Trumpet lily Lilium longiflorum (Ixb/a)

Water

The Easter Lily requires consistent moisture, so water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim to water it with about 1 quart of water every week, adjusting for climate and indoor conditions. During active growth, especially in the spring and summer, you might find the need to water more frequently. It's important not to overwater or let the plant sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and water slowly at the soil level to allow the water to penetrate the root zone effectively.

Light

The Easter Lily prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Place it in a spot where it can receive several hours of indirect light throughout the day but is shielded from direct afternoon sun, which can be too intense and may scorch the leaves. A north or east-facing windowsill is often an ideal location for this plant to thrive.

Temperature

Easter Lilies thrive in temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night, but should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer a moderate climate and should be kept away from drafts, heating vents, and air conditioners. The ideal location would maintain a consistent temperature within this range to promote healthy growth.

Pruning

Prune the Easter Lily after flowering by removing spent blooms to direct energy towards bulb growth. Cut back the stems to the base once they have yellowed and died back in the fall. Pruning is typically done annually during the late fall or whenever the foliage has died back naturally. This helps to prevent disease and encourages more vigorous growth for the next season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Easter Lily prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand provides the best soil composition for healthy growth.

Repotting

Easter Lilies should be repotted every couple of years, or when they become root-bound. It's best to repot after they have finished blooming, typically in the late summer or fall.

Humidity & Misting

Easter Lilies thrive in moderate humidity levels, about 40-60%. Avoid environments that are too dry or too humid for optimal health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part-sun area with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Lilium longiflorum, commonly known as the Easter Lily, begins with seed germination, where environmental conditions trigger the emergence of a small shoot and roots from the seed. Following germination, the seedling grows into a vegetative plant with leaves that photosynthesize to fuel growth and development. As the plant matures, it enters a phase of dormancy, typically during colder months, where bulb growth occurs underground in preparation for the next growing season. The next stage involves the Easter Lily entering a reproductive phase where flower buds form and eventually bloom, typically in late spring or early summer, characterized by fragrant, trumpet-shaped, white flowers. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the plant produces seed capsules, which upon maturation release seeds, completing the life cycle. In cultivation, the plants are often propagated through scaling, where sections of the bulbs are planted and develop into new plants, thus continuing the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method for propagating Easter lily, or Lilium longiflorum, is by using scales taken from the bulbs. To do this, carefully detach a few scales from the main bulb during the fall, which is after the flowering season when the bulb is dormant. Ensure each scale has a portion of the basal plate, which is essential for producing new bulbs. Place the scales in a mixture of moist peat moss and perlite, enclose them in a plastic bag, and store them at approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). In a few weeks, bulblets will form at the base of the scales. When the bulblets are large enough, usually after one to two years, they can be planted out in the garden during the fall. This technique is effective due to the high reproductive capacity from a single bulb, allowing for multiple new plants to be grown relatively quickly and easily.