Lily care

Hardy, primarily summer-blooming bulbous plants like Lily are standout additions to gardens, cherished for their colorful and often highly fragrant flowers. They prefer sunny or partially shaded locations and well-draining soil. Many species require staking, as they can grow taller than 3 feet (1 meter) and produce so many flowers that the weight can bend the stems.

Lilies are naturally found in temperate and subtropical regions. The white Lily (Lilium candidum) is native to the Mediterranean areas of Europe. However, most Lily species originate from eastern and southern parts of Asia.

Through trade and explorers, several Asian species, such as the Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) and other Oriental Lilies, were introduced to Europe in the 1600s. Later, European settlers brought them to North America, where they quickly gained popularity.

Introduction to Lily

Lilies are perennial, bulbous plants that develop from underground bulbs. The Lily bulb is scaly. Leaves are arranged alternately or in whorls. They are narrow, lance-shaped, and spiral around the stem. The leaves have an intense green color, often glossy.

They are favored for their colorful and often very fragrant flowers. The flowers are large and trumpet- or bell-shaped. The petals either curve backward or spread widely. The perianth consists of six petals. The flat seeds develop in a three-angled capsule and remain viable only for a short period.

Lily flowers come in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, orange, red, purple, and there are also checkered, spotted, and other patterned Lilies. Some varieties, like the white Lily, are extremely fragrant, while others have a milder scent.

With proper care and suitable lighting conditions, Lily produces stunning blooms that add a touch of elegance and beauty to any garden or home.

Lily Care

Lily care: it thrives with 6-8 hours of full sunlight. It prefers temperatures between 59 - 77 °F (15 - 25 °C) and do not tolerate extreme heat well. It requires moderate watering; water once or twice a week, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out. In spring, provide a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and during blooming, switch to one rich in phosphorus and potassium.

Light Requirements for Lily

Lily prefers sunny or partially shaded, wind-protected locations. They generally need 6-8 hours of full sunlight. Avoid placing them in low-light conditions. Flowering stems require sunlight, while it's beneficial to shade the soil around the bulbs to keep it cool.

In spring, when the sun isn't too intense, placing them near a south-facing window is ideal. However, in summer, it's better to position them where they receive more morning sunlight and less in the afternoon. Indoors, they need more sunlight than in the garden. Excessive direct sunlight can cause the flowers to wilt or scorch.

Temperature Requirements for Lily

Lily generally prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate various ranges depending on the species. In spring and summer, they do well between 59 - 77 °F (15 - 25 °C), but temperatures above 86 °F (30 °C) can cause stress, reducing bloom intensity.

Avoid placing it in overly warm rooms; an environment between 59 - 77 °F (15 - 25 °C) is optimal. If possible, move potted Lily to a cooler spot at night to promote growth. In gardens, this naturally occurs due to daily temperature fluctuations.

Lily is sensitive to sudden temperature changes, so avoid placing it near air conditioners or fans. Similarly, high temperatures can cause heat stress, leading to wilting and premature flower drop.

In winter, Lily bulbs require a cold period (39 - 50 °F / 4 - 10 °C) to regenerate and develop properly.

Watering Needs for Lily

Proper watering is crucial for Lily care. They need moderate watering; the soil should not dry out completely, but also should not be waterlogged. Bottom watering is recommended. During blooming, increase watering frequency. Avoid getting water on the flowers and leaves during watering.

Even in hot weather, watering once or twice a week is sufficient, depending on how dry the environment is. Ensure thorough watering each time. Generally, the soil should remain moist but not soggy. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.

Excessive water can cause lily bulbs to rot. If bottom watering is used, discard any remaining water after half an hour.

Fertilizing Lily

Lily has moderate nutrient requirements, but to support blooming, it may need fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium. In spring and summer, water with a diluted fertilizer every two to three weeks.

In spring, at the start of growth, promote shoot and leaf development with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Before and during blooming, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to encourage flowering.

After blooming, reduce fertilizer application, and stop completely in winter.

Planting and Transplanting Lily

Lily prefers nutrient-rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture. Lily bulbs are prone to drying out, so it’s best to plant them as soon as you receive them. Once growth begins, water regularly.

Before planting, loosen the soil deeply. Because Lilies are nutrient-demanding, support their growth and flowering with well-decomposed organic matter (compost) or liquid fertilizer. After flowering, stop fertilizing.

Whether planting in a pot or in the garden, dig a hole deep enough to fully cover the bulb and then add at least the height of the bulb worth of soil on top.

This means a pot at least 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall is ideal. Always plant the bulb with the pointed end facing up, as this is where growth begins. Water moderately after planting, as bulbs store moisture inside.

Potted Lily

Many small hybrid Lilies can be planted in pots or window boxes (3-4 bulbs per pot is sufficient). However, since they need a cold period to maintain biological balance, it’s best to plant them outdoors after flowering for overwintering.

Wintering Lily

Part of Lily care involves proper overwintering. In mild winters, it’s best to leave them outdoors, where they may begin blooming again in spring. In colder, frost-prone regions, it is recommended to carefully dig up the bulbs.

After lifting the bulbs, remove excess soil and store them in a cool, dark place like a basement or garage where air circulation is available.

