What is the best way to water my Chinese Dragon Lily?
There are plenty of viable ways to supply your Chinese Dragon Lily with water. If you grow your plant in an indoor pot, for the Chinese Dragon Lilys in small pots, you can bring your potted plant to your kitchen sink. Then, use the faucet to add water to the container. By holding the pot in your hands, you should easily notice when the water begins to run through the pot’s drainage holes, at which point you can stop watering. The cold temperature will hurt the plants' root system, so please don't do this during winter or in cold climates. Most of the time, watering via your faucet is permissible for the Chinese Dragon Lily. However, if the local tap water contains a high proportion of fluorine, chlorine or salts, you should consider using rainwater or lake water. Also, since the Chinese Dragon Lily can respond well to overhead watering and watering directly into the soil, you can use a watering can, hose, or just about any tool you’d like to water it.
What should I do if I water my Chinese Dragon Lily too much or too little?
If you discover that you have underwatered your Chinese Dragon Lily, your first step towards remedying the situation is to give your plant some water. Water deeply until excess water runs from the container’s drainage hole, or if you grow outside, water until the soil has become entirely moist. If you find your Chinese Dragon Lily is receiving too much water, begin by reducing your watering schedule. You also want to address the soil and container your Chinese Dragon Lily grows in. If either the soil or the container makes it difficult for water to drain efficiently, your plant will likely become overwatered again. Resolve the issue by moving your plant to looser soils and/or a container with bigger drainage holes or a more porous material. Also check the location of the plant. If the plant is in places like a corner, then it is recommended to move it to a window or around a door to enhance ventilation. Making sure the plants are in a well-ventilated location can reduce the occurrence of overwatering to some extent.
How often should I water my Chinese Dragon Lily?
The Chinese Dragon Lily is not a species that requires consistent soil moisture. Instead, it is better to allow this plant’s soil to become dry between waterings. If you are like the many gardeners who grow Chinese Dragon Lilys in containers, you can judge whether or not it is time to add water by how dry the soil within the container is. For instance, if about top half of the soil in your container has become dry, it is time to add water. You can feel it by inserting your fingers or sticks into the soil or with soil moisture meter. For those who grow the Chinese Dragon Lily outdoors, you can plan to do your watering about once every other week, provided it has not rained recently.
How much water does my Chinese Dragon Lily need?
After waiting for the first several layers of soil surrounding your Chinese Dragon Lily’s root to become dry(top half of the soil), it is time to add enough water to make them moist again. The amount of water it takes to achieve that goal depends on if you use a container, how large that container is, and how large your plant itself is. For a small Chinese Dragon Lily growing in a small to a medium-sized container, one to two cups may be enough to dampen the soil sufficiently. As you would expect, the volume of water you supply should increase for a larger plant. The best way to make sure your plant has received enough water is to stick your finger or a trowel into the soil and feel whether it is entirely moist. Alternatively, you can water until you see excess water draining from the holes at the bottom of your container.
How can I tell if i'm watering my Chinese Dragon Lily enough?
Overwatering and underwatering are both bad for the health of your Chinese Dragon Lily. These two issues also manifest themselves in subtly different ways when they occur. Chinese Dragon Lily that receives too little water may begin to develop yellow leaves. Underwatering may also cause the leaf margins to become brown and brittle. By contrast, Chinese Dragon Lily that gets overwatered will often show yellow and brown marks on its leaves at the same time. Overwatering can also lead to diseases like root rot, some of which may also be visible on your plant. However, if you know the signs of overwatering and underwatering, you stand a good chance of correcting both issues.
How should I water my Chinese Dragon Lily through the seasons?
During spring and fall, your watering schedule for the Chinese Dragon Lily will remain relatively the same, which will involve watering this plant about once every week. During summer, you may find that the hot weather causes your plant to need more water than usual, especially if it grows where there is a considerable amount of daily light exposure. In the winter, if it's hard to find some warm places for you plant, your Chinese Dragon Lily will enter a dormant growth phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. At this time, you may get by without watering your plant at all. If you do choose to water during winter, you should not do so more often than once every two to three weeks.
How should I water my Chinese Dragon Lily at different growth stages?
After planting a new, young Chinese Dragon Lily or after transplanting an older Chinese Dragon Lily, you will probably need to give this plant more water than usual. Young plants often need consistent soil moisture during the early stages of their growth to help them adapt to their new growing locations. Transplants also need more water for a brief time to overcome transplant shock. In either case, you may need to water multiple times per week until your plant has exhibited continuous healthy growth. In most situations, your water should be moderate and should never be significant enough to cause overwatering.
What's the difference between watering Chinese Dragon Lily indoors and outdoors?
There are a few reasons why you may need to water an indoor Chinese Dragon Lily more often than one that grows in the ground outdoors. First, indoor growing settings tend to be drier than outdoor ones, often due to the effect of air conditioning units. While thw size of the pot and the soil determines the warer accumulating ability. Additionally, when your plant grows indoors, it will rely on you entirely for its water By contrast, Chinese Dragon Lily that grows outside can receive water from rain. If you are in an area with high rainfall, you may not have to give it extra watering. When there is not enough rain, you should water additionally to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely.
