Is the red Lycoris poisonous?
As a representative species of Lycordia, Lycoris rubrata is famous for its blood-red and charming flowers and the legend of "other shore flowers." The toxic characteristics and cultivation points of this plant, which is both ornamental and controversial, have always been the focus of attention of horticulturists. Detailed explanation of the toxicity characteristics of Lycoris radiata. Distribution of toxic substances in the entire plant. The entire plant contains alkaloids such as lycorine and sychicine, among which the bulb is the most toxic. According to data from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Products of Japan, each kilogram of bulbs can contain up to 0.2-0.3 grams of lycorine. Eating 5 grams of fresh bulbs by mistake can cause a toxic reaction. Symptoms of poisoning include symptoms such as burning sensation in the mouth, salivation, and vomiting within 30 minutes after ingestion. In severe cases, it is accompanied by nervous system symptoms such as dilated pupils and arrhythmia. Clinical cases from the Kunming Institute of Botany in 2018 showed that poisoned people can return to normal within an average of 24 hours after timely emetic treatment. The substrate ratio optimization plan for the scientific maintenance system of Lycoris radiata recommends using a mixed substrate with legus: river sand: perlite =5:3:2, and the pH value is controlled between 5.8 and 6.5. Experiments by the China Landscape Association show that this ratio can increase the flowering quantity by 40%, and the bulb reproduction coefficient reaches 1:5. Temperature and light control technology maintains the ambient temperature of 22-28℃ during the growth period, and uses 50% sunshade net for protection in summer. Observation data from the Nanjing Botanical Garden show that temperatures exceeding 32℃ for five consecutive days will cause the flower bud abortion rate to rise to 65%. Cultivation timing management The Yangtze River Basin should be planted from mid-April to early May, with a depth of soil covering twice the height of the bulb. Adopt the "shallow planting and deep burial" method: cover with 3 cm of soil for the first time, and gradually cultivate the soil to 8cm after the new buds are unearthed, which can effectively prevent lodging.
Under reasonable control, Lycoris radiata can not only demonstrate its unique ornamental value, but also avoid safety hazards. It is recommended that families set up protective signs when planting and place potted plants in places that are not easy for children to reach, so that this "hell flower" can bloom safely in the world.