How to take care of a lily: All the basic care of this flower

Among the most popular ornamental plants in the world are lilies, also known as irises, lilies or Lily. This is mainly due to its large trumpet-shaped flowers and their various colors that are extremely striking. In addition, some varieties of this vegetable even give off a very pleasant aroma. If you want to have one of these beautiful flowers in your home, there is one thing you must learn first: How to care for a lily.

Undoubtedly, you will appreciate having these plants at home, as they are a gift for the eyes. So that you can cultivate them correctly, We will explain all the needs that lilies have and we will comment a little about the most frequent pests and diseases. of these vegetables and how to prevent them.

How to care for lily plants?

Lilies are actually a genus belonging to the family Liliaceae and comprise more than a hundred different varieties. Each of them has its characteristics and needs, but we can give general care guidelines for all of them. Next we will explain how to take care of a lily and thus be able to enjoy these beautiful flowers in our garden.

Location and irrigation

The first thing we need to know is where to place our lilies. It must be said that these flowerss have an impressive adaptability. So much so that we can place them almost anywhere. Another special feature they have is that they can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but we must take into account some aspects:

• Lilies outdoors: Despite being flowers that adapt very well, the ideal is to place them in a semi-shaded place where the soil can stay cool.
• Indoor lilies: In the case of having these flowers as indoor plants in a pot, it is best to find a well-lit place for them.

Speaking of the location, it is also important to mention the temperature. For lilies, it is best not to drop below ten degrees, at least during their flowering. The ideal temperature for these vegetables ranges between 22ºC and 26ºC. However, an adult specimen can withstand higher temperatures in summer without problems.

As for irrigation, without a doubt it is one of the most important factors for any plant. In the case of lilies, they need a certain level of lighting but also fresh soil. So that the bulb of these vegetables can grow and develop correctly, It needs a constant level of humidity. Of course, we should never flood the earth, as we could cause the roots of the plant to rot.

To avoid waterlogging, It is best to water sparingly but frequently. The most advisable thing is to do it in summer every two days at the most, depending on the type of soil and the climate in which we find ourselves. During cold months, watering once or twice a week is sufficient.

Soil and compost

As we have already mentioned before, lilies need the soil to be able to stay cool, that is, to have the ability to retain moisture. For this reason it is one of the few plants that They prefer slightly clay soils. However, we must prevent it from getting waterlogged. As for the pH of the soil, the ideal is that it oscillates between the values ​​of 6 and 7,5. In the event that the water in our area has a lot of lime, consequently altering the pH, it is best to leave it at rest for 24 hours, before using it to water the lilies.

When creating an ideal substrate for these vegetables, a good option is mix earthworm humus with peat in equal parts. We can use this mixture both in a pot and in the garden soil, if it does not already have the right conditions. Both the compost and the earthworm humus will provide the soil with the right aeration and humidity conditions that the lilies require. In addition, through them we add many nutrients that the vegetables will appreciate.

Regarding the fertilizer, we must provide it to the lilies on a regular basis in the hottest time of the year. It is best to use organic fertilizers, such as compost or earthworm humus. Through this organic pot we will be able to provide the necessary nutrients to maintain these flowers. We should only use chemical fertilizers if the lilies give very clear signs that they lack nutrients.

How to care for a lily: Pests and diseases

Knowing how to care for a lily is not always enough, as there are some pests and diseases that usually affect these flowers. Generally, most phytopathologies are caused by various fungi. To prevent their appearance, it is of the utmost importance to keep the plants clean, that is, to remove all dead plant remains and prevent their accumulation in the soil. In addition, fungi thrive especially when there is high humidity. Therefore we must avoid flooding the land when watering. Besides, There are products that can be applied both to prevent and treat fungal diseases.

Lilies can also be affected by some pests, the most common being mites and aphids. They are difficult to prevent and once they appear, we must look at the symptoms that the plant presents to identify them, since mites above all are almost impossible to see. Aphids can be seen, but usually when the plant is already infested. There are various home remedies against aphids and other insects.

It is vitally important for plants to detect and treat any disease or pest as soon as possible. It is best to always use organic remedies. However, they do not always end up working at all. In those cases we can try chemical products, always following the instructions on the container and handling them with great care. Remember that insecticides are very toxic both for us and for animals in the environment, such as pets, birds, etc.

You already know everything you need about how to care for a lily. By following these instructions, you will be able to enjoy these beautiful flowers in your home without any problem. I assure you that your lilies will not go unnoticed!