Lily - Lilium

Botanical name

Lilium spp.

Plant family

Liliaceae

Identification

Genus

Growth and life cycle

You get a perennial bulb plant with upright stems and large flowers. After flowering, the leaves keep feeding the bulb. Later, they turn yellow and the plant goes dormant. Lilies are highly toxic to cats, including their pollen, so do not bring them into a home with cats.

Choosing a pot

Highly toxic to cats - including pollen and vase water. Source: ASPCA / florist care.

Light

Depends on the variety and location

When to water

While the leaves are green, check the potting mix about 2 cm deep. Water when the top layer starts to dry, until water runs out from below, then empty the saucer. Dry mix and a light pot with drooping leaves usually point to too little water. Mix that stays wet for a long time, along with yellowing, may point to too much. As the leaves gradually dry at the end of the season, reduce watering and do not leave the bulb in wet mix.

Potting mix and drainage

Choose an airy potting mix that holds a little moisture but lets excess water drain easily. Make sure the drainage holes are clear and the pot is not sitting in water inside its decorative container.

Feeding

You can fertilize lightly during growth, as long as the leaves are green, even after flowering ends. Do not fertilize while the plant is dormant, when the mix is very dry or if you suspect rot.

Pruning and tidying

Remove faded flowers so the plant does not put energy into making seeds. Leave the stem and leaves as long as they are green, and cut them off only after they have dried.

The first few days at home

Remove the shop wrapping and check that the drainage holes are open. Start near a bright window, away from air conditioner drafts, and check the potting mix before watering. Keep it in its current pot during flowering if drainage is working well and there are no signs of crowding.

What to watch for

If the leaves are limp, check the potting mix first: dryness calls for watering, while prolonged wetness with an unpleasant smell calls for checking the roots and bulb. Spreading spots or mold on the leaves and flowers call for removing damaged parts and improving airflow, without wetting the foliage.

Placement and climate

Choose a bright, airy spot, away from dry air conditioner drafts and hot glass. On a balcony, protect it from midday summer sun. In winter, protect it from prolonged rain and standing water, and keep in mind that repeat flowering also depends on the variety and how much cold it receives.

Propagation

You can gently separate the small daughter bulbs during dormancy and plant them separately, but they may take a few seasons to flower.

Around pets

Keep away from pets

Around cats

Keep away from pets

Care level

Needs regular attention

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