Crinum Lily Growing Methods and Precautions
The scientific name of the crinum lily is Crinum asiaticum. Its name may lead people to mistake this variety for an orchid, but in fact this variety is a perennial robust herbaceous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family. So, what are the growing methods for the crinum lily?
1. Growing methods for the crinum lily
1. Plant deep in a large pot
In order to meet the nutrients needed during the growth period of the crinum lily, a larger flower pot should be chosen for deep planting during cultivation, so as to help retain water and soil and supply root development.
2. Water and fertilizer management
During the normal growth period of the crinum lily, from May to September, water it an appropriate amount every day, keeping the soil dry-then-wet. Every 7 to 10 days, apply once a fertilizer solution fermented from oil cake residue plus black alum (ferrous sulfate); its concentration should go from light to strong, and application should stop in winter.
3. Remove suckers
During the vigorous growth period of the crinum lily, suckers always tend to grow frequently from around the rhizome. To ensure an upright plant shape, neat rhizome, and normal growth of the whole plant, the suckers should be removed promptly.
4. Sunlight and shading
In order to keep the leaves emerald green, beautiful and neat without affecting light exposure, the crinum lily should be properly shaded during the intense heat of midsummer: from 7 a.m. to 12 noon it should receive full sun, and from 12 noon to 3 p.m. a shade shed should be set up to provide shade.
2. Precautions for growing the crinum lily
(1) Cool down and increase humidity in summer. The crinum lily fears scorching sun exposure in summer, so after summer arrives, the plant should be moved to a shade shed or a north-facing balcony for care, and water should often be sprinkled on the ground to create a cool and moist micro-environment.
(2) Water frequently during the growth period. In spring, water once every 1 to 2 days; in summer, water once every evening; after autumn arrives, reduce watering; in winter, strictly control watering (generally watering once about every 2 weeks).
(3) Do a good job of keeping warm in winter. In northern regions in early October, and in southern regions in early November, move the plant indoors, place it in a sunny spot, and keep the temperature between 8 and 10°C for it to overwinter.
The crinum lily is beautiful in both flower and leaf and has high ornamental value. It can be used as a decorative accent for green spaces in garden scenic areas, school campuses, and government offices, as well as lawns in residential communities; it can also be used as a courtyard decorative flower, and can also serve as a hedge around houses.