Photo credit: Michael Lemmon

Hymenocallis Americana

Hymenocallis are a distinct genus of plants that have large beautiful white flowers and are commonly known as the spider lily. The sepals are long and curve outward giving them a "spider-like" look, and they are blooming now at Baltimore's Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park.

Native to Mexico, South America, and the southern portion of the United States,  they prefer partial shade and moist conditions like swamps and bogs.

Spider lilies can be grown in containers and do nicely as indoor plants. Keep them in a well-drained soil such as an African violet mix and provide bright indirect sunlight.
During the winter months reduce watering.