When I’m talking about getting plants to flower indoors, I prefer the word “coax” over “force.” It sounds kinder, doesn’t it? Well, coaxing Lily of the Valley to bloom indoors is a very good thing to do in May when you’re greedy for all the springtime you can get.
Above: I bought a pot of already-started pips a little more than a week ago and settled them into their new urban home. Today? There are blooms.
Above: If you live by a nursery that has Lily of the Valley already started in pots, your work is practically finished. To avoid disturbing the roots, I decided against repotting the pips in favor of disguising the pot I used garden scissors to trim off the top inch of my pot. If you’re looking for a new, sharp pair, see 10 Easy Pieces: Floral Scissors.
Above: I lined an old wooden box with a bit of parchment for protection and slipped my plastic pot on top of that.
Above: After the pot was nestled into a corner, I used moss that I picked up at a local florist shop to cover the edges of the pot. You can also use preserved moss; Green Dried Preserved Moss is $2.99 from Jamali Garden.
Above: I broke my moss into smaller bits so that it fit neatly around my pot, but didn’t cover any of the emerging pips.
Above: The wooden box fit squarely enough on our windowsill, which gets filtered light for most of the day. I made sure to give the pips a good drenching mist every morning and night. For similar results, you could use a Brass Plant Mister ($20 from Terrain).
Above: If you’re hoping to get your hands a little bit more dirty, you can also plant Lily of the Valley pips directly yourself, though in my experience whether they’ll flower is a bit more of a gamble.
Above: A bag of pips I picked up at a local nursery came with soil which I moistened before planting. A kit of 12 Lily of the Valley Pips Plus Potting Soil is $45 from White Flower Farm.
Above: I gave a small trim to too-long roots and then potted them in an assortment of small glass jars.
Above: I left just a small bit of the pips exposed and placed them on my windowsill alongside my other plants.
Above: The pips that I started myself grew quickly, but they’re not showing any signs of flowering. I’m not sure if it’s because I didn’t use pips that have been specially prepared for growth indoors, but happily, I’ve gotten my landlord to agree to let me transplant the experiment outdoors. Here’s hoping that they might flower some other spring.
For more about Lily of the Valley, your grandmother’s favorite plant, see Would Spring Still Smell Like Spring Without Lily of the Valley? (Visited 4,100 times, 1 visits today) You need to
Growing Lily of the Valley in Pots Indoors: The Complete Guide
Lily of the valley, with its graceful white bell-shaped flowers and intoxicating fragrance, is a quintessential spring flower loved by many gardeners. Traditionally grown outdoors in gardens, this charming plant can also be cultivated successfully indoors in pots. With the right techniques, growing lily of the valley in pots indoors can be a highly rewarding endeavor. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about cultivating these beauties inside your home.
Choosing High-Quality Rhizomes
The first critical step is procuring high-quality rhizomes, as this lays the foundation for success. Look for large, firm rhizomes without any signs of mold, rotting, or desiccation. Each pot will need between 6-12 rhizomes. Only choose rhizomes marketed as “forced” or prepared specially for indoor growth. Avoid using rhizomes dug fresh from the garden, as they require a cold winter dormancy period. Forced rhizomes from a reputable supplier have already undergone the necessary vernalization and pre-cooling to stimulate flowering indoors.
Timing is also key when selecting rhizomes For holiday blooms, look for rhizomes chilled in fall. Rhizomes shipped in early spring will yield flowers in 4-6 weeks Always opt for the freshest rhizomes possible.
Providing Optimal Potting Conditions
Choose a wide, shallow pot, at least 7-9 inches wide. The shallow depth helps prevent root rot. Ensure the container has drainage holes. For the soil, use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix amended with perlite or vermiculite for aeration. Maintain a slightly acidic pH around 6.0-6.5. Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom for extra drainage.
Mound the soil in the center of the pot. Arrange the rhizomes closely on this mound with growing tips facing outward. Bury them under 1-2 inches of soil. Plant the rhizomes 1-2 inches apart. For forcing indoors avoid exceedingly large containers. Smaller pots with less soil simulate outdoor growing conditions.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Lily of the valley has particular needs for optimal growth:
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Lighting: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid hot direct sunlight.
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Temperature: Cool conditions between 50-65°F are best. Avoid excess heat.
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Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, not soaked. Allow top inch to dry before watering.
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Humidity: Mist leaves and use pebble trays to increase humidity.
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Air Circulation: Good airflow prevents fungal disease. Use fans if required.
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Fertilization: Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growth.
By providing these ideal conditions, you can keep your potted lily of the valley thriving indoors. Monitor the plants closely and adjust as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Despite the best care, some challenges can arise when growing lily of the valley in pots indoors:
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Few or no flowers – Likely caused by excess heat or insufficient chilling. Move pots to a cooler spot and use pre-chilled rhizomes.
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Wilting – Overwatering induces rotting and wilt. Allow soil to dry adequately between waterings.
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Yellow leaves – Indicates overwatering. Check for root rot and reduce watering frequency.
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Tip burn – Dry air causes brown leaf tips. Increase humidity through misting and pebble trays.
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Fungal diseases – Improve airflow and reduce moisture to prevent issues like botrytis.
With prompt troubleshooting adjustments, your potted lily of the valley will continue thriving. Do not hesitate to modify your care regimen when problems occur.
Enjoying Lily of the Valley Indoors
One of the joys of growing lily of the valley in pots indoors is getting to appreciate its delicate beauty up close. The nodding, bell-shaped blooms reveal tiny upturned petal tips, showcasing their distinct flare. Emerging flower stalks and oval leaves create a cascading effect.
Place the pots in entryways, on windowsills, or anywhere the sweet fragrance can be enjoyed. Cut a few stems to display in small vases. With the right rhizomes, soil, and growing conditions, you can successfully cultivate these elegant spring flowers indoors. Follow this guide for growing lily of the valley in pots, and you will be rewarded with its captivating presence and perfume bringing nature’s grace into your home.
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How to Grow Lily-of-the-Valley Indoors – White Flower Farm
FAQ
Can you have lily of the valley as a houseplant?
Add some fragrance to your indoor decor with a pot of lily-of-the-valley. You may have grown this plant in the garden, but it can also be forced into bloom and enjoyed indoors. Start your plants from pips purchased from your local florist, garden center or online catalogue.
Do lily of the valley grow well in pots?
For indoor lilies-of-the-valley, containers of any size will work, as long as they aren’t too deep. A container with a diameter of 10 cm can accommodate up to six lilies-of-the-valley, while bowls or boxes can accommodate several dozen plants.
Where is the best place to put a lily plant indoors?
East-facing windows are perfect for peace lilies because they provide moderate light without burning their leaves.
How do you care for a lily of the valley potted plant?
Caring for Lily of the Valley
Watering Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but prefers consistent watering in dry periods. Fertilizing Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring. Adding organic compost in the fall helps maintain soil health.