Do I need to prune my Chinese Dragon Lily?
Far from damaging the plant, regular pruning will actually encourage Chinese Dragon Lily to produce more blooms. There are two primary forms of pruning for Chinese Dragon Lily. The first is deadheading, which is the gardening term for removing spent flower heads once they start to wither. This concentrates the nutrients for the other flowers and allows the plant to flower better. The final process for pruning Chinese Dragon Lily is the removal of yellow and diseased leaves, which increases plant ventilation and light penetration and facilitates plant growth. When nature runs its course, Chinese Dragon Lily will bloom once, produce seed heads, and attempt to reproduce for the rest of the year. But, by consistently removing flower heads before they go to seed, you encourage the plant to continue producing more blooms for a longer flowering time. When the plant starts to wilt during the full, you should cut off the wilted part above the soil as well.
When is the best time to prune my Chinese Dragon Lily?
There are two primary forms of pruning for Chinese Dragon Lily. The first is deadheading, which is the gardening term for removing spent flower heads once they start to wither. This concentrates the nutrients for the other flowers and allows the plant to flower better. The final process for pruning Chinese Dragon Lily is the removal of yellow and diseased leaves, which increases plant ventilation and light penetration and facilitates plant growth. Since Chinese Dragon Lily requires two types of pruning, you’ll be trimming your plants throughout the growing season. Pinching is most effective in the early spring before the plant develops any flower buds. Removal of yellowing or diseased leaves can be done at any time during the growing season. When nature runs its course, Chinese Dragon Lily will bloom once, produce seed heads, and attempt to reproduce for the rest of the year. But, by consistently removing flower heads before they go to seed, you encourage the plant to continue producing more blooms for a longer flowering time. Finally, deadheading takes place as soon as the plants are producing full flower heads. Expect to take off spent blossoms from mid-summer through the first frosts of fall. When the plant starts to wilt during the full, you should cut off the wilted part above the soil as well.
What tools should I prepare for pruning my Chinese Dragon Lily?
Chinese Dragon Lily doesn’t take much special equipment for pruning. A basic pair of scissors or garden shears should do the trick. It’s a good idea to ensure they are clean before use—you can soak them for thirty minutes in a solution of one part bleach diluted in nine parts water. This reduces the risk of spreading disease lingering on contaminated equipment into your flower garden. Some gardeners avoid using tools altogether and merely pinch off the blossoms with their fingertips. That can be a faster technique, but you run a larger risk of bruising the plant stems or accidentally pulling them out of the ground completely.
Are there any instructions for pruning my Chinese Dragon Lily?
Here’s an overview of pruning instructions for Chinese Dragon Lily based on which of the two types you’re completing. By completing these two types of pruning over the lifespan of your Chinese Dragon Lily, you’ll encourage them to produce bigger, better flowers for far longer than the plants would otherwise. It only takes a few minutes to complete each step of the pruning process, and you’ll reap the rewards of your efforts for weeks to come. Deadheading Deadheading is a fast, easy way to refresh your garden by removing old flowers and providing space for new ones to take their place. You can use your fingers to pop off old flower heads as soon as they look tired, although you’re less likely to damage the plant if you use shears instead. When deadheading, make sure you cut well below the flower so that you aren’t left with a long, flowerless stem sticking out in your garden bed. Instead, cut the stem to just above the point where the side stem joins the main plant. Remove yellow and diseased leaves, this increases the ventilation and light penetration of the plant and facilitates its growth. When pruning, the leaves need to be trimmed off together with the petiole. It is best to use sterilised scissors to cut them off. Note: It’s a good idea to ensure scissors or garden shears are clean before use—you can soak them for thirty minutes in a solution of one part bleach diluted in nine parts water. This reduces the risk of spreading disease lingering on contaminated equipment into your flower garden.
How many hours of sunlight does Chinese Dragon Lily need to grow?
Chinese Dragon Lily requires about 3-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. However, it also needs some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sun damage. Morning sunlight is ideal for Chinese Dragon Lily, but it can also tolerate some afternoon sun if the temperature is not too hot. To provide the perfect balance of sunlight, try planting Chinese Dragon Lily in an area that gets partial sun, such as under a tree or on the east side of a building.
What will happen if Chinese Dragon Lily doesn’t get enough sunlight?
If Chinese Dragon Lily is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its leaves may turn yellow, dry out, or even burn. You may also notice that the plant wilts or becomes stunted. To prevent sun damage, make sure to give Chinese Dragon Lily some shade during the hottest parts of the day. You can use a shade cloth or plant Chinese Dragon Lily near taller plants that can provide some natural shade.
What will happen if Chinese Dragon Lily gets too much sunlight?
If Chinese Dragon Lily doesn't get enough sunlight, it may grow tall and lanky, with sparse foliage. The leaves may also turn yellow or pale green, indicating that the plant is not producing enough chlorophyll due to lack of sunlight. To remedy this, try moving Chinese Dragon Lily to a sunnier spot, or prune nearby foliage to allow more light to reach the plant.
