Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 6/23/2006

Question
Thanks for the quick reply. So I'm assuming that the yellow leaves are a normal thing, just keep it from drying out or standing in water. Not hard to do at all. Since I got this already grown and blooming, I have to assume that it was fertilized as it should be. I'll follow your advice and hopefully next year I'll have a repeat of those gorgeous blooms and lovely fragrance.


-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
I bought a Stargazer Lily that came in a plastic pot. At first, I planned to set it out, but decided to leave it in the pot as I couldn't find an ideal place to plant it. It did quite well, and now the flowers have gone (I removed them). but now the leaves are turning yellow. I had to put in on the enclosed porch because it kept getting knocked over by the cats and one of the stems got broken off. I'm concerned about it. I thought I was watering it enough, but maybe not? It's a lovely flower and I want to keep it alive. Another reason I didn't set it out, is because of a possible move. I've other plants that I would need to dig up to move, so leaving it in the pot seemed a good idea. Other than possibly not having enough water, could there be anything else wrong that I should be aware of?

Answer -
The lily bulb can stay in the pot. Just keep the soil moderately moist (if dry on surface stick your finger into the pot. If dry 1-2" below surface, water - otherwise let it stay). The bulb should not be allowed to dry out, but too much water is not good (will rot the bulbs if allowed to stand in water). If there is a saucer or outer pot, then empty this after watering. The bulb should not be allowed to stand in water.

If the leaves are turning brown then the lily will not take up any more nutrients. Once died back, you need to water a lot less (just keep soil barely moist, but never completely dry).

Plant in a sunny location in well draining soil.

When you are in your new location, plan the bulb the same dept as you got it in the pot. Water well after planting to thoroughly moisten the soil 6-8" deep.

Fertilize the lily twice in spring (when they first break surface and again just as the lily buds start to form).

Water regularily during dry spells. Plant away from deer (they love them).

Good luck.  

Answer
It is normal for lily plant leaves to yellow but this typically happens in fall. It is probably from either too much water, or too little that the leaves yellow. It is ideal if the plant would have kept the leaves, but since there is nothing much you can do now anyway, just concentrate on next year. Fertilize in spring (now with yellowing leaves it has no purpose).