The lily originally hails from the Himalayas, but since then, it has pretty much taken over the entire Northern Hemisphere. And I’m not just talking about the great outdoors—these beauties have become a staple in our gardens and living rooms alike.
It’s All About the Right Care
If you’ve been wondering if you can grow them indoors, the answer is a resounding yes! Lilies are actually perfect for planting in pots. You don’t even have to keep them on the patio; they’re perfectly happy living inside with you, as long as you keep their specific needs in mind.
Lilies Are Heavy Feeders
One of the most important things to remember is that lilies have a big appetite. They are “heavy feeders,” meaning they pull a ton of nutrients from the soil. In a garden bed, if you don’t stay on top of fertilizing, you’ll notice significantly fewer blooms by the third year after planting.
When they’re in a pot, the soil runs out of “fuel” even faster because there’s less of it. To keep them happy, you’ll want to fertilize them about every four weeks. You can use a liquid fertilizer mixed into your watering can or go the easy route with slow-release fertilizer sticks.
Watering and Pruning Tips
During the winter, your job is easy: just make sure the soil doesn’t completely dry out. However, during the growing season (March through September), you’ll need to water them regularly. Pro tip: Always use pots with drainage holes so the roots don’t sit in soggy soil.
When it comes to pruning, here are a few golden rules to keep your lilies thriving:
- Deadhead those wilted flowers regularly. This tells the plant to stop putting energy into making seeds and save it for next year’s blooms instead.
- Wait until the stems and leaves have completely turned brown and dried up in the fall before cutting them back.
- Why wait? Because the lily is actually pulling energy back down into the bulb from the foliage to store up for winter.
- Always use clean, sharp shears to prevent any diseases from spreading.
