking flower growing along roadside with bright red blossoms and no leaves, resembling a flaming torch. This is the red spider lily, known as “Higanbana” in Japan. Its name comes from its blooming period, which aligns with Japan’s “Autumn Higan,” a festival held around the autumn equinox to honor ancestors.
↑The red spider lilies by the roadside in Japan.
What makes the red spider lily unique is that it blooms before its leaves grow. When the flowers are in full bloom, the leaves are absent, and they only reappear after the flowers have withered, creating a cycle where “the flowers and leaves never meet.” This trait has led to the flower being associated with themes of “death” and “farewell.”
The entire plant is poisonous, containing toxic alkaloids like lycorine and galantamine, with the toxins concentrated mainly in the stem and root sap. Ingesting it can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headaches, and an increased heart rate. In severe cases, it can cause breathing difficulties, tachycardia, nervous system suppression, and can even be life-threatening. So it’s essential to avoid accidental ingestion, especially by children. If a child comes into contact with the flower’s sap, make sure they wash their hands thoroughly to prevent it from getting into their eyes, ears, mouth, or nose. Pets, especially dogs, can also be poisoned if they eat the flower, so keep them away. That said, there’s no need to worry if you’re near the flower or touching it—it’s only the sap inside that’s harmful, and being around it without eating it won’t cause any harm.
Spider lilies come in red, white, pink and yellow varieties, and they’re best propagated by dividing bulbs after the flowering season. When planting, be sure to fertilize well, cover the bulbs with soil, and water them thoroughly. The bulbs are relatively easy to care for—as long as they’re kept moist, they’ll thrive throughout the year.
↑white spider lily
Here are a few tips for growing red spider lilies:
- They thrive in slightly acidic, well-drained soil with some sand, and they need good ventilation and moisture.
- For optimal growth, keep the temperature above 37°F (3°C).
- Avoid direct contact with the bulb sap, as it’s toxic.
- Plant them in shaded areas with indirect sunlight since they don’t tolerate strong sunlight.
- Our AQ-SS product https://microbubb.com/product/ss/, equipped with a built-in micro-nano bubble generator, enriches water with oxygen ions, promoting faster root absorption and growth.
However, if you’re growing red spider lilies indoors, be aware that the moist environment they require can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, which may negatively affect indoor air quality. Mold and bacteria can cause air pollution that leads to allergies, skin conditions, or respiratory infections.
So, while red spider lilies can add beauty to your home, they do come with some potential health risks. To protect yourself and your family, consider these precautions: First, avoid accidental ingestion. Especially if you have children, make sure to place the plants out of reach to prevent poisoning. Second, ensure good ventilation to prevent excess moisture and mold growth. Finally, clean the plant and its container regularly, as dust can collect on the leaves, which can encourage mold and bacteria.
If you’re in Japan and looking for places to see red spider lilies near Osaka, check out Anrakuji Temple in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture; Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine in Yawata City, Kyoto Prefecture; Yamadaike Park in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture; and Yodogawa Riverside Park in Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture. Whether you’re seeing vast fields of red spider lilies or just smaller patches, they’re a stunning sight in autumn.
That said, I personally prefer the simple elegance of a single flower in bloom, standing tall and independent, with a noble and graceful appearance. How about you? Do you prefer vast fields of flowers or the quiet beauty of one red spider lily in bloom?
