HOW TO CARE FORORIENTAL LILY INDOORS

When looking for a show-stopping plant that will add height, drama and a touch of elegance to your space, consider the oriental lily plant. Not only are they easy to maintain and last a long time but with their rich colours, sweet fragrance and Far Eastern vibes, they are the perfect housemate.

While we all love these flowers growing outside in our gardens, it’s not always possible because you don’t have enough space or it’s too cold to get them to grow successfully. Don’t worry, you’re in luck because did you know you can grow oriental lilies indoors.

If you’re enchanted by these flowering houseplants but want to know how to care for them, you’re in the right place. Let’s look at what makes oriental lilies so fabulous and uncover all the tips and tricks you need to keep them thriving indoors.

What are Oriental Lilies?

Oriental lilies are from the Lilum family which some describe as ‘true lilies’. If you’re a little confused, it’s all because some flowers have the word lily in their name but aren’t within the same genus. Some great examples include calla lilies, peace lilies and water lilies. Even the beloved lily of the valley belongs to the asparagus family!

So, what about the oriental lilies? These gorgeous flowers are native to Japan and are perhaps best known for their large, showy flower heads. With their slightly ruffled, upright-facing petals and silky, narrow leaves you could say these are unrecognisable. If you fancy bringing these into your home, you’ll need to look out for them in their signature colours of pink and white – not to be confused with the colourful asiatic lillies and other varieties which come in brighter hues like red and orange

Types of Oriental Lillies

Now, there are quite a few varieties of oriental lilies out there to explore, but here are a few you’re likely to bump into and fall in love with. If you’re looking for something bold that shouts a little bit of colour, then you might want to look at Lilium Stargazer. As the name suggests the stargazer lily opens towards the sky. You’ll spot them from a mile away thanks to their bright pink petals, burgundy speckles, and white-edged accents.

However, if you fancy something a little bit softer and sweeter then Lilum Souvenir might be the ideal choice. These beauties deliver petals in a subtle rosy pink that gently fades into creamy white at the centre. For a classically elegant oriental lily, why not have a look at Casa Blanca. The pure white petals on this flower gracefully curve to deliver a soft and sophisticated look with dark stamen strands that add the perfect touch of boldness.

If you love the white of oriental lilies but want something with a bit of extra flair, then Muscadet has you covered. The gorgeous white petals on this flower are sprinkled with burgundy speckles and sometimes even a subtle pink stripe running down the centre of each petal. They also tend to open upright making them stand tall and proud. If you’re craving something a bit wilder, why not choose Lilium Dizzy. The bold white flower heads are offset by the burgundy speckles and vibrant stripe that runs down the middle of the petal.

How to Care For Oriental Lillies

Now you’ve got the gorgeous oriental lilies growing in your home, you’ll need some hints on how to keep them in tip-top condition.

Oriental lilies, like most houseplants, won’t be happy if their soil gets too dry. Keep the compost moist but avoid letting it get sopping wet otherwise the roots will rot. You can check by placing you finger just below the surface of the soil and seeing if it feels dry to the touch.

As your plant grows taller you may need to consider adding some stakes – especially for the larger varieties. You should also remove any spent blooms, it will encourage new ones to grow. When cutting, leave at least two-thirds of the stem intact to support additional growth.

Don’t forget to give your lily a holiday! If you allow them to go into dormancy every winter you are far more likely to get flowers appearing next year. When the foliage has died back naturally – it will turn yellow or brown – cut it back. Next, place your lily plant in an unheated space such as a shed or garage. After the dormant period, which is around April, bring the lily back into the warm rooms and enjoy them all over again.

Are oriental lily’s toxic to pets?

If you fancy growing your lilies indoors, you might want to be aware that these flowers are toxic to your pets. Even worse, it’s almost every part of the plant including the pollen, bulb and foliage. If eaten it can cause a range of symptoms, from the very mild lack of appetite and drooling right through to something more serious like vomiting and diarrhoea. In worst case scenarios it can lead to kidney failure. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the oriental lily you should take them to the vet immediately – this includes licking the pollen off their fur.

To keep your favourite pets safe, it’s best to keep this plant in a room which they don’t have unattended access.