St Bernard's lily Anthericum liliago

Water

St. Bernard's lily should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, watering once a week during active growth in spring and summer is adequate. However, the watering frequency needs to be reduced in fall and further in winter to every two to three weeks, matching the plant's reduced growth pace. It's best to water with room-temperature water until it runs freely from the drainage holes of the pot, using about a half-gallon for a medium-sized container, depending on the pot size and environmental conditions. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot, so ensure excess water is drained.

Light

St. Bernard's lily thrives best in bright, indirect light. Though it can tolerate some direct morning sunlight, harsh afternoon sun can scorch its leaves, so it's ideal to place it in a spot that receives filtered light. East or west-facing windowsills are often perfect places, giving the plant the right balance of light to promote healthy growth without the risk of damage.

Temperature

St. Bernard's lily prefers a temperature range of 60 to 75°F for optimal growth. While it can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to about 50°F and hotter temperatures up to 85°F, prolonged exposure to these extremes can stress the plant. Maintaining a stable environment within the ideal temperature range will ensure the health and vitality of St. Bernard's lily.

Pruning

St. Bernard's lily benefits from pruning to remove dead or yellowing leaves, which helps to maintain its appearance and health. Pruning is best done after the plant has finished flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. Cut back the flower stalks to the base and any damaged foliage, annual pruning will suffice to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

St. Bernard's lily thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic compost, creating a loose substrate. It prefers a slightly alkaline pH, around 7.0 to 8.0.

Repotting

St. Bernard's lily generally requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.

Humidity & Misting

St. Bernard's lily prefers moderate humidity levels, consistent with typical household environments, and does not require special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place St. Bernard's lily in bright, indirect light indoors with well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant St. Bernard's lily in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Anthericum liliago, commonly known as St Bernard's Lily, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in well-draining soil to grow a radicle and then a small rosette of narrow, grass-like leaves. The plant forms a rhizomatous root system that allows it to survive underground during unfavorable conditions. As it matures, typically in the second or third year, it develops flowering stems that can reach up to 60 cm tall, bearing star-shaped, white flowers in dense racemes during late spring or early summer. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers produce capsule-like fruits containing seeds that disperse to begin a new generation. Throughout the growing seasons, it undergoes periods of active growth, flowering, and dormancy, usually retreating back to its rhizome during the winter months. In optimal conditions, the plant can live for several years, continuing to propagate through both seed dispersal and its spreading rhizomes.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• The St. Bernard's lily, known botanically as Anthericum liliago, is most commonly propagated by division. This method is often done in early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in late summer. Gardeners typically dig up the clump of the plant, taking care to do so gently to avoid excessive damage to the root system. Once the clump is out of the ground, it’s divided into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one growing point or a piece of the rootstock attached. These divisions are then replanted at the same depth they were previously growing at intervals of about 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) to allow for adequate space for growth. The soil should be well-draining and the divisions should be watered thoroughly after replanting.