What to do if lilies don't bloom
A guide with tips and knowledge on what to do when lilies fail to bloom, and related plant care information on lily flowering, with detailed explanations provided by the editor below.
Caring for Bulbs: Lilies won't bloom if the bulbs are too small, so it's important to enhance bulb care, preferably choosing larger bulbs when planting.
Supplementing Light: Do not keep them in a location with poor light; ensure they get plenty of light, ideally placing them on a south-facing balcony for cultivation.
Low-Temperature Vernalization: Lily bulbs require low-temperature vernalization to bloom, with temperatures below 5°C and lasting for 45 days.
Supplementing Nutrients: It's essential to supplement nutrients timely, applying decomposed cake fertilizer in spring, and phosphorus-potassium fertilizer before flowering.
I. Caring for Bulbs
When growing lilies, if the bulbs are small, they won't bloom, and you have to wait for the bulbs to grow larger before they can bloom. For native varieties, bulbs can bloom when they reach 3cm, while hybrid varieties need to grow to 5cm. Therefore, if lilies don't bloom due to small bulbs, they require patient care and an appropriate growing environment. If possible, choose larger bulbs when planting, and discard the smaller ones.
II. Supplementing Light
If lilies don't bloom during growth, it might be due to poor lighting in the growing environment. Insufficient light can affect plant growth, so proper lighting is crucial. Place the potted lilies on a south-facing balcony where they can receive full sunlight without any obstructions, allowing them to bloom better.
III. Low-Temperature Vernalization
During the growth of lilies, bulbs must undergo low-temperature vernalization before sprouting to aid in flower bud differentiation. The bulbs should be kept at temperatures below 5°C for a sufficient duration, with vernalization lasting at least 45 days. This allows the bulbs to complete differentiation properly, ensuring that lilies bloom the following year.
IV. Supplementing Nutrients
Proper fertilization is required during lily cultivation. If the soil lacks nutrients, lilies may fail to bloom. Therefore, it's important to supplement fertilizers timely. In spring, apply decomposed cake fertilizer or compound fertilizer, and in mid-June, apply urea and potassium fertilizer. Additionally, spray the leaves with foliar fertilizer, such as 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, to ensure adequate nutrients for blooming.
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