Desert Lily

Desert lilies are drought-tolerant and can be watered as little as once every two weeks. You should water thoroughly, but avoid overwatering as it will rot the roots. In summer, you may need to water more frequently as the hotter, drier air will sap the soil of moisture faster. It’s best to be conservative with water, as desert lilies don’t need much at all to survive.

Desert lilies require plenty of light to thrive, but they don’t need direct sunlight. About four to six hours of bright, indirect light a day is best. Direct sun can scald the delicate petals, while too little light can cause the stems to stretch in search of brighter conditions. If you give your desert lily enough indirect light, its strong, healthy petals will agreeably dip to the side.

Desert lilies require temperatures between 65-90°F (18-32ºC). In winter, they will benefit from a rest period at 55-65°F (12-18°C). Extreme temperatures of over 90°F (32ºC) or below 55°F (12ºC) should be avoided.

Desert lilies are tolerant of dry air, but high humidity will lengthen the life of the flowers. If you can’t provide this, mist the foliage frequently to provide some moisture. This will also prevent dusty conditions.

Desert lilies prefer a well-draining potting soil that is not too rich with nutrients. They will thrive in a cactus mix, or a combination of 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite or coarse sand, and 1 part compost. Any soil that provides the right balance of moisture and air circulation is perfect for desert lilies.

Desert lilies need very little fertilizing. If you want to give them an extra boost, apply a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Make sure the fertilizer is not too high in nitrogen, as this can cause leggy growth. Organic options such as fish emulsion or seaweed are great choices.

Desert lilies, thankfully, have few pests. An infestation of mealybugs, aphids, mites, or scale can be avoided with regular inspections. If an infestation is detected, it’s best to use a natural, organic product, such as insecticidal soap, to get rid of any pests. Be sure to spray thoroughly and reach the undersides of leaves for complete coverage. If none of this works, you can bring in a professional for a stronger product; just make sure that it won’t damage your plant.

Desert Lilies are fast-growing plants and will require repotting every few years; the rule of thumb is to repot when the roots start to show through the pot or when the plant has outgrown its pot. When repotting, be sure to use a light, airy soil, such as a cactus mix, adding in compost or fertilizer to get the best out of your lily. Don’t over-pot – a pot that is too large will cause the roots to stagnate in water. Also, be sure to let the soil and root ball dry out before completely covering them up.

Desert lilies don’t really need much pruning, especially once they’ve reached maturity. You should, however, trim off any dead, wilted, or severely damaged stems. Also, during the warmer spring and summer months, you should trim off the area where the flowers have died off. This will encourage more flowers to grow in their place.

Mulching is not necessary for Desert lilies as they are drought-tolerant, but it will help keep the soil moist and suppress weeds. You can use a compost or gravel mulch, but make sure it’s not too thick around the roots, as this can cause rot.

Desert lilies can be propagated from seed or by division in late spring or early summer. For other methods, such as stem or root cuttings, you should wait until the plant is a few years old and has developed a substantial root system. Plant the division in a well-draining soil, keep the soil moist but not too wet, and make sure the crown of the division is kept above the soil line. For seeds, sow directly into the soil, keep lightly moist, and be patient — it can take up to a year or more for the seeds to germinate.

Desert lilies do not require any kind of support, but they do benefit from using a stake to give them a little bit of extra support if they have multiple flower stalks that are heavy with blossoms.

Desert lilies benefit from a rest period during the winter months. During this time, water them lightly about once a month, or just enough to keep the soil barely damp. Avoid giving them high nitrogen fertilizers during this period, as this can disrupt the dormancy.

Desert lilies are not toxic to pets or people, so they are safe to have in the home. However, it’s important to note that the sap of the plant is on the skin-irritating side, so it’s best to wear gloves when handling the plant or trimming it.