Having a houseplant as part of your home is a great way to bring greenery into your space and add some color. But, planting them indoors doesnג€™t mean that they donג€™t need care throughout the year.
Having a houseplant means that you need to take care of it over the course of the year. Depending on where you live, it might get cold at night in winter (and summer) from time to time. That means that your lily needs extra care during this season. In this article, we will discuss how to care for a lily plant over winter, keeping them alive through the colder months and extending their lifespan.
Do Lilies Need To Be Cut Back for Winter?
The lily plant needs to be cut back for winter. After the first few weeks of frost, itג€™s time to cut the stem back by 1/3 and let them go dormant. This will allow the plant to conserve energy through this season, as well as prepare for a comeback in springtime.
How Far Back Do You Cut Lilies for Winter?
Lilies should be cut back at least six inches from the top of their container–thatג€™s where the growth shoots are located. The reason for this is that these shoots will continue to grow during winter and if they donג€™t get cut off, they could become too tall for the lily pot.
Itג€™s best to cut them about a month before winter starts so that you can avoid any unnecessary stress on your plant and lead it through the better times of summer.
Can You Leave Lilies in Pots Over Winter?
It is best to leave lilies in pots over winter and water them. Fertilizing them is not necessary, but if you want to fertilize them, use a half-strength fertilizer solution. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked ג€“ allow the pot to dry out a little before watering again.
If your lily plant begins to droop or leaves appear pale, it might be time to repot them. They are usually ready for a new pot after their blooms fade. When transplanting an established plant into its new pot, keep in mind that they can take up to two years to reach their mature size and bloom flowers again.
Do Lilies Grow Better in Pots or Ground?
Lilies grow better in pots than they do in the ground. The soil surrounding the roots will dry out and may not have enough moisture to keep the plant alive if it is planted in the ground.
To compensate for this, you should water your lily plant while they are in their pot, or use a self-watering pot. You can also make sure to keep them on a heating mat if you live in a colder climate or put them outside during warmer months.
