How to Care for a Lily Plant: Ultimate Guide

June 6, 2025

5 min read

By Lily Carter

Lilies (Lilium spp. and related species like peace lilies) are cherished for their stunning blooms and captivating fragrance, perfect for gardens, pots, or indoor spaces. Whether you’re tending a peace lily indoors or vibrant Asiatic lilies outdoors, learning how to look after a lily plant ensures thriving plants. This lily plant care guide uses a unique "care roadmap" to navigate essential steps, tailored for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

Why Grow a Lily Plant?

Lilies bring beauty and meaning to any space. Here’s why they’re a top choice:

Gorgeous Blooms: Vibrant colors from white to red, with elegant shapes.
Versatile Growth: Thrive in gardens, containers, or as houseplants.
Symbolic Charm: Represent purity, renewal, and passion across cultures.

Let’s follow this lily care roadmap to keep your plants flourishing.

Stop 1: Light – Illuminate Their Beauty

Lilies need the right light to produce their signature blooms, varying by variety.

Light Requirements for Lily Types

Garden Lilies (Asiatic, Oriental): Require full sun (6–8 hours daily) for optimal flowering.
Peace Lilies: Thrive in bright, indirect light; direct sun scorches leaves.
Troubleshooting: Faded leaves or no blooms signal insufficient light.

Pro Tip

Rotate indoor lilies weekly for even light exposure.

Stop 2: Watering – Strike the Right Balance

Proper watering prevents root rot while keeping lilies hydrated.

Watering Best Practices

Frequency: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, typically every 5–7 days for indoor lilies or 1 inch weekly for garden lilies.
Drainage: Ensure pots have drainage holes; garden lilies need well-draining soil.
Seasonal Adjustments: Reduce watering in winter for dormant garden lilies; maintain moderate moisture for peace lilies year-round.

Common Mistake

Overwatering causes bulb rot, a top concern for those learning how to look after a lily plant.

Stop 3: Soil and Potting – Build a Solid Foundation

Lilies need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to support their growth.

Soil and Potting Essentials

Soil Mix: Use loamy soil (pH 6.0–6.5) for garden lilies; mix potting soil with perlite for peace lilies.
Pot Choice: Select pots with drainage holes for indoor lilies; terracotta is ideal.
Planting Depth: Plant garden lily bulbs 4–6 inches deep; pot peace lilies 1–2 inches deep.

Fun Fact

Deep planting stabilizes garden lilies, supporting tall stems and heavy blooms.

Stop 4: Temperature and Humidity – Create a Cozy Habitat

Lilies thrive in moderate conditions, with slight differences by type.

Optimal Conditions

Temperature: 60–75°F (15–24°C) for peace lilies; 50–80°F (10–27°C) for garden lilies.
Humidity: Peace lilies love moderate to high humidity (e.g., bathrooms); garden lilies tolerate average outdoor humidity.
Winter Care: Mulch garden lilies or bring potted lilies indoors to protect from frost.

Quick Tip

For peace lily care, mist leaves occasionally to boost humidity indoors.

Stop 5: Fertilizing – Boost Blooms Sparingly

Fertilizer enhances lily growth and flowering but should be used cautiously.

Fertilizing Guidelines

Type: Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or bloom booster (5-10-10) diluted to half strength.
Frequency: Feed monthly during spring and summer; skip in fall/winter.
Caution: Over-fertilizing reduces blooms, so follow instructions carefully.

Variety Tip

Peace lilies need less fertilizer than garden lilies due to slower growth indoors.

Stop 6: Pruning and Propagation – Shape and Expand

Pruning and propagation keep lilies healthy and let you grow more plants.

Pruning Techniques

Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms.
Post-Bloom Care: Trim yellowing foliage after blooming, leaving stems until brown to nourish bulbs.
Peace Lilies: Cut brown leaf tips to maintain appearance.

Propagation Steps

For garden lilies, divide bulbs or offsets in fall.
For peace lilies, separate plant clumps during repotting.
Plant in well-draining soil and water sparingly until established.

Stop 7: Pests and Problems – Troubleshoot Effectively

Lilies are hardy but can face pests or care issues.

Common Issues

Aphids: Rinse off with water or use insecticidal soap.
Botrytis Blight: Fungal mold; improve airflow and avoid wet foliage.
Yellowing Leaves: Often due to overwatering, poor drainage, or low light.

Prevention Tips

Inspect weekly for pests.
Ensure proper drainage and moderate watering.
Space garden lilies for better air circulation.

Stop 8: Lily Varieties – Tailor Your Care

Different lilies have unique needs, so adjust care accordingly.

Popular Lily Types

Peace Lilies: Ideal for indoors; prefer shade and high humidity.
Asiatic Lilies: Hardy garden plants; need full sun and deep planting.
Oriental Lilies: Fragrant and showy; require rich soil and partial shade in hot climates.

Care Tip

When exploring how to care for a lily plant, identify your lily type to tailor light and watering needs.

Stop 9: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls for healthy lilies:

Overwatering: Causes bulb rot, especially in pots.
Incorrect Light: Too little light reduces blooms; too much burns leaves.
Neglecting Winter Care: Unprotected bulbs may die in frost.

Pro Tip: Consistency in lily plant care prevents these issues, ensuring vibrant blooms.

FAQ: Your Lily Care Questions Answered

How often should I water my lily plant?

Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, typically every 5–7 days, ensuring good drainage.

Can I grow lilies indoors?

Yes, peace lilies thrive indoors with indirect light, while other lilies need more sun and are better outdoors.

Why are my lily leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing often results from overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light.

How do I encourage my lily to bloom?

Provide adequate light, fertilize monthly in growing season, and deadhead spent flowers.

Your Lily Care Journey

Caring for a lily plant is a delightful blend of art and science. By following this roadmap—light, watering, soil, and variety-specific tips—you’ll enjoy stunning blooms year after year. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of peace lilies or the vibrancy of garden lilies, your lily plant care efforts will shine.