Care for an Easter Lily in Florida

Growing Easter Lilies Outdoors

• 1

  Remove all weeds from an area situated in full sun with well-draining soil, as the Easter lily will rot and die if planted in constantly saturated soils.

• 2

  Amend the planting site with compost, manure or peat moss, as Florida's soil has a sandy nature, lacking organic nutrients. Work the organic substances into the soil to a depth of approximately 6 inches.

• 3

  Dig a hole that is as deep and wide as the Easter lily is growing inside its container. Remove the lily from its container and gently spread the roots with your hands, helping them spread through the new planting site.

• 4

  Place the lily into the hole and cover with soil, firming it up around the plant's base.

• 5

  Install approximately a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant. This will help the soil retain moisture, as Florida's soil can be dry, and it cuts down on weed growth.

• 6

  Water after planting and continue watering when the soil feels dry. Easter lilies grow best in moist, well-draining areas.

• 7

  Prune the lily's foliage back to the ground once it has died and new foliage will soon appear. If your area of Florida does not achieve the desired cooler temperatures, plants may only produce foliage without blooms.

• 8

  Fertilize after the lily blooms with a time-release fertilizer applied approximately every six weeks, according to package directions.

Growing Easter Lilies Indoors

• 9

  Remove any plastic wrappings surrounding the container holding the Easter lily. This wrapping is for decorative purposes only and traps water inside the container, causing the bulbs to rot and die.

• 10

  Place the container in an area of your Florida home that receives bright, indirect light and away from air conditioning or heat vents, for proper growth. Optimal daytime, indoor temperatures for growing Easter lilies is between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 11

  Place the lily container into a sink and water until it runs from the bottom drain holes, saturating the soil. Water the lily only when the soil feels dry. Stick your finger into the soil and if the top inch feels dry, water the lily.

• 12

  Prune off any dead blooms after they have yellowed and withered.

• 13

  Fertilize the lily after the blooming stage with a time-release fertilizer applied every six weeks. Apply the fertilizer according to package directions.