What is the optimal temperature for Chinese Dragon Lily?
The best temperature for Chinese Dragon Lily depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Chinese Dragon Lily has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Chinese Dragon Lily may be able to survive with some help. During the warmer parts of the year, Chinese Dragon Lily will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Chinese Dragon Lily. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Chinese Dragon Lily to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!
Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Chinese Dragon Lily
If this is the first year of your Chinese Dragon Lily outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Chinese Dragon Lily, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Chinese Dragon Lily inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage. It’s also a good idea to plant Chinese Dragon Lily in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Chinese Dragon Lily should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.
How can I protect Chinese Dragon Lily from extreme temperatures?
If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Chinese Dragon Lily from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Chinese Dragon Lily in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Chinese Dragon Lily is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind. For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Chinese Dragon Lily to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.
Dormant season temperature recommendations for Chinese Dragon Lily
During the cold winter months, Chinese Dragon Lily needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Chinese Dragon Lily, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine. An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Chinese Dragon Lily. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Chinese Dragon Lily will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.
Why do I need to fertilize my Chinese Dragon Lily?
Fertilization is important to the Chinese Dragon Lily for several general reasons. Mainly, fertilization helps Chinese Dragon Lily and other plants by providing key nutrients that help the plant grow both above and below ground. However, the overall fertilization needs for a Chinese Dragon Lily are relatively low. At times, a Chinese Dragon Lily may survive well without fertilization. However, annual fertilization is can be very beneficial to the Chinese Dragon Lily, as it will help keep the plant alive and may also encourage your Chinese Dragon Lily to create better flowers that last for longer. As such, those interested in helping their Chinese Dragon Lily look its best should keep up with annual fertilization.
When is the best time to fertilize my Chinese Dragon Lily?
The ideal time to fertilize a Chinese Dragon Lily is in the late winter to early spring. During that time, your Chinese Dragon Lily will be exiting its dormant phase and entering a phase of active growth. Fertilization at this time allows the plant to get off to a great start for the season by encouraging healthy growth. While it is generally most advantageous to fertilize a Chinese Dragon Lily during the early spring, it is also permissible to fertilize a Chinese Dragon Lily during the fall too. However, summer and winter remain the seasons in which it is not a good idea to feed a Chinese Dragon Lily.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Chinese Dragon Lily?
You should not fertilize your Chinese Dragon Lily during any time of the year except during the late winter and early spring. The low fertilization needs of this plant allow a single annual feeding to suffice. Continuing to fertilize throughout spring, summer, and fall can easily lead to overfertilization and all of the complications that can come with it. The only exception is if you did not fertilize in spring, which means that it is permissible to feed this plant in fall. Along with refraining from fertilizing for most of the growing season, there is also no reason to fertilize this plant during the winter. In winter, the Chinese Dragon Lily will be in a dormant growth phase, meaning that it does not put forth new growth. With that being the case, fertilization during most of the winter is not advisable.
What type of fertilizer does my Chinese Dragon Lily need?
Nearly any kind of general-purpose fertilizer with a balanced amount of the three main plant nutrients will work well for a Chinese Dragon Lily. However, there are a few specific nutrient blends that can be even more beneficial. For instance, many gardeners follow the belief that higher volumes of phosphorus make for stronger roots and better flowers. Since Chinese Dragon Lily is a flowering plant, applying a phosphorus-rich fertilizer may be the best approach. You can use a fertilizer that comes in a granular form or a liquid form as long as there are plenty of nutrients present. Outside of manufactured fertilizers, you can also use more organic means to improve the soil for your Chinese Dragon Lily. Mainly, compost, manure, and similar materials can go a long way towards creating a healthy growing medium for your Chinese Dragon Lily.
How do I fertilize my Chinese Dragon Lily?
The most common way to fertilize a Chinese Dragon Lily is to apply a granular or pellet fertilizer to the soil around your plant. Remember that the ideal time to fertilize is as the plant is exiting its winter dormant growth phase and entering a phase of active growth. In early spring, wait until the plant begins to send shoots through the soil, and then apply your fertilizer. Some people may choose to use a liquid fertilizer instead of a granular one. In that case, you should dilute the fertilizer with water before applying it. Regardless of whether you use granular or liquid fertilizer, it is always best to moisten the soil before, during, and after you apply fertilizer.
What happens if I fertilize my Chinese Dragon Lily too much?
As you care for your Chinese Dragon Lily, recall that this plant does not need a lot of fertilizer each year and will begin to suffer if it receives too much. Firstly, any overfertilized plant runs the risk of fertilizer burn, a condition in which excessive amounts of fertilizer draw nutrients and moisture out of the plant's roots, causing its decline. Also, overfertilizing a Chinese Dragon Lily is also a way of weakening your plant and making disease far more likely. There is also a potential that overfertilization could cause your Chinese Dragon Lily to flower less or not at all, which is a significant detriment considering the blooms of this plant are what make it so valuable and sought after by so many gardeners.