Lilium candidum aka Madonna Lily

Taxonomy

Lilium candidum, commonly known as the Madonna lily or white lily, is a plant belonging to the true lily family. Indigenous to the Balkans and Middle East, it has also been naturalized in various parts of Europe, including France, Italy, and Ukraine, as well as in North Africa, the Canary Islands, Mexico, and other regions. This magnificent flower has been cultivated for over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest flowers in existence, and holds significant symbolic value across numerous cultures. However, this delicate lily is prone to several virus diseases, as well as susceptibility to the Botrytis fungus. To mitigate these issues, growing the plants from seed rather than bulblets is recommended. A perennial plant, L. candidum can reach heights of up to 1.8m, boasting glossy dark green leaves scattered along its stems. During the summer, it produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers measuring 6-8cm in length, which are carried in clusters of up to 20 at the top of the stems. The Madonna Lily, or Lilium candidum, is an ancient flower with a rich history. It has been found in the ruins of Crete and Egypt, and its presence can be traced back to ancient times. Belonging to the Liliaceae family, the name Lilium refers to its lily-like appearance, while candidum signifies its striking white and sparkling petals. This flower holds great religious significance, often depicted in religious paintings as a symbol of Mary and the Catholic Church. Revered as a representation of purity and virtue, the Madonna Lily continues to captivate and inspire.

Common names

Madonna Lily, White Lily, Shirley Poppies And Lilium Candidum

How to care for Madonna Lily

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Madonna Lily is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Madonna Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Madonna Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Madonna Lily thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Shirley Poppies And Lilium Candidum.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Madonna Lily does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Madonna Lily is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Madonna Lily’s native range is the Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia