Convallaria majalis, or Lily of the Valley, is a delicate and pretty plant that grows a delightfully fragrant white flower. Despite its name, Lily of the Valley is not in the same family as lilies. Instead, it is in the same family as asparagus.
It’s a hardy plant that quickly covers the ground and thrives in the shade. You can grow Lily of the Valley in your garden if you don’t want to mow the grass often but still want a healthy green lawn. Lily of the Valley looks and smells great. It has curved wooden benches, a birdbath or two, and some bright flower beds. What an elegant and low-maintenance alternative to grass!.
Lily of the valley is a classic spring flower loved for its graceful bell-shaped blooms and intoxicatingly sweet scent. Though this plant is typically grown outdoors, you can also enjoy lily of the valley as a houseplant by growing it in pots indoors.
With the right care techniques, growing lily of the valley in pots indoors can be highly rewarding This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right potting mix to proper watering and fertilization By the end, you’ll have all the tips and tricks for successfully cultivating this charming flower inside your home.
Selecting High-Quality Lily of the Valley Rhizomes
The first step to growing lily of the valley indoors is obtaining high-quality rhizomes. Look for large, plump rhizomes without any signs of mold, rot, or desiccation. You’ll need between 6-12 rhizomes for a single pot.
Only choose forced rhizomes that are intended for indoor growth. Avoid using rhizomes dug from the garden as these require a cold winter dormancy period and will not thrive inside. Forced rhizomes from a nursery have already undergone the necessary vernalization to bloom indoors.
Timing is also important when selecting rhizomes. For holiday blooms, look for rhizomes that have been pre-cooled and vernalized in fall. Rhizomes shipped in early spring will yield flowers in 4-6 weeks.
Providing Proper Potting Conditions
Growing lily of the valley in pots starts with choosing the right container and soil mix. Select a pot that is wider than it is deep, at least 7-9 inches across. Shallow pots help prevent root rot. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
The ideal potting mix for lily of the valley is light, loose, and fast-draining. A general indoor potting soil amended with perlite, vermiculite, or sand works well. The pH should be slightly acidic, around 6.0-6.5.
Place a thin layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the pot for extra drainage. Spread the potting mix on top, mounding it up in the center. Arrange the rhizomes closely together on the soil mound with growing tips facing outward. Cover the rhizomes with 1-2 inches more potting mix.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Once potted, lily of the valley requires specific care and growing conditions to thrive indoors:
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Temperature: Keep pots in a cool room around 50-65°F. Temperatures above 70°F can prevent flowering.
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Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct hot sun.
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Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not soaked. Water when the top inch becomes dry.
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Humidity: Mist leaves frequently and place pots on pebble trays to boost humidity.
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Air Circulation: Good air flow prevents fungal diseases. Use fans if needed.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growth.
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Aftercare: Once flowering finishes, discard spent plants or transplant outside. Do not re-force rhizomes already vernalized.
Meeting these ideal conditions will provide your indoor lily of the valley plants with everything they need to thrive and produce an abundance of fragrant blooms. Monitor plants closely and adjust care as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Indoor Growing Issues
Even with the best care, you may encounter some challenges while growing lily of the valley indoors. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
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Few or no flowers: This is usually caused by warm temperatures or insufficient chilling. Move pots to a cooler area and use pre-chilled rhizomes.
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Wilt: Overwatering can cause rhizomes to rot and leaves to wilt. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Leaf yellowing: This indicates overwatering. Check for root rot and reduce watering frequency.
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Tip burn: Dry air can cause brown leaf tips. Increase humidity through misting and pebble trays.
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Fungal diseases: Improve air flow and reduce humidity and moisture to prevent issues like botrytis.
With attentive care and swift troubleshooting, you can keep your indoor lily of the valley thriving and blooming beautifully. Don’t hesitate to make adjustments to your care routine if issues arise.
Enjoying the Graceful Charm of Indoor Lily of the Valley
One of the joys of growing lily of the valley in pots indoors is getting to appreciate this plant’s delicate details up close. The nodding white bell-shaped blooms have a distinct flare at the mouth, revealing six tiny upturned petal tips. Emerging flower stalks and oval leaves form lush cascading foliage.
Place pots in entryways, windowsills, or anywhere the sweet scent can be enjoyed. Cut a few stems to display in small vases around your home.
With the right rhizomes, soil, and growing conditions, you can successfully cultivate this beloved spring flower indoors. Follow this complete guide for growing lily of the valley in pots, and you’ll be rewarded with the elegant beauty and fragrance of this charming plant all season long.
Plant Care Tips for Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley does best in the shade, but it can also do well in the sun if you give it more water.
Lily of the Valley prefers moist soil but must never be waterlogged. Do not let the soil dry out, as this will kill the plant. A week of 2 to 3 cm of water, either through irrigation or direct watering, is enough except during heat waves. [6].
How to Grow Lily of the Valley?
Lily of the Valley grows best in a pot (see below for how to do this) before being moved to your garden. Fifth, put your Lily of the Valley in a shady spot in your garden and make sure the soil stays moist. Add plenty of well-rotted compost to the area.
Make a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and work some blood, fish, and bone meal into the ground. Put the plant in the hole and fill it up with soil until it’s the same depth as when it was in the pot. Pat the soil down gently, and water well.
If you are planting roots or pips, soak the pips for at least 30 minutes. Make a hole that is just a little bigger than the roots, and then put the roots in it. The roots don’t have a top or bottom. The top should be less than a centimetre below the soil surface. Gently cover with loose soil, and sprinkle with some blood, fish and bone meal. Water thoroughly.
How to Grow Lily-of-the-Valley Indoors – White Flower Farm
FAQ
Do lily of the valley grow well in pots?
How long do lily of the valley bloom indoors?
Can you grow Lily of the valley indoors?
Divide lily of the valley plants when they become crowded. Cut the rhizomes apart, leaving some roots attached to each piece. Lilies grown indoors will not set seed, but you can grow them from purchased seeds. You may not think of them as house plants, but Lily of the Valley flowers grow well in a pot.
How do you grow Lily of the valley in a pot?
When growing lily of the valley in pots, try to pick a container that’s deeper than it is wide to accommodate its long roots. It’s okay to trim a few inches (7.5 to 13 cm.) off the roots if they don’t fit in your pot, but no more. Use a good standard potting mix. Space your rhizomes 1-2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) apart.
Can Lily of the valley be planted in pots or containers?
Ingesting any part of this plant can cause dizziness, nausea, or even result in heart failure. If you’re still planning to go ahead with growing Lily of the Valley in pots or containers, then stick till the end. This blog will guide you from beginning to end. 1. Choosing the Proper Container for Lily of The Valley
How deep should a lily of the valley pot be?
Depth of The Container Just like its diameter, the pot should have at least 8-12 inches of depth as well. It will help the plant to retain moisture, which is important for its overall health. Even though Lily of the Valley has shallow growth, it’s better to offer enough room for its roots to grow comfortably.
What is a potted Lily of the Valley plant?
Lily of the Valley is a flower that can be grown in containers (referred to as the ‘lily of the valley potted plant’ in the passage). This is a great way to grow this plant indoors. The flowers are also edible and have a mild, sweet taste.
Can lilies grow indoors?
Cut the rhizomes apart, leaving some roots attached to each piece. Lilies grown indoors will not set seed, but you can grow them from purchased seeds. You may not think of them as house plants, but Lily of the Valley flowers grow well in a pot. Discover how to grow these fragrant lilies indoors.