Flamingo Lily

Due to its epiphytic nature, the Flamingo Lily likes to stay on the wetter side, so water often as the soil dries out. This usually means about every 5-7 days. If you notice the soil is completely dry, feel free to increase the frequency of watering. Be sure to not let the plant sit in water for too long, as excess can cause root rot. This plant prefers humidity levels from 40%-60%, and will need to be misted occasionally.

The Flamingo Lily loves to be in bright, filtered light, but it should not receive full, direct sun. Too much sun may cause its leaves to burn and yellow. Place the plant near an east-facing window, or find a position near a south-facing window with sheer curtains or blinds for enough protection. Depending on the amount of brightness available, you may need to increase or decrease the amount of light the plant receives.

The Flamingo Lily prefers temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C), and should never experience temperatures below 55°F (13°C). A cooler room or a slightly lower temperature in the winter (64-68°F / 18-20°C) for a few weeks is ideal.

The Flamingo Lily prefers high humidity, and will benefit from a humidity level of at least 40-60%. To increase the humidity of the room, use a humidity tray near the base of the plant, or invest in a humidifier. Be sure to not overwater the plant to avoid root rot.

The Flamingo Lily prefers a nutrient-rich soil that drains quickly. Look for a light soil mix that contains organic material such as peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite. Adding a time-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer will benefit growing Flamingo Lilies.

Fertilize this houseplant once per month between March and September, using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Be sure to not fertilize it during its rest period, as this may trigger leaf loss or cause it to become lanky. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing your Flamingo Lily to avoid leaf burn and other damage.

The most common pests the Flamingo Lily is susceptible to includes spider mites, mealybug, thrips, and other small insects. To check for spider mites, inspect the top and back of the leaves, and underneath the edges of the leaves. Insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and neem oil can be used to eliminate spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and other small insects. When using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, be sure to dilute the treatments before spraying the plant with them. Additionally, regular wiping of the leaves with a damp cloth or soft sponge can help prevent and/or eliminate the pests.

The Flamingo Lily should be repotted every 1-2 years during the spring season. When it's time to repot, choose a soil medium that has plenty of organic material such as peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite. Pots should have ample drainage holes at the bottom. Use a foundation of pebbles at the bottom of the potting to ensure adequate drainage. If the Flamingo Lily is starting to outgrow its pot, choose a larger pot that is roughly 2-3 inches in diameter larger than its current pot.

Pruning the Flamingo Lily is not necessary, but you can trim when it begins to look unruly or overgrown. Wildflower Tips recommends keeping the lance-shaped foliage thinned out, so as to not overcrowd the plant itself and suffocate it. Use a lightly sharpened pair of scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut off any wilting or dead leaves, and to maintain a clean appearance.

Mulching is not required for the Flamingo Lily, but can be used to retain moisture and add organic material to the soil. If you wish to mulch, choose an organic mulch such as bark or wood chips, and layer it around the base of the plant, leaving approximately 1-2 inches of space between the mulch and the stem of the plant.

You can propagate the Flamingo Lily by clipping and dividing an existing stem. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut through the stem at the desired area. Remove the lower couple of leaves and replant the stem into a new pot of the same soil mix used with the original plant. Keep the soil moist and place it in a bright, warm area. Provide adequate warmth and humidity, and the plant should begin to root in a few weeks.

The Flamingo Lily is a self-supporting plant, so it does not require any additional support or staking. If the stem is bending, you may want to add a stick to help it gain its shape.

The Flamingo Lily is quite a resilient houseplant, and only requires a reduced watering schedule during its winter rest period. During this time, the plant's growth will slow significantly and its leaves may droop a bit. You may also notice the tips of the leaves turning brown. This is natural, and watering should only be done when the soil is dry. The rest period for this plant typically lasts for several months.

The Flamingo Lily is toxic to cats and dogs. If a pet should ingest the plant, it may cause gastric problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.