Lily (true lilies)
Lilium
Genus of bulbous perennial flowering plants known as true lilies, producing large, often fragrant, showy flowers in a wide range of colors; commonly grown in temperate gardens.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: highly toxic
Extremely toxic to cats — ingestion of leaves, flowers or pollen can cause fatal kidney failure. Also can cause vomiting in dogs and humans; keep out of reach.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Provide bright light with several hours of direct morning or filtered sun. Indoors, place near an east- or south-facing window where the plant gets bright indirect light; protect potted lilies from harsh afternoon rays to avoid scorched leaves.
Water
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in) of soil has dried. Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering, then reduce water as foliage dies back. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent bulb rot and ensure good drainage.
Humidity
Lilies do well at moderate indoor humidity (40–60%). Improve air moisture by grouping plants or using a pebble tray; avoid overhead misting of flowers to reduce fungal disease risk.
Temperature
Prefer cool to moderate climates: about 10–25°C (50–77°F). Cooler nights (10–15°C / 50–59°F) encourage bud set; avoid prolonged heat above 25°C and protect from frost.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing or limp foliage
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or root/bulb rot
Solution: Reduce watering, improve drainage, lift and inspect bulbs; discard rotten tissue and replant healthy bulbs in fresh, fast-draining mix.
Few or no blooms
Cause: Insufficient light, lack of chill period, or nutrient imbalance
Solution: Move to brighter location, ensure cool winter rest, feed with balanced fertilizer in spring and before bud set.
Aphids or red lily beetles on foliage and buds
Cause: Pest infestation attracted to new growth and flowers
Solution: Handpick beetles, use insecticidal soap or neem for aphids; treat promptly to protect buds and flowers.
Brown spots on leaves or flowers (Botrytis)
Cause: High humidity, poor ventilation, or prolonged leaf wetness
Solution: Improve air circulation, remove affected tissue, avoid overhead watering and apply a fungicide if severe.
✂️How to Propagate Lily (true lilies)
Propagate by dividing bulbs or replanting offsets in autumn after foliage dies back. Lift clumps, separate bulblets or offsets, and replant at the same depth with good drainage. Seeds can be sown fresh or stratified; expect several years to bloom from seed. Scales may also be used to produce new bulblets in a sterile medium.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Liliaceae
Native to: Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially East Asia, Europe and North America.
Natural Habitat: Wild lilies grow in well-drained meadows, woodland margins and mountain slopes, often in full to part sun with moderate moisture and a cool dormant season.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Allow foliage to die back naturally. Keep bulbs cool and dry if stored; reduce watering and protect from hard frosts. Provide a cold dormancy for spring-flowering types.
Spring
Increase watering as new growth appears. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer and ensure bright light to encourage strong stems and bud formation.
Summer
Maintain even moisture while flowering and deadhead spent blooms. Protect potted plants from extreme heat and provide afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 25°C.
Fall
After foliage dies back, lift and divide overcrowded bulbs in dry climates. Replant at appropriate depth and mulch in colder zones for winter protection.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my potted lily?
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry—typically every 5–10 days depending on temperature and pot size; avoid waterlogging.
Are lilies poisonous to pets?
Yes. Lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause fatal kidney failure; keep plants and cut flowers away from pets.
When should I fertilize lilies?
Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring when shoots emerge and again before flowering; avoid heavy nitrogen late in season.
Can I grow lilies from bulbs indoors?
Yes. Use a deep pot with free-draining soil, plant bulbs at correct depth, provide bright light and cool nights for best flowering.
Why did my lily stems flop over?
Overwatering, weak stems, or heavy blooms can cause flopping; provide support stakes, avoid over-fertilizing nitrogen, and ensure bright light.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025