What to Do When a Lily Wilts
Lily wilting is a common issue in the maintenance process. As a perennial bulbous plant, its growth condition directly reflects the details of care. This article will systematically analyze the deep reasons and corresponding solutions for lily wilting from four dimensions: temperature control, water management, light adjustment, and fertilizer control, to help gardening enthusiasts achieve precise care.
Ⅰ. Temperature Control Strategies
Mechanism of Frost Damage
Lily roots are sensitive to temperature. When the ambient temperature drops below 10°C, cell osmotic pressure imbalance leads to hindered nutrient absorption. In low-temperature winter environments, wilting phenomena such as drooping leaves and shrinking flower buds are particularly evident.
Constant Temperature Care Plan
It is recommended to use a three-stage temperature control method: maintain 18-22°C during the day, keep 15-18°C at night, and control the temperature difference within 5°C. Use intelligent temperature control plant stands or thick thermal insulation cotton to ensure that the potting soil temperature remains above 16°C.
Ⅱ. Intelligent Water Management
Watering Diagnostic Criteria
Use the knuckle test method: insert the index finger into the second knuckle of the soil, and if it is dry, water is needed. Maintain the matrix humidity at 40%-60% in spring and summer, and reduce it to 20%-30% in winter.
Root Rot Repair Process
Stop watering immediately upon discovering root rot, remove the pot, and prune the black roots, retaining the healthy white root sections. Soak in carbendazim (1:800) for 20 minutes, then replant in a breathable matrix containing 30% perlite.
Ⅲ. Light Intensity Adjustment
Control of Light Compensation Point
The light compensation point for lilies is 5000 lux. It is recommended to use a lux meter for monitoring. Provide full sunlight in spring and autumn, shade 50% from 10:00 to 15:00 in summer, and supplement light to 12 hours daily in winter.
Photoperiod Regulation
During the bud differentiation period, maintain 14 hours of long-day lighting, supplement lighting with LED plant lights (wavelength 450nm blue light + 660nm red light), with the best effect at a distance of 40cm from the plant.
Ⅳ. Precise Fertilization Control
Fertilizer Ratio Plan
Use NPK 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer (diluted 800 times) during the growing period, and switch to a high-phosphorus formula (10-30-20) during the budding period. Supplement chelated iron (Fe-EDTA) monthly to prevent yellow leaves, keeping the concentration at 0.05%.
Emergency Treatment for Fertilizer Damage
Stop fertilizing immediately upon discovering leaf tip burn, and flush the matrix with clear water (500ml each time) for 3 consecutive days. Replace the soil with new soil and add 5% activated carbon to absorb remaining fertilizer if severe.
Through systematic environmental control, combined with daily observation and recording, the recovery period of lilies can be shortened to 7-10 days. It is recommended to establish a care log to record data such as temperature, watering, and fertilizing, gradually mastering the growth patterns of lilies to achieve precise care.