Tsingtau Lily Lilium tsingtauense (Ixa/c)

Water

Tsingtau Lily requires even moisture, so it's best to water it whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to once a week. Use approximately one gallon of water per plant to ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened, but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the Tsingtau Lily may need to be watered twice a week if conditions are particularly dry or hot. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, but also to avoid overwatering that can lead to bulb rot. Adjust the watering schedule according to rainfall and temperature changes, watering less frequently during the dormant season.

Light

Tsingtau Lily thrives in conditions that provide full to partial sunlight. Ideally, plant the lilies where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Although they can tolerate some light shade, too much shade may result in fewer blooms and a leggy stem. The best spot for the Tsingtau Lily would receive morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates.

Temperature

The Tsingtau Lily grows best in temperatures ranging between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from hard frosts. The bulbs are hardy enough to withstand cold winters if mulched properly, however, extreme heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant during the active growing season.

Pruning

Pruning of the Tsingtau Lily is mainly done to remove spent flowers and any foliage that has turned yellow or brown. Deadheading the flowers after blooming can encourage more blooms and prevent seed formation which can deplete the plant's energy. Regular pruning, however, is not necessary; it is required only as part of end-of-season care, and any large pruning should be done after the plant has finished flowering in the late summer or fall.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

The Tsingtau Lily requires well-draining, fertile soil mixed with plenty of organic matter such as leaf mold or compost. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal for this plant to thrive, as it prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions.

Repotting

Tsingtau Lilies should be repotted every two to three years or when the bulbs have outgrown their current container. It is best to repot them after they have finished blooming and have entered a period of dormancy.

Humidity & Misting

Tsingtau Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels. The ideal range is between 40% and 60% to mimic their natural habitat and ensure healthy growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Lilium tsingtauense, commonly known as Tsingtau lily, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in well-drained soil, often in a cool, shaded environment. The seedling emerges and establishes roots while developing basic foliage. As the plant matures, it forms a bulb underground, which serves as an energy storage organ enabling the plant to survive adverse conditions. Each year, the plant re-emerges from the bulb in late spring, sending up a stem with leaves, and by mid-to-late summer, it produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that are typically orange or yellow with spots. After blooming, the flowers are pollinated, and if successful, seed pods develop and eventually release seeds before the plant enters a dormant phase for the winter. This perennial life cycle repeats annually, with the bulb growing larger and potentially producing offsets, leading to the creation of new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Lilium tsingtauense, commonly known as the Tsingtau Lily, can be propagated effectively through the division of its bulbs. The best time to propagate this plant is in the late summer or early fall, after the leaves have withered, but before the ground freezes. To propagate through bulb division, carefully lift the plant from the ground, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Gently pull apart the bulb clusters into individual bulbs, ensuring that each separated bulb has a portion of the basal plate, which is the bottom part where the roots grow out. Replant the bulbs at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) and spaced around 8 to 12 inches apart (20 to 30 centimeters), allowing ample room for growth. The newly planted bulbs will then take root and establish themselves, typically flowering in the following season.