Expert: Laura Walker - 9/7/2006

Question
I received a potted plant for Mothers Day, I kept it watered – (in the house in a North window) as told and to my joy it grew into a favorite. Stargazer Lily. Now it is still in the pot. I live in San Diego and a have a North balcony that doesn't get much sun. Do I just keep watering it as I do my African Violets (which are always in bloom for 10 years!)? And will it produce flowers next year? It is too beautiful to loose! Thank you for your help.

Answer
Jane,
the Stargazer is one of my favorites too. They do need direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day to bloom.If you don't have any direct sunlight perhaps you can purchase a plant light that mimics sunlight.Also you will want to repot it into a larger pot with fresh potting soil if you cannot plant it outdoors.You can try and see first how it does on your balcony and it may just surprise you and bloom anyway.Good luck to you on your balcony garden!


Sorry I did not mention watering.Pretty simple here.Water when the soil is dry if you put your finger in the soil 2 inches and it is dry.Also you can use a fertilizer in your water every week when it is in bloom.A bloom booster is great when you want to prolong the blooming cycle.