Types of Lily House Plants: Varieties for Indoors

The pretty blooms of certain lily varieties make them an ideal choice for indoors. These include peace lily, Calla lily, and Oriental lily. Out of these, oriental lily is the most fragrant one.

Types Of Lily Houseplants
 
Lilies are beautiful and elegant plants that can add a touch of sophistication and grace to any indoor space. Several varieties of lilies can be grown as houseplants, each with its unique characteristics and requirements.
 
Some popular lily houseplant types include Peace lily, Calla lily, Asiatic lily, and lily of the valley, etc.

Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is the most common indoor lily. It is a low-maintenance plant great for improving indoor air quality that can tolerate low-light conditions.
 
Another popular indoor lily is the Calla lily (Zantedeschia) known for its striking funnel-shaped flowers.
 
Lily of the valley is famous for its bell-shaped flowers and medicinal uses.
 
In addition to their beauty, different types of lily house plants are also known for their air-purifying qualities, making them great choices for improving indoor air quality.
 
When growing lilies as houseplants, it’s important to provide them with the proper care, which starts with rich organic soil, appropriate watering to keep the moist but not soggy, using a balanced fertilizer, and keeping them in bright indirect sunlight.
 
It’s also important to monitor the plant for signs of pests or disease and take action promptly if any issues arise.
 
With proper care, lily indoor plant types can thrive indoors and provide beautiful blooms and foliage year-round.

 

Are Lilies Good Indoor Houseplants?

Lilies can make great indoor houseplants! They are not only beautiful and elegant but they can also help to remove harmful toxins from the air.
 
When grown as indoor houseplants, lilies can add a touch of elegance and beauty to any room, with their striking blooms and attractive foliage. They can be placed in a variety of locations, from a sunny windowsill to a shady corner, making them versatile options for any indoor space.

 

Lily Houseplant Types That Are Best for Indoors

 

 

Let us look at some of the most popular types of lily houseplants in detail:
 

A. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllumspp)

 
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) is a popular houseplant known for its striking white flowers that are large and showy, with a spoon-shaped spathe surrounding a yellow spadix.
 
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Water your peace lily once a week and feed them once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
 
Remove any yellow or brown leaves as they appear. If your peace lily becomes too large, you can also prune it back by cutting off a portion of the foliage.
 
Peace lilies can be placed in any room of the house. They can be grown in a variety of containers, including plastic, ceramic, or terra cotta pots. Avoid placing them near cold drafts, as this can cause damage to the leaves, or in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
 
Some of the houseplant lily varieties of peace lilies include:
 

  1. Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’: This is a larger variety of peace lily, with dark green foliage and large, white flowers that can grow up to 12 inches in length.
  2. Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’: This variety has dark green, glossy leaves and produces large, white flowers that have a slightly curved shape.
  3. Spathiphyllum ‘Clevelandii’: This variety has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces small, white flowers that are borne on long stalks.
  4. Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’: This variety has green and white variegated foliage, making it a striking addition to any indoor space.
  5. Spathiphyllum ‘Golden Glow’: This variety has yellow-green foliage and produces large, creamy white flowers that have a sweet fragrance.
  6. Spathiphyllum ‘Petite’: This is a smaller variety of peace lily, with dark green foliage and petite, white flowers that are borne on short stalks.

 

B. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)

 
Calla Lilies are known for their striking and elegant appearance. The flowers are typically white, but they can also come in shades of yellow, pink, orange, and purple. They have a distinct trumpet shape and can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long.
 
Calla Lilies should be watered deeply once a week or more frequently if the soil is drying out quickly. They prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 85°F (29°C).
 
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Remove any yellow or brown leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
 
Calla Lilies are one of the popular houseplant lily varieties that should be kept near a window with bright, filtered light. You can also use artificial lighting to supplement natural light if needed.
 
If growing them outdoors, it is best to keep them in a location with plenty of natural light but not direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
 
Keep them away from drafts, air conditioning vents, and heaters, which can dry out the soil and cause stress to the plant.
 
Also Read: How to grow Calla Lilies?|Best Calla Lily fertilizers
 

C. Oriental Lily (Liliumorientalis)

 
Oriental Lily flowers are known for their beauty and delicate fragrance, making them one of the popular types of houseplant lilies in gardens and floral arrangements.

 

The flowers are large, showy, and very fragrant. They usually have six petals that curve back, revealing the stamens and pistil in the center of the flower. The petals are often brightly colored and may be speckled or striped, with shades ranging from white, yellow, pink, red, and purple.

 

Oriental Lilies prefer to be planted in well-draining soil with partial to full sun. They should be watered regularly; making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

 

Oriental Lilies can grow quite tall, so provide support for the stems if necessary. Remove the spent flowers as soon as they fade, but leave the stem and leaves until they turn brown and dry up.