After flowering, remove the faded flowers, but keep the leaves intact so the plant can continue photosynthesizing and storing energy. Only a healthy, large leaf surface can produce strong bulbs.

If the leaves are already turning yellow, it may indicate the bulb is weak. It’s best to wait until the leaves die back naturally before digging up the bulb.

For potted Lily, follow a similar process. Remove the bulbs from the soil and place them in a cool area. If you have a balcony and the winter is mild, you may keep them outdoors in their pots.

During overwintering, you can occasionally mist the bulbs lightly to prevent complete drying. It's also wise to check on them from time to time to ensure they aren’t rotting or showing signs of disease.

In early spring, bring the bulbs out and replant them.

Propagating Lily

Lily flowers can be propagated by bulbils that form on the stem, underground offsets, or bulb scale divisions. Plants grown from seeds usually take 5–6 years to reach maturity and bloom.

Propagating Lily by Bulb Division

Lilies naturally propagate through bulb division, making this one of the easiest methods. The best time for this is in autumn or spring.

Gently lift the Lily bulb from the ground to avoid damaging the bulb or its roots. Separate the small offset bulbs (baby bulbs) from the mother bulb and plant them immediately at a depth of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in well-draining soil. Water thoroughly after planting.

Propagating Lily by Bulbils

Some Lily species, such as the Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium), produce bulbils in the leaf axils. Wait until the bulbils mature, turn brown, and detach easily, then gently collect them.

Plant the bulbils in a tray, pot, or directly in the garden, ideally at a depth of about 1 inch (2-3 cm).

These young plants may take 2–3 years to reach blooming size.

Propagating Lily from Seeds

Lily can also be propagated from seed, but this is a slow process, as seed-grown plants typically take 3–5 years to flower.

After flowering, collect the mature seeds from the seed pods. Some Lily species require a cold period for germination. To achieve this, keep the seeds in moist sand or peat in the refrigerator for 4–6 weeks.

Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and cover them with a very thin layer of soil. Instead of watering, mist the surface thoroughly to avoid displacing the seeds.

Propagating Lily with Bulb Scales

It might sound unusual, but Lily can also be propagated using bulb scales (the "petals" of the bulb). Select a healthy bulb and carefully remove some of the outer scales. Dip the base of each scale in a fungicide to prevent infections.

Place the scales in a moist mix of peat and perlite. Keep them at 68–77°F (20–25°C) for 6–8 weeks until small bulblets start to form. Once developed, plant the young bulbs in pots or directly in the garden.

Lily Diseases, Pests and Causes of Decline

Lily diseases are most commonly found in indoor plants. Mold and fungal infections are the main concerns. Outdoor-grown Lilies are more likely to suffer from pests like insects or slugs. However, the most serious damage is often caused by overwatering or excessive fertilization.

Lily Diseases

Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) appears as brown or gray spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. In time, the infected areas may be covered with a grayish mold layer. High humidity and poor air circulation encourage its spread. Fungicides or neem oil can be used if needed.

Fusarium bulb rot causes bulbs to become soft with brown rot spots. The plant's growth slows and eventually it withers. Overwatering or poor drainage can be the cause. It can often be prevented by treating bulbs with a fungicide before planting.

Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on lily leaves and stems. It thrives in damp, poorly ventilated conditions. Remove infected parts and use fungicide if necessary.

Lily mosaic virus causes yellowish or light green mosaic-like patterns on the leaves. This may reduce or prevent flowering. The virus spreads through infected bulbs or aphids. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure.

Lily Pests

Red lily beetle (Lilioceris lilii) is a bright red insect whose larvae chew holes in the leaves, stems, and flowers. Handpick both the beetles and larvae. Insecticides like neem oil or pyrethrin-based products can help.

Aphids leave behind sticky honeydew and suck the sap from the plant. Symptoms include yellowing and distorted leaves. You can use soapy water sprays or insecticides to treat infestations.

Thrips are tiny insects that feed on leaves and petals, causing brownish or silvery spots. Use sticky yellow traps or insecticidal sprays to control them.

In gardens, slugs may attack Lily. If you notice chew marks on stems or leaves, slugs are likely the culprits. You can handpick them or use slug traps and deterrents.

Field voles can also damage garden Lily by chewing underground parts. Wire mesh is often used to protect plants from them.

Nematodes can chew the roots below the soil, leading to slow growth and wilting, eventually killing the plant. Use nematicides or insecticides—organic options are available too.

Environmental Factors and Improper Care of Lily

Overwatering can cause bulbs and roots to rot. Signs include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth.

Too little light causes elongated, pale green stems and leaves. Flowering may be reduced or fail to occur entirely.

Too much sunlight or heat may scorch the leaves, causing browning. The plant may appear wilted and limp.

In nutrient-poor soil, lily leaves may yellow, growth slows, and fewer flowers develop.

Over-fertilization often leads to lush foliage but few flowers. Use fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium rather than nitrogen-heavy ones.

Is Lily Toxic?

Lily is toxic; certain parts of the plant can be dangerous to pets, especially cats. The bulb, leaves, and flowers can all cause severe health issues if ingested, including kidney failure, and can be fatal.

For humans, consuming parts of the Lily plant may cause diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches. In large quantities, Lilies can also be harmful to people.

Keep Lilies out of reach of children and pets.