Kaffir Lily Plant Care

During the season of growth, keep the soil slightly moist. Once a week will be enough. Reduce the amount of water in winter to promote flowering.

Damaged leaves and stems can be an energy drain on your plant, so regular pruning of your lily is really important. Pick off any dead parts with your hands or sharp, clean shears when needed. This will help the plant obtain healthy leaves and new growth.

Feed the plant twice a month during spring and summer. Withhold fertilizer in the fall and winter. It will be best to dilute the fertilizer to half the strength indicated in the instructions to avoid the root burn.

The Kaffir Lily needs bright, indirect sunlight. It will also feel fine in partial shade away from the south-facing windows.

Opt for fertile, well-draining soil. An ordinary mix containing about 50% of peat will do.

You can propagate Kaffir Lily by division. The base of the plant branches into thick roots that are easy to cut apart. Remove the plant from its pot, and wash away the soil with a hose or sink sprayer. Each division should have one fan of leaves. If your plant doesn't have at least a dozen leaves, it won't flower. Collect a rhizome, carefully bringing along the root system connected to a stem. Plant the rhizome in a container filled with soil mix. Water regularly to keep a substrate moist.

The Kaffir Lily will feel best at room temperature, about 60-75˚F (15.5-24˚C). The resting period which happens in the winter requires a temperature drop of about 40-50˚F (4.5-10˚C).

Choose a container that's not too deep, 1-1.5 in (2.5-3 cm) wider than the root ball. A root-bounding pot will encourage blooming. Proper drainage is also required. If your perfect pot doesn't have any holes, you may want to drill a couple with your own hands.

The plant is not a part of the lily family - the common name only signifies its resemblance.