 

The planting location should also be protected from strong winds and have enough space for the plants to grow to their full size.

 

D. Easter Lily (Liliumlongiflorum)

 

Easter Lily is a popular plant for Easter and other springtime celebrations. Their flowers are trumpet-shaped and quite large, typically measuring 6 to 8 inches in diameter. They are usually pure white, with a slightly sweet fragrance.

 

Place these lily houseplant types in a bright, sunny location and water them regularly. Avoid placing it near cold drafts or heat sources. Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer, but be careful not to over-fertilize as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

 

After the flowers fade, snip them off at the base of the stem. Continue to water and care for the plant until the leaves turn yellow and die back.

 

Keep the plant away from pets and children, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

 

Easter Lilies prefer a humid environment, so placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier can help maintain the necessary humidity levels.

 

E. Asiatic Lily (Liliumasiatic)

 
Asiatic Lilies are a popular plant due to their beautiful flowers, ease of care, and ability to multiply over time. They come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, and red.

 

Asiatic Lilies don’t like to sit in wet soil, so avoid planting them in low-lying areas or areas that tend to collect water.

 

When planting the bulbs, dig a hole that is 2 to 3 times deeper than the height of the bulb, and space the bulbs 6 to 8 inches apart. Plant the bulbs with the pointed end facing up and cover them with soil.

 

They prefer full sun to partial shade, so choose a location in your home that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

 

Water the plant regularly. Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer, starting in the spring when the plant begins to grow. Every 3-4 years, you can divide the plant by digging up the bulbs and separating them.

 

F. Tiger Lily (Liliumlancifolium)

 
Tiger Lily (Liliumlancifolium) flowers are large, showy flowers that typically bloom in the summer months. They are trumpet-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. They have a distinctive orange color, with black spots or streaks on their petals.

 

Tiger lilies can be planted in the fall or early spring and should be planted at a depth of about 6 inches. They need regular watering, especially during dry periods.

 

Tiger lily indoor plant types require a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant can help to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. After the flowers have finished blooming, you can cut back the stems to the ground.

 

Tiger Lilies are best planted in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Tiger Lilies can be planted in garden beds or borders, or in large containers.

 

Plant the bulbs at a depth of about 6 inches, with the pointed end facing upwards. Space the bulbs about 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.

 

G. Madonna Lily (Liliumcandidum)

Madonna Lily
 
Madonna Lilies are popular houseplant lily varieties even used in gardens and landscapes due to their beauty and fragrance. The flowers are large and trumpet-shaped, with six white petals that are often tinged with yellow or pink near the center. They have a sweet fragrance and bloom in the late spring or early summer.

 

These types of houseplant lilies prefer well-draining soil and a sunny location. They need regular watering and a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to help promote healthy growth.

 

Remove any dead or damaged stems or leaves throughout the growing season. Every few years, you may need to divide your Madonna Lily plant to prevent overcrowding. Make sure the soil has good drainage and avoid overwatering the plants.

 

They work well as a focal point or as part of a mixed flower bed. Madonna Lilies are toxic to cats, so if you have cats, make sure to plant them in a location that is inaccessible to your pets.

 

H. Crinum Lily (Crinum spp.)

 

Crinum Lilies (Crinum spp.) are large, bulbous plants that produce beautiful, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, or red.

 

Crinum Lilies prefer rich, well-draining soil and a location with partial to full sun. They require regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods. It’s important to water the plants deeply, but not too frequently.

 

Crinum Lilies benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. If you notice any signs of disease, such as yellowing leaves or black spots on the stems, remove the affected parts of the plant and dispose of them.

 

Crinum Lilies can also be grown in containers, provided that the container is large enough to accommodate the bulb and has drainage holes in the bottom.

 

Related: Best Daylily Fertilizer

 

Which Lily Is Best for Indoors?

The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the best lilies for indoors. It is a popular houseplant because of its attractive dark green leaves and striking white flowers that bloom throughout the year.

You get a variety of choices with peace lilies as well like:
 

  • Mauna Loa Peace Lily
  • Sensation Peace Lily
  • Domino Peace Lily
  • Power Petite Peace Lily
  • Allusion Peace Lily
  • Sweet Silvio Peace Lily.

Other different types of lily house plants listed above like the Easter lily (Liliumlongiflorum), Calla lily (Zantedeschiaaethiopica), and Spider lily (Hymenocallis) are also not bad, but when it comes to naming the best, peace lily, hands down, is the winner.

 

When selecting a lily for indoor growing, it’s important to consider factors such as light requirements, temperature, and watering needs, as well as the overall size and growth habits of the plant.