Propagating Hymenocallis

Trim the stems and foliage from the hymenocallis plants in the autumn after the plants turn yellow and die back. Cut the plant growth off just above the soil level.

Loosen the hymenocallis bulbs from the soil with the trowel. Remove each bulb carefully and transfer it to the tarp.

Shake the bulbs gently to remove excess soil from the bulbs.

Examine the bulbs carefully. If you find soft and unhealthy portions of the bulbs, cut these areas away with the sharp knife. Discard these removed bulb pieces.

Find the spots on the bulb where it produced new growth -- called bulblets. This new growth will attach around the outside perimeter of the bulb, looking similar to the parent bulb, except smaller. Cut off the bulblets with the knife by pushing the knife down from the top to the bottom.

Replant the parent bulb in its original growing location at the same depth as it was previously growing. Firm the soil gently around the bulb and water it generously.

Fill the planting container with equal parts of coarse sand and peat moss. Make a hole in the center of the planting container and place each bulblet into the hole about 1 inch below the surface of the medium. Firm the medium gently over the bulblet and saturate it evenly with water.

Place the container in a spot that receives indirect sunlight with a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the medium evenly moist.

Transplant the new hymenocallis plants to a sunny, outdoor location after they sprout. Dig shallow holes with the trowel, spacing the holes about 2 to 3 feet apart. Place a spider lily plant in each hole so the top of the bulb is even with the soil level and firm the soil gently around the bulbs with your hands.

Water the newly planted hymenocallis bulbs immediately after you finish planting them.