Tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium)

Also known as: Japanese lily

Tiger lilies are named for their striking orange petals with dark spots, reminiscent of a tiger's coat. However, it's essential to keep these plants away from housecats, as they are highly toxic to felines. Even a small ingestion can lead to severe kidney damage or be fatal. Despite their popularity and resilience, especially in cooler climates like New England, they pose a significant risk to cats.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Tiger lily

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

80 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

12 cm

Flower Color

Orange Red Purple Yellow Pink

Images of Tiger lily

Quickly Identify Tiger lily

Wide bowl-shaped flower with 6 curved orange petals adorned with dark spots.

Long stalks reaching up to 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall.

Bright green lance-shaped leaves in whorled arrangement.

Petals spanning 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter.

Visually striking black to dark purple spots on orange petals.

Scientific Classification of Tiger lily

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Lilies, supplejacks and allies

Family

Lily

Genus

Lilies

Species

Tiger lily

Planting and Growing of Tiger lily

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Tiger lily?

Lilium lancifolium thrives when its soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watering should aim for around 500 ml each session, ensuring the top soil is damp to touch. The principle is to provide enough moisture to reach the deep roots without creating standing water.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Tiger lily?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Lilium lancifolium performs best with a light range between full and partial sun. Ideal lighting conditions foster robust flower production, supporting the plant's natural lifecycle by providing necessary energy for growth.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Tiger lily?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Lilium lancifolium thrives best between 60 to 75°F, where it experiences optimal growth and flowering. In this range, the balance between warmth and moisture ensures the plant's metabolic processes proceed without stress. Adequate temperature supports nutrient uptake and healthy leaf development.

What Soil is Best for Tiger lily?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5.8 ~ 6.8

Lilium lancifolium thrives in well-drained soils which prevent water stagnation and root rot. Ensuring proper drainage enhances root oxygen access, promoting robust growth and prolific blooming. The plant benefits from a nutrient-rich soil, which supports healthy growth and flowering. Ample organic matter improves soil fertility, resulting in vibrant and resilient lilies. A soil that maintains moderate moisture without becoming waterlogged is crucial. It ensures a steady supply of water while preventing dehydration, vital for sustained lily growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Tiger lily?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Lilium lancifolium, aim to provide a balanced application of fertilizer. Use approximately one tablespoon of liquid fertilizer per gallon of water during the growing season. When using slow-release fertilizers, apply about 1 to 2 ounces per plant per year to ensure the lilies receive a steady nutrient supply. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Tiger lily?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by using sharp, sterilized pruners to cut back the flower stems after blooming has finished in late summer. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of pathogens. Be sure to leave the foliage intact until it yellows naturally in the fall, as this allows the plant to store energy for next year’s growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Tiger lily plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Start by filling seed trays with a well-draining seed compost. Sow the Lilium lancifolium seeds thinly over the surface and lightly cover them with compost. Place the trays in a warm location with indirect light.

To propagate through division, carefully dig up the lily clump during early spring. Use a spade to separate the bulbs, ensuring each has a piece of the stem attached. Replant the divided bulbs at the same depth they were previously growing.

After sowing seeds or planting divided bulbs, water them gently. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Provide a sheltered location with partial shade for better growth.

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How to Repot Tiger lily plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Lilium lancifolium should be repotted when its bulb outgrows the current pot. Signals include impaired growth, densely entangled roots or poor flowering. Ideal repotting time is early spring when the dormant phase transitions into growth.

Select a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has ample drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This prevents root rot and permits essential air circulation to the roots, fostering healthy growth.

Choose a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. A composition of loamy soil, mixed with perlite or sand, works wonderfully. This mix retains enough moisture for the bulb while ensuring that excess water easily flows away, preventing waterlogging.

Toxicity of Tiger lily

Is Tiger lily toxic to humans?

It is crucial to keep your tiger lily out of reach of children, as is the case with all species of lilies. Ingesting this plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans. The severity of these issues is directly proportional to the person's size and the quantity consumed. Ensure that cognitively impaired family members and all children are kept away from this plant, and remember to label the bulbs prior to planting or replanting, as some individuals may confuse them for onions.

Is Tiger lily toxic to cat?

The tiger lily is a highly toxic plant that represents a significant danger to the health of cats. If a cat consumes any portion of this plant, especially the bulb, it may suffer from poisoning. Symptoms of distress may arise, necessitating urgent care and treatment at a veterinary facility. Thus, it is essential for cat owners to be alert and ensure their pets do not have access to or chew on tiger lilies. Timely medical intervention is vital for addressing the health hazards posed by this plant's toxicity in feline companions.

Is Tiger lily toxic to dog?

The tiger lily is identified as a poisonous plant for dogs. If dogs accidentally ingest any part of the plant, especially the bulb, they can suffer from poisoning due to the harmful compounds it contains. Symptoms of tiger lily ingestion in dogs may include vomiting, lethargy, renal failure, and gastrointestinal issues. It is essential for dog owners to vigilantly supervise their pets and restrict their access to this plant. Should poisoning be suspected, prompt veterinary care is vital to secure the best possible outcome for the affected pet.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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