The Bewitching Beauty: A Flower with a Mystical Warning.

11 September, 2024

Characteristics and Origins

The Red Spider Lily is a herbaceous flower that typically grows to a height of 45 to 110 cm. These flowers are characterized by their bright colors and long branches that reach towards the sky, bearing around 5-7 buds. When in bloom, the flowers resemble a peacock’s graceful dance, creating a stunning visual display. The flowers usually bloom in the autumn; interestingly, when the flowers bloom, the leaves are absent, and vice versa.

Native to China and Japan, the Red Spider Lily was later introduced to the American states. In 1854, Captain William Roberts brought the flower from Japan back to the United States. However, despite careful cultivation and tending, the flowers refused to bloom until a fortuitous autumn rain shower sparked a dazzling display of Red Spider Lilies, illuminating the entire garden.

The Red Spider Lily is native to China and Japan and was later introduced to American states

Why Were People Advised Against Planting This Flower Indoors?

Despite its captivating beauty and ease of cultivation, the Red Spider Lily has often been discouraged from being grown indoors or too closely associated with humans. This advice stems from the flower’s ominous representation: death.

In different cultures, the flower holds varying symbolic meanings. In Japan, it signifies painful memories; in Korea, it evokes broken relationships; and in China, it conveys a message of purity but also signifies suffering and separation. Overall, the Red Spider Lily symbolizes despair and separation.

One intriguing characteristic of this flower is the incompatibility between its blooming and leafing cycles. During its growth period, the flowers and leaves never appear simultaneously; when the leaves sprout, the flowers are absent, and when the flowers bloom, the leaves wither. This peculiarity aligns with many tragic legends of star-crossed lovers, forever separated despite their enduring love.

The intriguing incompatibility between the flower’s blooming and leafing cycles

Additionally, the Red Spider Lily has peculiar growing habits; it thrives in cold, gloomy conditions rather than warm sunshine. As a result, these flowers are commonly found in deep forests or near cemeteries, earning the moniker “flowers of the underworld.”

Legend has it that this flower exclusively grows along the path to the underworld. As souls cross the Naihe Bridge, their memories are entrusted to the Red Spider Lilies. Hence, the flower is considered a symbol of the underworld, exclusively reserved for spirits. It is also likened to guiding lamps leading souls to hell.

Consequently, the Red Spider Lily is viewed as an omen, associated with death and fears. Cultural beliefs also hold that encountering these flowers foretells suffering or loss and often brings bad luck.

Encountering the Red Spider Lilies was believed to bring bad luck and foretell suffering or loss

Not only spiritually, but the flower’s bulbs also pose a physical danger as they contain toxic compounds, including Lycopene and Galantamine. Ingesting the bulbs can lead to severe poisoning, resulting in nausea, diarrhea, and neurological issues.

While the beauty of the Red Spider Lily is undeniable, its associations with bad luck and toxicity have led to the longstanding advice against cultivating it indoors. In the collective consciousness, the flower can evoke anxiety, causing many flower enthusiasts to hesitate before bringing it into their living spaces. In reality, the Red Spider Lily is merely a part of nature, and when properly cared for, it showcases its dazzling beauty without any negative connotations.

Disclaimer: All information is for reference only

Frequently asked questions

The scientific name of the flower is Epiphyllum oxypetalum. The name originates from Greek, with ‘Epiphyllum’ meaning ‘upon leaves’ and ‘oxypetalum’ referring to the sharp, pointed petals of the flower.

Common names for Epiphyllum oxypetalum include Queen of the Night, Dutch Lady, and Moonflower. These names often refer to the flower’s enchanting, nocturnal nature.

The fragrance of the Epiphyllum oxypetalum is described as ‘bewitching’ and ‘intoxicating’. It is a strong, sweet fragrance that fills the night air, quite unlike the subtle scents of many daytime blooming flowers.

The flower typically blooms in the evening, usually once a year, and the blooms last only one night. It’s a fleeting, magical event where the flowers open after sunset and close by dawn, with the entire blooming process taking around 12 hours.

In some cultures, it is believed that the flower brings good luck and that its fragrance has the power to ward off evil spirits. It is also associated with mystical warnings, as its sudden blooming can be seen as a sign of impending change or even misfortune.

The key characteristics include its large, white flowers with long, sharp petals that give it a star-like appearance. It is a nocturnal bloomer with a strong, sweet fragrance. The flower is also known for its brief blooming period, lasting just one night before closing again at dawn.