Lilies are a striking addition to any indoor space, bringing both elegance and fragrance into the home. The lilies most commonly enjoyed indoors are bulb-grown types like Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum), Asiatic hybrids, and Oriental hybrids such as the ‘Stargazer’ lily. While care for these flowering plants is straightforward, it differs significantly from outdoor cultivation since the indoor environment is artificial. Successful indoor lily care centers on managing light exposure, temperature, and nutrient intake to mimic the preferred growing season. The focus shifts to maintaining a temporary, forced bloom, which requires specific attention.
Setting Up the Ideal Indoor Environment
Indoor lilies require bright, indirect sunlight to support their vigorous growth and flowering. Placing the pot near a south- or west-facing window is often ideal, but the plant must be shielded from the harsh intensity of direct, mid-day sun, which can scorch the foliage. If the light is too dim, the lily stems will stretch and become weak as they search for a light source, a process known as etiolation.
The optimal temperature range for these bulb plants is cool to moderate, ideally between 60°F and 65°F. Temperatures that are too warm can cause the flowers to fade prematurely and shorten the overall bloom time. Keep the lily away from sources of sudden temperature change, such as drafty doorways, heating vents, or air conditioning units.
The physical medium is fundamental to the lily’s health and must provide excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot. A quality, well-draining potting mix, often amended with organic matter, is necessary for potted lilies. The container must have drainage holes at the bottom, allowing excess water to escape and preventing the plant from sitting in stagnant moisture.
Watering and Nutrient Requirements
The correct watering technique is to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. The soil should feel slightly dry on the surface before you water again, which helps prevent fungal diseases. When watering, apply the water directly to the soil until it flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated.
Avoid letting the pot sit in the drained water for an extended period, as this can lead to root rot, especially for the lily’s scale-like bulbs. Overhead watering should be minimized to keep the foliage dry, which discourages leaf spot and other moisture-related issues. During active growth and flowering, the plant’s water needs are highest, often requiring daily checks.
Lilies benefit from consistent nutrient supplementation while they are actively growing and flowering. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during this period. Use a diluted solution, often half the strength recommended on the product label, to prevent chemical burn on the roots. Once the flowering period ends, cease all fertilization to prepare the plant for rest.
Post-Bloom Care and Reblooming
Once the flowers have faded, the first step in post-bloom care is deadheading, which involves pinching off the spent blooms. This prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production, allowing it to focus on storing energy in the bulb. However, the green foliage must remain on the plant, as it continues to photosynthesize and feed the bulb until it naturally yellows and dies back.
After the foliage has yellowed and withered, which may take several weeks, it can be cut down to the soil level. To encourage a rebloom in subsequent seasons, the bulb must be forced into a period of dormancy. This involves reducing watering significantly and moving the potted bulb to a cool, dark location where temperatures are maintained around 50°F to 55°F for 8 to 12 weeks.
This chilling period simulates a winter rest, which is a prerequisite for the bulb to initiate new flower buds. Once the required chilling time is complete, the bulb can be brought back into a warmer, brighter environment to begin its next growing cycle. While lilies can be challenging to force into rebloom indoors, providing this cold, dry rest is the most effective method for cultivation.