Crinum is a wonderful summer-flowering bulb belonging to the genus Crinum and a member of the Amaryllidaceae, also known as the Amaryllis family.
The genus name Crinum originated from the Greek word “Krinon,” which means “Lily.” It references the typical characteristics of most plant species, which have whitish flowers.
This tender perennial bulb is native to Asia, Australia, Pacific, and Indian Ocean islands, but they are widely grown and cultivated in the tropical areas of America.
Crinums are also abundantly found in other tropical, subtropical, or moist areas, including swamps, lakes, marshes, and even along the sides of streams.
Crinums are elegant bulbous perennials well-known for their noteworthy characteristics—clusters of lily-like flowers resembling a spider’s appearance.
Crinum also goes by several common names, including:
- Crinum Lily
- Cape Lily
- Cemetery Plan
- Southern Swamp Lily
- Spider Lily
- Swamp Lily
It was named spider lily because of the appearance of the flowers with large stamens, greatly resembling spider legs.
Crinums are also called cemetery plant because it was often used to adorn cemeteries in past centuries.
Moreover, there are over 180 species available.
Amongst these are:
- Crinum americanum L.
- Crinum asiaticum L.
- Crinum bulbispermum
- Crinum latifolium L.
- Crinum macowanii
- Crinum moorei
- Crinum pedunculatum
- Crinum thaianum
- Crinum viviparum
Quick Facts On Crinum
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Light: Full sun or partial shade
- Temperature: 60° to 65° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Regular watering needs
- Fertilizer: Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks
- Propagation: Seeds or division
- Common Problems: Red blotch fungus, crinum mosaic potyvirus, spider mites
Crinum Care
How Big Does Crinum Grow?
Crinums have a medium growth rate, commonly reaching 3′ to 5′ feet tall at maturity but may occasionally reach 6′ feet tall when grown outdoors and used as landscaping.
However, crinums won’t reach as large when grown in containers or pots.
When Does Crinum Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Crinums feature clusters of bell- or funnel-shaped flowers, usually white or pale pink, that are borne atop rigid and sturdy leafless stalks called scapes.
The flowers have brightly colored stamens that give the appearance of spider legs, hence the common name spider lily. Moreover, the flowers resemble a lily, with purple, white, or red highlights.
The foliage of crinum grows on the plant’s base, with coarse sword-like green basal leaves forming in a spiral style.
Crinums often bloom in spring, summer, or winter with a delicate fragrance. Each flower lasts only for a day.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Crinums thrive in full sun to partial shade or in locations with filtered sunlight.
For full sun locations, crinums require 6 hours or more of direct sunlight daily, while only 2 to 6 hours of direct sunlight in partial shade locations for only part of the day.
This tender bulbous perennial is cold-hardy, meaning it won’t easily be injured due to extreme cold. However, it may not tolerate any temperature of 25° degrees Fahrenheit,
The ideal temperature of crinums ranges from 60° to 65° degrees Fahrenheit during the day and about 50° degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Crinums are also cold-hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Crinum?
Crinums need regular watering during the active growing period but may need to reduce watering once the plants enter their rest.
You also need to provide consistent water if there is drought during the flowering period.
Crinums bloom best when fed with a balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer twice a year after the first flowering season, spreading it around the base of plants.
What Is The Best Soil For Crinum, And When Should You Transplant?
Crinum lilies thrive in moist but well-draining fertile soil rich in organic matter.
However, crinums may also grow in ordinary potting soil, and you can amend it with compost to enhance the soil’s quality.
When planting crinum bulbs in a garden bed, it’s important to plant them in a space at least 12″ to 24″ apart and about 10″ inches deep.
You must also bury each bulb with only the neck of the crinum bulb emerging.
Young crinum plants should be repotted in the spring, but older ones do not need this every year.
Does Crinum Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Generally, crinums don’t require pruning, but you may remove or trim dead leaves or withered flowers to maintain a clean look.
However, you must take precautions like wearing gloves before trimming it because parts of the plants are poisonous.
How To Propagate Crinum Lily?
Crinum lilies can be propagated by two methods:
- Seeds
- Bulbs
Propagating crinum seeds isn’t popular because it’s unreliable and slow to start.
However, growers often use crinum division to produce new plants because it’s far easier.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Wear safety gloves to protect you from the poisonous parts of the plants.
- Next, loosen the soil around your plant’s base and dig about 2′ feet down around the established crinum.
- Gently lift the crinum plant, removing as much soil as possible.
- Remove the attached bulbs by untangling or separating them. Ensure not to damage them.
- Once separated, replant the bulbs in the prepared holes in the garden bed.
Spider Lily Pests And Diseases
Generally, spider lilies are pest and disease free but may have a few enemies.
Spider lilies are prone to:
- Red blotch fungus
- Crinum mosaic potyvirus
If you notice red spots on your crinum’s leaves, it indicates your plant is suffering from red blotch fungus.
However, it’s crinum mosaic potyvirus if the leaves have yellow streaks.
You must immediately use a fungicide to remedy your plant, but you may need to discard heavily affected plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
Spider lilies are also commonly attacked by spider mites. You can remedy it by using insecticide.
Uses Of Spider Lily
Spider lilies have stunning, exotic spider-like flowers, making them a bold addition to your landscape.
In addition, you can add spider lilies as decorative plants for the coastal, container, woodland landscapes, or gardens.
They are also great as houseplants, accents, or borders.
Moreover, they also make excellent cut flowers because of their large flowers and leafless stalks.