What to Do With Lilies in Pots After Flowering: Essential Tips for Care and Maintenance

What to Do With Lilies in Pots After Flowering?

After lilies have finished flowering in pots, it is important to take certain steps to ensure their health and encourage future blooms.

The first step is to remove any faded flowers and stems, cutting them back to just above the leaves.

This will redirect the plant’s energy towards the bulb and promote bulb growth for the following year.

It is also recommended to continue watering the lilies until the foliage dies back naturally, as this will help the bulbs store energy for the next season.

Once the foliage has completely died back, the bulbs can be lifted from the pots.

Clean off any excess soil and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place until it is time to plant them again in the fall or spring.

Proper care and handling of lilies after flowering will ensure the health and vigor of the plants for years to come.

Key Points:

  • Remove faded flowers and stems, cutting them back just above the leaves
  • Continue watering the lilies until foliage dies back naturally
  • Lift bulbs from pots once foliage has completely died back
  • Clean off excess soil and store bulbs in a cool, dry place
  • Plant bulbs again in the fall or spring
  • Ensure proper care and handling for the health and vigor of the plants in the future.

Did You Know?

1. Some lilies, such as the Easter Lily, have a strong fragrance that can intensify during the nighttime, releasing a captivating aroma when many people are asleep.

2. Did you know that not all lilies are toxic to cats? While some varieties like the Tiger Lily can be harmful to feline friends, others such as the Peace Lily and Calla Lily are safe if ingested in small quantities.

3. Lilies are often associated with Easter, but did you know that they were also used in Ancient Greece for medicinal purposes? The Greeks believed that lily flowers could soothe stomach ailments and calm angry gods.

4. If you’re looking to propagate lilies, one interesting technique is called scaling. By carefully slicing a lily bulb into sections, you can create clones of the original plant, as each section has the potential to develop into a new bulb and grow into a full-sized plant.

5. Lilies were once so rare and expensive that they were considered a luxury item during the Victorian era. People would rent lilies for special occasions, such as weddings and tea parties, just to showcase their elegance and status.

Recommended Pot Size For Lilies Based On Bulb Diameter

Lilies are a popular choice for container gardening, as they add a touch of elegance and beauty to any outdoor space. When choosing a pot for your lilies, it is important to consider the size of the bulb. Lilies have specific root requirements and need enough space to grow and thrive.

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It is generally recommended to choose a pot that is at least twice the diameter of the bulb. For example, if you have a bulb with a diameter of 3 inches, your pot should be at least 6 inches in diameter. This will provide enough room for the roots to develop and spread, ensuring healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Planting Instructions For Basal-Rooting And Stem-Rooting Lilies In Containers

There are two main types of lilies: basal-rooting and stem-rooting. Each type requires slightly different planting techniques to ensure optimal growth in containers.

  • For basal-rooting lilies, such as Asiatic and Oriental lilies, it is important to plant the bulbs so that the base of the bulb is just below the soil surface. This allows the roots to anchor the bulb and provides stability. Cover the bulb with soil, making sure not to bury it too deeply.

  • Stem-rooting lilies, such as Trumpet lilies, should be planted with the bulb slightly deeper in the soil. The bulb should be covered with soil up to the base of the stem. This will encourage the development of additional roots along the stem, providing extra support and nutrients to the plant.

Recommended Compost For Successful Growth Of Lilies In Pots

To ensure successful growth of lilies in pots, it is important to use the right compost. Lilies prefer a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mix that is slightly acidic. A recommended compost mix for lilies can be made by combining equal parts of garden soil, well-rotted compost, and perlite or sand for improved drainage.

Additionally, adding organic matter, such as leaf mold or peat moss, can help improve the soil structure and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. This will ensure that your lilies have the right conditions to thrive and produce beautiful blooms.

Improving Drainage In Containers For Lily Plants

Proper drainage is crucial for the health of lily plants in containers. Excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, which can be detrimental to the plant. To improve drainage, there are a few steps you can take:

  • Choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.
  • If you have a clay pot without drainage holes, you can add a layer of gravel or broken pottery shards at the bottom to create a drainage layer.
  • Adding a layer of horticultural grit or sand at the bottom of the pot before adding the compost can also help improve drainage.
  • This will prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and promote better root health.

