What is a Lilium Auratum?
Belonging to the family Liliaceae, Lilium auratum, commonly called Golden-rayed lily, is one of the few true lilies in existence. It is found in hilly and volcanic mountain sides. It can also be seen through scrubby lands and grassy places and on steep and well-drained slopes.
Appearance and Characteristics
Lilium auratum is a herbaceous, perennial flowering species that is white with gold radial markings and sometimes orange spots all over. This color description differs from species to species. It has strongly scented flowers and measures up to 8 feet tall. It grows in slightly sandy and medium-loamy soils that are moist and well-aerated; they also fare well in soils with little to no nutritional content. It also prefers soils that are slightly acidic or neutral.
Unlike other plants that can survive in lowlight or low shades, this condition is detrimental to the plant. Fertilizers and compost also hinder the growth of the plant. It is not self-pollinating and requires bees before pollination can occur. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees and does not fare well in summer climates or two moist soils.
It is harvested traditionally for food and was once cultivated commercially in Japan as a food crop but is now used as an ornamental in homes and commercial places. Lilium auratum flowers give off a penetrating and spicy aroma, thus making the roots attractive to slugs during Spring.
Its flowers bud from August to September. Its seeds ripen exactly a month afterward; the flowering species is hermaphrodite and contains both male and female sexes on the same flower.
Quick summary
Botanical Plant Name: Lilium auratum pronounced LEE-lium AU-rah-tum under a Family Liliaceae
Native to: It is native to Eastern Asia and Northern and Central Japan.
Care: They require little to no maintenance, loves moisture soil as long as it is well-draining and well-aerated. Fertilizers are fatal to its growth, and it is found to attract slugs to its root. They survive in extremely harsh conditions and in soils that have little to no nutrients.
Size: It grows as high as 1.8 meters.
Common Problems: their roots attract slugs, and they need to follow the proper planting season before their bulbs germinate well. They require the opposite of what most plants need to grow.
Toxicity: They are not toxic to humans and dogs, but they cause some harm to cats.
Plant recommendation tip: looking for a non toxic plant then check out Solid green spider plant.
How to take care of Lilium auratum
Lilium auratum is one of the few flowering plants that can survive on its own; however, there are some ways to offer help.
Sunlight: It requires bright sunlight on its parts above the roots and requires shade on the root region. It can survive in extreme conditions but doesn’t do too well in full-shaded areas.
Watering: They require at least one inch of water per week or every two weeks. The soil should be moist but not too moist. Ensure the watering can nozzle of the water house is pointed directly to the soil and not to the lilies.
Humidity & Temperature: It grows well in extreme conditions and requires low moisture content—summarily, it loves to grow in the poorest conditions. The best temperature is 64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cleaning: It requires low cleaning but, a simple water flow with a hose around the plant will suffice.
Fertilizing & soil: Fertilizers negatively affect the growth of Lilium auratum, and it loves dry soils with no compost content.
Repotting: Repotting Lilium auratum is best done in autumn. Ensure the container is filled with a sterile soil mixture, uproot the plant carefully, and transfer to a new container before covering it up properly.
Plant inspiration tip: brighten your home with the amazing Hydrangea Serrata.
How and When to Prune Lilium auratum
Remove dead, dry, and sunken flowers when they fade to prevent the waste of time, energy, and nutrients, as the plant would need extra nutrients to repair the damaged parts—Cut away the dead stems or overgrown stems to aid more regrowth.
It is advised to prune Lilium auratum around late fall or early Spring by using a pair of sharp secateurs to cut off the affected parts. Ensure the equipment is washed, dried, and sterilized before and after use.
Problems with Lilium auratum
Lilium auratum attract slugs, rabbits, and groundhogs. They are found to permit the growth of grey molds if any part of the plant is left wet for a long period. If they are unevenly spaced, they can transmit pest infestations and infections quickly and easily. They also serve as breeding grounds for aphids.
How to propagate?
Propagating Lilium auratum involves seed-delayed hypogeal germination that should be down in Spring. The seeds need to be stored and require a 2-month cycle of stratification. This basically means the seeds go through a process of breaking dormancy and initiating germination.
The seedlings should be grown in shady conditions. It will require regular feeding before any significant growth is recorded. It may take over one year, and repotting needs to be done after autumn finishes.
After autumn the root bulbs should be dug up and the scales removed. Keep the root bulbs in a warm dark place, inside a bag of moist peats to form bulblets. These bulblets are potted up in another container and grown again and later transferred to the ground.
Plant inspiration tip: give your home an amazonian look with the exotic Calathea zebrina.
Common FAQs
What is so special about Lilium auratum?
It is edible and can be cultivated as a food crop. They are perfect ornamental plants with royal colors that add a touch of class to the home. They are non-toxic and do not require excess attention. They are used as vegetables and comprise multiple imbricate, fleshy scales that taste sweet, hinting another mild flavor. It is also boiled, powered, and used as dumplings in most Japanese homes.
Are Lilium auratum good indoor plants?
Lilium auratum is a perfect indoor plant, as they rarely attract any indoor pests. They are only prone to be eaten when they are grown outdoors.
Can a Lilium auratum plant live in low light?
Yes, Lilium auratum can survive in low light as long as only the roots are in the lowlight. If the entire plant is in a lowlight, it cannot.
Summary
Lilium auratum is an ornamental and food crop that can be cultivated to feed the family and beautify the home.