What's eating my red spider lily?

Red Spider Lily bulbs and foliage are rarely touched by most insects thanks to natural lycorine alkaloids that deter feeding. The main threats are narcissus bulb fly larvae attacking bulbs in summer dormancy, and thrips occasionally damaging flowers. Deer and rabbits avoid this plant. Bulb rot from excess moisture causes the most losses.

Hollow, soft bulbs with decayed centres; no flower stem emerges; single large larva found inside bulb when dug. After foliage dies back, cover soil with fine mesh to exclude egg-laying flies. Remove and bin affected bulbs; do not compost.

Silver-streaked or speckled petals and flower buds; tiny dark insects visible in flowers; reduced bloom quality. Remove and dispose of damaged blooms; apply spinosad or neem oil spray at bud stage; use blue sticky traps to monitor populations.