Special Considerations For Lime-Hating Lilies In Container Gardening

Some lilies are known to dislike lime, so it is important to take this into consideration when growing them in containers. Lime-hating lilies, such as Martagons and some Asiatic lilies, require a more acidic soil environment to thrive.

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To cater to their needs, it is recommended to use ericaceous compost when planting lime-hating lilies in pots. This type of compost has a lower pH and is specifically formulated for acid-loving plants. It will provide the right conditions for these lilies to grow and bloom successfully.

In addition to using ericaceous compost, it is also advisable to monitor the pH levels of the soil regularly. If the pH starts to rise, you can add sulfur or iron sulfate to the soil to help maintain acidity.

In Conclusion

Growing lilies in containers can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy their stunning blooms up close. Here are some tips to ensure the success and longevity of your potted lilies:

  1. Recommended pot size: Choose a pot that accommodates the bulb diameter of your lilies. A general rule of thumb is to use a pot that is approximately 3 times the diameter of the bulb.

  2. Planting instructions: Different types of lilies may have specific planting requirements. Follow the instructions provided with your bulbs to ensure proper planting depth and spacing.

  3. Right compost and drainage: Use a well-draining compost specifically formulated for container gardening. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, so consider adding perlite or gravel to the compost mixture to improve drainage.

  4. Consider lime-hating lilies: Some lilies are intolerant to lime in the soil. If you are growing lime-hating lilies, use an ericaceous compost designed for acid-loving plants.

  5. Controlled-release fertilizer: Incorporate a controlled-release fertilizer into the soil when planting your lilies. This will provide a steady supply of nutrients to support healthy growth.

  6. Proper bulb placement: Ensure that the bulbs are planted at the correct depth in the container. The general guideline is to plant them at a depth that is approximately 2 to 3 times their own width.

  7. Drainage materials for clay pots: If using clay pots, consider adding drainage materials, such as broken pottery shards or gravel, at the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging.

With proper care and maintenance, your potted lilies will continue to bring delight and beauty to your outdoor space year after year.

  • Choose a pot size that accommodates the bulb diameter.
  • Follow specific planting instructions for different types of lilies.
  • Use well-draining compost and consider adding drainage materials.
  • Use ericaceous compost for lime-hating lilies.
  • Incorporate controlled-release fertilizer when planting.
  • Plant bulbs at the correct depth.
  • Consider adding drainage materials to clay pots.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Will a potted lily plant bloom again?

Yes, a potted lily plant can definitely bloom again with proper care. While many people tend to discard these plants after the flowers fade, by giving them some tender loving care, they can be incorporated into your flower beds and continue to bloom for several years. With the right attention and environment, these lilies have the potential to surprise you with their vibrant blooms time and time again. So, don’t give up on your potted lily plant just yet – a little bit of TLC can go a long way in ensuring their long-lasting beauty in your garden.

How do you keep potted lilies alive?

To keep potted lilies alive, it is essential to provide them with a medium to large pot that has proper drainage. The selected container should have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water-logging, as excessive moisture can lead to bulb rot. Adding a layer of rocks at the bottom of the pot can further enhance drainage capabilities and ensure the soil remains adequately moist, rather than overly saturated. By paying attention to these necessary conditions, potted lilies can thrive and continue to bloom beautifully.

What do you do with lilies when the flowers fall off?

After the flowers of lilies have fallen off, it is recommended to deadhead the stem by cutting it at the base, just above the stem leaves. This not only helps maintain a neat appearance but also promotes the growth of new blooms. By removing the spent flower spike, you encourage the plant to redirect its energy towards producing more flowers rather than producing seeds in the pod. Therefore, it is best to trim the stem and allow the lily to focus on producing vibrant and healthy new blossoms.

Do lilies multiply in pots?

Yes, lilies have the ability to multiply even in pots, although they may require periodic attention. When cultivated in containers, lilies will eventually become pot bound and will therefore benefit from being lifted every 2 or 3 years. Taking care of the bulbs involves delicately removing any attached bulblets. By properly tending to them, lilies can continue to multiply and flourish in pots, creating a beautiful and multiplying display.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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