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Tiger Lily

Liliaceae

Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium): Complete Care Guide

Lilium lancifolium

Medium β˜€οΈ Direct sun ⚠️ Toxic to pets

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water every 2-3 days keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Keep away from cats.

πŸ’§ Watering

Every 3 days

β˜€οΈ Light

Direct sun

🌑️ Temperature

-20Β° - 30Β°C

πŸ’¨ Humidity

40% - 60%

Categories

What is Tiger Lily?

Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) is a medium-care plant from the Liliaceae family. The Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) is a bulbous perennial native to East Asia (Japan, China, Korea), prized for its striking orange flowers with dark spots and recurved petals. It blooms in mid-to-late summer and returns reliably each year. WARNING: Severely toxic to cats β€” all plant parts can caus...

Tiger Lily grows up to 1.5m, with spread of 60cm, watering every 3 days, -20Β°C – 30Β°C, 40–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.

Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.

How to Care for Tiger Lily?

TLDR: Tiger Lily needs Direct sun, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between -20-30Β°C with 40-60% humidity.

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How Often Should You Water Tiger Lily?

Water every 2-3 days, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot.

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How Much Light Does Tiger Lily Need?

Requires full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Will tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

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What Is the Best Soil for Tiger Lily?

Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Add perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage. Ideal pH 5.5-7.5.

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What Pot Should You Use for Tiger Lily?

Clay or ceramic pot with drainage holes. For outdoor beds, ensure good natural soil drainage.

Care Schedule

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Fertilize

Every 14 days

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Repot

Every 730 days

What Is Tiger Lily and Where Does It Come From?

The Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) is a bulbous perennial native to East Asia (Japan, China, Korea), prized for its striking orange flowers with dark spots and recurved petals. It blooms in mid-to-late summer and returns reliably each year. WARNING: Severely toxic to cats β€” all plant parts can cause fatal kidney failure even in small amounts.

How to Propagate Tiger Lily?

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Bulb Division

Divide in autumn after foliage dries. Wear gloves as the plant may irritate skin.

  1. 1
    Dig up bulbs after flowering when foliage yellows
  2. 2
    Carefully separate bulbils from the main bulb
  3. 3
    Replant immediately in prepared soil 15-20cm deep
  4. 4
    Water lightly after planting

Materials needed:

Garden spadeGlovesWell-draining soilCoarse sand
⏱️ Time: 3-4 weeks πŸ“Š Success rate: high πŸ—“οΈ Best season: plant.autumn
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Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is slow and unreliable. Bulb division is preferred for faster results.

  1. 1
    Collect ripe seeds at end of summer
  2. 2
    Cold-stratify for 6-8 weeks in refrigerator
  3. 3
    Sow in spring in moist well-draining medium
  4. 4
    Keep in bright location and await germination

Materials needed:

Ripe seedsSeed-starting mixPlastic bags for stratification
⏱️ Time: 6-12 months πŸ“Š Success rate: low πŸ—“οΈ Best season: Spring

How Big Does Tiger Lily Grow?

TLDR: Tiger Lily can reach up to 1.5m tall with Medium growth rate.

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Max height

1.5m

↔️

Spread

60cm

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Growth rate

Medium

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Foliage

Deciduous

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Warning: Toxic Plant

This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:

🐱 Cats

Plant Uses

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Ornamental

Great for decoration

Is your plant showing symptoms?

Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:

What Diseases Commonly Affect Tiger Lily?

TLDR: Tiger Lily is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.

Gray Mold (Botrytis Blight)

High

Gray mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most common fungal diseases in plants. It affects over 200 plant species, including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, and houseplants. The disease thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation, causing grayish spots and soft rot on infected tissues.

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Mosaic Virus

High

Mosaic virus is a group of plant viruses that cause mottled, patchy patterns on leaves and can affect a wide variety of plants. The virus creates characteristic yellow, white, and green mosaic patterns, often accompanied by stunted growth and deformed plant parts. This highly contagious disease spreads rapidly through insect vectors and contaminated tools.

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Root Rot

High

Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.

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Aphids

Medium

Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.

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Meaning & Symbolism

In East Asian cultures, symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and wealth. Represents pride and abundance.

Fun Facts

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A single mature tiger lily bulb can produce up to 40 flowers in one season

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Tiger lily is a known carrier of lily mosaic virus and can infect other lilies without showing severe symptoms itself

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Native to Japan, China, and Korea, the tiger lily was introduced to Europe in the 18th century and quickly became a garden favorite worldwide

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Despite being toxic to cats, tiger lily bulbs are eaten as food in Japanese and Korean cuisine

Frequently asked questions

Is tiger lily toxic to cats?
Yes, tiger lily is severely toxic to cats. All parts of the plant β€” leaves, flowers, pollen, and even water from a vase β€” can cause severe, often fatal kidney failure. Keep cats completely away from this plant.
How often should I water tiger lily?
Water every 2-3 days, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged. In hot summer months, more frequent watering may be needed. Avoid wetting flowers and foliage directly to prevent fungal disease.
Can tiger lily be grown in pots?
Yes, though it prefers outdoor garden beds. In containers, choose deep pots with excellent drainage and well-aerated growing mix. Refresh the soil annually.
When does tiger lily bloom?
Tiger lily blooms in mid-to-late summer. A mature bulb can produce up to 40 flowers in a single season.
How do I prevent bulb rot?
Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. After flowering, reduce watering as foliage begins to yellow. Never plant bulbs in compacted or waterlogged soil.

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Sources & References

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