How to Plant Rubrum as a House Plant

Rubrum lilies are a cultivar of Lilium speciosum, which is an oriental lily hybrid. They are desirable for their late-summer blooms and pleasant fragrance. The flowers are bright pink and have dramatically curling petals. Rubrums grow very well in pots and actually prefer loose potting soil to the hard clay soil found in some home gardens, according to BBC Gardener's World. For that reason, and for their attractive appearance, they are often grown indoors as houseplants.

Container
Rich, acidic potting soil with no added perlite

Instructions

- 1
  Dip the bulbs in fungicide for about 20 seconds. This will help prevent the bulb from developing rot and other fungal diseases, especially if the soil becomes too wet.
- 2
  Fill a pot with rich, well-draining, acidic potting soil. Do not choose a soil that contains perlite, as this contains fluoride which may scorch the leaves, according to the UMass Extension website.
- 3
  Plant the bulb so that the pointed side is up. A minimum of 2 inches of soil should be covering the top of the Rubrum lily bulb. This allows for strong development of the stem roots, which emerge from the base of the stem where it meets the top of the bulb. These are actually the roots that absorb nutrients and water from the soil, whereas the roots at the base of the bulb spread and develop new shoots.
- 4
  Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times, but never soggy or waterlogged. Place your lily in a location where it will receive bright but indirect sunlight.

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Bulbs