Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil an inch deep to check for excess moisture.
- Check the drainage holes for blockages.
- Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The foliage turns yellow and the base of the bulb feels soft or mushy. The soil often smells sour or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. If the bulb is severely mushy, you must dig it up and remove the rotted parts or discard it.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The plant shows stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
What to do: Amend the soil with grit or sand to improve drainage. Ensure the pot has large drainage holes at the bottom.
Find out what's wrong with your red spider lily
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
If the bulb feels soft to the touch, the rot is likely advanced. It is normal for the soil to be slightly damp during the active growing season.
Stopping it coming back
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix for all your bulbs.
Keep your red spider lily healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a rotting bulb?
- If only a small part is affected, you can cut away the rot and let the bulb callous over before replanting. If the entire bulb is soft, it is best to discard it.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 7 to 14 days during the active growing season. Always check the soil moisture before adding more water.
More problems with Red spider lily
Back to the Red spider lily guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.