Oriental Lily
The Flower of
Value & Respect
Its large beautiful blooms and wonderful fragrance make Oriental Lilies a favorite for indoor spaces any time of year. These plants makes a terrific table centerpiece, or place in any bright location to create an instant garden feel! They are easy-to-care-for plants that are sure to bring a smile to anyone that takes them home.
Oriental Lily
Care Line Classification
Care Information
Light
Place in a bright location.
Temperature
Moderate home temperatures are ideal, 65-70°F daytimes and 60-65°F nights. Avoid excessively cold or hot areas.
Water
Prefers moderately moist soil. Water thoroughly when soil feels dry to the touch. Remove wrap or decor before watering. Drain off all excess water. Do not let plant stand in water.
The Oriental Lily: Deep Dive
Season
Year round
Care
Place the plant near a bright window, just out of reach of the direct rays of the sun. Water the plant often enough to keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Water again when the soil becomes dry. Best to take off wrap/container and place in a sink before watering to allow it to drain from the bottom of the pot. Once pot has drained, replace to original spot.
Home to Garden
After the bloom fades away, leave the pots in the sun and warm location, continuing to water and fertilize, until the existing foliage turns yellow and withers. After the leaves have died, cut the stems down to soil level, remove bulbs from the soil, and put them in a paper bag. Store in a dark, cold location such as a basement or garage (40-45 degrees) or place in the refrigerator (free of fruit that release ethylene gas).
Plant bulbs a few weeks before your area's first frost date to allow for some root growth. Bury them twice the depth of the bulb to keep the plant firmly in the ground throughout the colder months. Setting the bulbs a little deeper in the ground also means the plant effectively uses the soil as support for the next season's stem, whereas if they're planted too shallow, they may require more staking.
Water after planting. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Flower Meaning
The Oriental lily is known for its beauty and simplicity. Lilies often symbolize purity, innocence and wealth. In Greek mythology, it is a symbol of motherhood and rebirth as it is believed to be formed from Hera’s milk.
Fun Facts
Oriental lilies have interestingly been cultivated for a longer period of time than most plants from around the world and are native to the lily species of Korea and Japan. They have been found in gardens for more than 3,000 years, growing up to 6 feet tall. Although horticulturalists have been breeding various hybrids of this flower, its original physical form consists of three blooms on each stem with an average flower length of about 20 inches.
Oriental lilies have also been used to make many perfumes. They are also used in cosmetics and facial creams. These flowers help slow the aging process and also work well as an anti-wrinkle cream. It is said that a great way to get softer skin is to mix the petals of the flower with honey.
