Lilies are beautiful and vibrant flowers that brighten any garden or indoor space. While you can grow lilies from bulbs, you can also propagate them through other means, such as water, seeds, and leaves.
In this article, we’ll explore the various methods of propagating lilies, as well as the tools and materials needed for successful propagation. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions about planting lily bulbs.
How Do I Propagate Lilies?
The method of propagation involves generating new plants from older ones. There are several ways to propagate lilies, including through bulbs, water, seeds, and leaves.
The method you choose will depend on your resources and personal preference.
What Are the Different Ways to Propagate Lilies?
Here are some of the methods you can follow to propagate lilies:
Division
Divide the bulbs between the fall and early spring when they are dormant.
Dig up the bulb clump gently and separate the bulbs by pulling them apart. Replant the bulbs in well-draining soil with the pointed end facing up.
Bulbils
Some lily species produce small bulbils along the stem. These can be removed and planted in a pot with well-draining soil.
Keep the soil moist and provide indirect sunlight until the bulbils develop roots and shoots.
Stem cutting
Take a stem cutting in the spring or summer and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
Plant it in the ground after dipping the cut end in a rooting hormone. Keep the soil well watered and shaded until the cutting sprouts.
Scaling
This method involves removing scales from the bulb and planting them in a pot with well-draining soil. Cover the scales with soil and keep the soil moist.
Once you notice the scales developing, transplant them to a larger pot or into the ground.
How Do I Propagate Lilies From Water?
You can’t propagate lilies from water alone as they require soil to grow and develop properly. However, you can root lily cuttings in water before transferring them to the soil for further growth.
To propagate lilies from water, follow these steps:
- Take a stem cutting from a healthy lily plant in the spring or summer. Use a sharp knife to make a clean cut below a leaf node.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
- Put the cutting in a water-filled container or vase. Ensure that the water level covers only the bottom portion of the stem and not the leaves.
- Place the jar in a bright, indirect light location but away from direct sunlight.
- Change the water in the jar every few days to keep it clean and fresh.
- Wait for the roots to develop from the bottom of the stem, which usually takes a few weeks.
- Once the roots have developed, transfer the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil.
- Water the soil and place the pot in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
- Continue to care for the lily plant as it grows, providing appropriate water and sunlight to ensure its healthy growth.
Lily cuttings may not always root successfully in water, so be patient and keep trying until you succeed.
Additionally, once the cuttings develop roots and get transferred to the soil, it may take some time for the plant to grow and bloom.
The time it takes for a propagated lily to grow and bloom can vary depending on various factors, such as the species and environmental conditions.
Generally, lilies grown from cuttings can take several months to a year or more to produce blooms, depending on the conditions in which they are grown.
How Do I Propagate Lilies From Seeds?
Propagation through seeds can be rewarding but requires patience and attention. Begin by collecting mature lily seed pods and breaking them open to extract the seeds. Soak the seeds in warm water for a day, then plant them in well-draining soil.
Place the container in a warm, sunny area and keep the soil moist but not soggy. It can take up to a year for the seeds to germinate and grow into mature plants.
How Do I Propagate Lilies From Leaf?
Propagation through leaf cuttings is the least common method but can be a fun experiment. Begin by selecting a healthy lily leaf and cutting it into sections, ensuring each section has a vein.
Place the leaf sections in a pot with the soil. Roots should begin to form in a few weeks, and you can then transfer the leaf cuttings to the planting pots.
What Do I Need For Lily Propagation?
The tools and materials you need for lily propagation will vary depending on your method of choice. You’ll need a clean vase and clean water for water propagation.
As for seed propagation, you’ll need well-draining soil, a pot, and mature lily seed pods. Finally, for leaf propagation, you’ll need a healthy lily leaf, a planting pot, and well-draining soil.
How Long Does It Take To Propagate Lilies?
The time it takes to propagate lilies will also depend on the method of choice. Water propagation can take a few weeks, while seed propagation can take up to a year.
Timeline of Propagation For Lilies
Water Propagation: 2–3 weeks
Seed propagation: up to 1 year
Leaf propagation: a few weeks to a few months
FAQs
What are lily bulbs?
Lily bulbs are the underground storage structures of lily plants. They are used for asexual reproduction and are a common way to propagate lilies.
How to plant lily bulbs?
Choose a sunny or partially shaded location. Grab a pot and fill it with organic matter (soil), and dig a hole three times the height of the bulbs. Then place the bulb in the hole, and make the pointed end up.
Then you should apply mulch and fertilizer during the growing phase. Ensure that the soil is moist but not stagnant.
Conclusion
Taking care of a lily plant or growing it from scratch (the seed) is a process that takes a lot of time, patience, and education.
But with the proper knowledge and a little effort, you can create a stunning display of beautiful lilies that will brighten up any space.