The Chinese believed that the lily flower had magical powers, and they used them to protect against evil spirits.
According to pious legend, "after Jesus' death and resurrection, some of these beautiful flowers were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus went to pray the night before His crucifixion. Legend has it that these flowers sprung up where drops of Jesus' sweat fell as he prayed"
The lily is a symbol of purity and innocence. It represents love and beauty. It is also associated with royalty. It is a symbol of rebirth. It is a symbol of the resurrection of Christ, which is celebrated during Eastertide.
They are considered as ecological indicators. They indicate that the season is changing and spring is upon us.
The Lily flower is a beautiful plant. It has many different colors like red, white, yellow, orange, purple, etc. The large, showy flowers are characteristic and fragrant. This plant is commonly called the "Easter lily" due to its role as a traditional Easter-time symbol. Lilium longiflorum is a perennial and the plants are grown from bulbs.
Care guide
If you're looking for a way to keep your lily plants healthy and happy, then you've come to the right place. In this article, I'll give you a few tips on how to care for your lilies properly.
I'm sure you've heard of the term "lily care" before, but did you know there's a lot more to it than just watering your plants?
Here are some basic guidelines that you should follow if you want to keep your lilies alive and thriving.
- Watering Your Lilies Properly
The first thing you need to do when caring for your lilies is water them only when required. Don't let your plants stand in water for any period of time. Make sure you water them adequately. Overwatering causes root rot, which makes your plants weak and unhealthy. So, always pay attention to the amount of moisture your plants receive. Too little water will result in dry roots, whereas too much water will lead to soggy foliage.
Keep in mind the season because the plant won't need the same amount of water throughout the year. They will require more water during their active growth (generally spring-summer) and less during the dormant period (generally winter season).
- Maintaining a good drainage
When growing any type of plants, it is vital to make sure that the containers have good drainage. Improper drainage containers can cause water stagnation which will lead to fungal infections and root rot which will eventually kill your plants.
- Keep Them Out of The Sunlight
When exposed to direct sunlight, your lilies' leaves become yellowish and brittle. Lilies prefer cooler temperatures of 18-20 o C., though they require lots of natural lighting to thrive. They cannot survive without sufficient amounts of sun exposure. So it is best to place them where they receive bright indirect sunlight.
- Use A Potting Mix That Is Suitable
Lilies prefer well-drained soil which is slightly acidic to neutral in pH (6.5-7). They generally thrive in any type of soil except clay soil.
- Fertilizing Your Lily Plants
Fertilizers make your plants healthier. They add nutrients to their leaves and stems. These nutrients allow your plants to absorb sunlight better, making them healthier overall. You can apply composted manure directly onto your soil. Here again, remember that too much is not good. Always fertilize your plants in the required quantity.
Lily plants love to be fed during the spring time when they are actively growing and new shoots emerge.
- Add Some Mulch Around Their Roots
Mulching around your lilies' roots prevents weeds from sprouting near their base. In addition, mulched areas keep your plants cool and moist.
- Remove Dead Plants From Your Garden
Timely maintenance of the garden is very essential. Remove the dried flowers and leaves regularly to ensure the plants are disease free.
- Last but not the least, Be Patient
Your lily may not flower in the first year particularly if the bulbs are not mature or suffer transplant shock. During those first few months, it may feel like nothing is happening. But eventually, your lilies will begin producing beautiful blooms. Once your lilies reach maturity, you can enjoy watching them blossom into full-grown beauties.
If your lilies have started turning yellow and drooping, then chances are there is something wrong with their environment. You need to check whether they're getting enough light, whether they've been watered properly, or if the roots have enough space to breathe.
As long as you provide proper care for your lilies, they will remain safe throughout their lifetime. So, just remember to water them regularly and protect them from extreme temperatures.
What are the medicinal uses of the Lily flower?
The Medicinal properties of Lilies have been used for centuries. Lily plants contain various compounds that have been shown to possess medicinal properties. These compounds include flavonoids, alkaline, saponins, tanning, glycosides, essential oils, and other compounds. These compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, coughs, colds, and flu.It has been used to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia.It can be used to help with menstrual cramps.It helps relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis.It may help prevent or slow down the growth of some types of cancers.
Some studies show that these compounds may be useful in treating various health conditions like diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, liver and kidney diseases and so on.
Toxicity of Lily plant
The lily plant contains toxic substances such as cyanide and thiocyanate. If you eat the leaves of the lily plant, you may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. It is also toxic to cats. Hence it is always better to consult a physician before you consume the plant or self-treat yourself.
FAQ on Lily plants
- Is lily easy to grow?
Lily is an easy plant to grow, but requires proper care and attention.
- Do lilies like sun or shade?
Lilies like bright indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can harm the leaves.
- What kind of soil do lilies like
Lilies like slightly acidic - neutral, well-drained soil
- How long will the flowers last?
Lily flowers can last for up to two weeks if they are kept in a cool place with plenty of water.
- How big are Indian lily flowers?
The average size of an Indian lily flower is about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long.
- How often should I water Lily plants?
Lilies like moist soil. Water your plant everyday during summers and alternate days during winter
- How long will it take for a lily to bloom?
If the bulbs are mature they can bloom the same year or may take upto 3 years to bloom.
- Are lily flowers perennial ?
Lily flowers are perennials, which means they will bloom year after year.
- Are lily flower poisonous to dogs ?
Yes, they are poisonous to dogs.
- Are lily flower toxic to cats ?
Yes, they are toxic to cats.
- Can you dry lily flower ?
Yes, you can dry lily flower. The best way to preserve lily flowers is to press them dry in between newspapers by keeping a heavy book on top of the papers. Change the papers everyday to prevent fungal growth.
- How to deal with lilies after flowering ?
To help the plant prepare for the next year, it is better to prune or deadhead and mulch the plant after flowering.
- Is lily flower edible ?
Lily flowers are not edible
- Lily flower allergy
The pollen from these plants can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
- What are the most fragrant lilies
The most fragrant lilies are the Oriental Hybrid Lilies.
- When is lily flower season ?
Lily Flower Season is from early summer to fall
- When to cut lily flower ?
Cut lily flowers when they are fully open or when the bud is partially opening and place in water.
Get Help From An Expert
There are many ways to help your lilies flourish. While we recommend reading our article above, you might find yourself needing additional assistance.
That's why we suggest contacting an expert. Get in touch with us at https://www.urbanmali.com/ or call us at 918880482000. We can help you take care of your lily plants.