QUESTION:
Hello–
My daughter gave me this plant about 10 years ago and it has done reasonably well in a south window. I water 1x weekly with pure (not “soft”) water with low concentration added plant food (Eleanor’s VF-11, 2 tbs/gal). It has wonderful large bright green leaves. This year, for the first time, it bloomed. Could you identify the plant for me, and I’d also much appreciate any insights on how to care for it. Thanks
ANSWER:
Hi Sean,
Amazon Lily Plant: Your plant looks like a type of Amazon Lily plant, also called a “Eucharis Grandiflora.”Although referred to as a lily, it is really part of the amaryllis family. These plants usually bloom in the summer, but have been know to also bloom in the winter. Hopefully your plant will bloom again this summer. Here are some care tips:
Light: Bright indirect light, but avoid having it sit in direct sun. As you have seen, direct sun burns the leaves and also hinders flower production.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist most of the year. Lily plants After flowering, when the plant is resting, reduce the water so the bulbs can dry out a little. In the spring, resume normal watering.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. Use a plant food high in phosphorous to encourage more flowers.
Humidity: Lily plants prefer 40-50% humidity if possible.
Temperature: Normal household temperatures of 65-75°F/18-24°C. Avoid temperatures below 50°F/10°C.
Soil: Use a rich, loose, organic soil; if the soil seems to heavy, add a bit of sand to it.
Propagation: These plants are easily propagated by separating the bulbs. When planting the bulbs, use a small pot with holes in the bottom, and barely cover the top of the bulb with soil. Water the bulbs sparingly until new growth appears.
Repotting: Repot about every 3 years when the plant has completely filled the existing pot. A lily plant blooms more when it is root bound in a small container.
Lilies are poisonous so please keep you lily plant away from pets and small children. You can read more about poisonous houseplants in Don’t Feed me to Your Cat: A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants.