Care for Lilium

Oriental hybrid (Wikipedia)
Although Lilium (Lilies) love humidity and warm weather, they cannot tolerate heavy rains. If planting in pot, make sure it has drainage holes, so Lilium bulbs won't be sitting in water for too long.

Lilium comes with several varieties; if there is a significant change of growth, bloom size or color, change its location. It probably doesn't enjoy the location you have placed it. Refer online regarding the variety of your Lilium before planting them.

Avoid planting Tulips in the same container with Lilium. Although Lilium bulbs are resistant towards mold attack that typically happens to Tulip bulbs, the infection can be out of control when it's taking over the soil.


Lilium growing roots on the stem - What to do?


If you notice some roots emerging from the stem, it is advisable to cover them up with soil before they dry out. These roots has only one purpose; to anchor your Lilium stem, either from winds or as a support for those big blooms. This happens when you didn't plant the bulb deep enough.

Here's what you can do:
  1. If potted, transplant your Lilium to a deeper pot and add soil up to the emerging roots, covering up all of them. Water immediately.
  2. If potted and there's space for extra soil on top, just add the soil to cover the roots. Keep the added soil moist to prevent stunting the roots development.
  3. If planted on the open ground, carefully dig up the whole plant including its roots underneath the bulb (be gentle, don't break the stem attached to the bulb!) and plant it deeper. Water immediately.
Planting your Lilium deep enough is also encouraged; the bulb has its own natural ability to divide into bulblets and it is best not to restrict it from growing.