The Enchanting Arum Lilies: Nature’s Elegant Showstopper!
Today we’re about to embark on a journey into the mesmerising world the of arum lily. These elegant, perennial wonders (known scientifically as Zantedeschia aethiopica) are here to steal your heart and transform your garden into a paradise of grace and beauty. But beware, they’re so enchanting that even their beauty is not what it seems! The arum lily flower is a long, pointed spike or spadix made up of many smaller flowers. The spadix is then surrounded by a large and beautiful sheathe, the white ‘flower’ we see.
The Mystique of Arum Lilies: More Than Meets the Eye
Arum lilies, the divas of the plant kingdom, are like the Lady Gaga of flowering plants – they’ll captivate you with their looks, but they’re not what you’d expect. Picture this: a brilliant white flower-like bulb, but wait, that’s not the real showstopper! The true star of the arum lily show is a long, pointed spike or spadix composed of countless smaller flowers. It’s like a floral party hidden inside a pristine white sheath, and we’re all invited!
The Dark Side of Arum Lily Care
A very important aspect of owning an arum lily is being aware of its toxicity. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to severe illness and even death in both humans and animals. Exposure to pollen may lead to skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema, while ingesting the plant can result in irritation, burning, and swelling of the mouth and throat. It can also cause breathing difficulties, severe nausea leading to vomit, stomach pain, diarrhoea, shock and exhaustion, and death. Keep these plants out of reach of small children, and monitor pets.
These beauties might catch your eye, but trust us, they’re not for tasting! They’ve got a secret superpower: they’re extremely poisonous! So, instead of nibbling on these lovelies, pair them with delicious gourmet treats and maybe some baked goodies. Let’s dive into how to care for arum lilies and make your garden the talk of the town.
How To Care For Arum Lilies: A Beginner’s Guide
- Handle with care; lilies are delicate plants and bruise easily.
- Shower your arum lilies with love and a little more importantly, water, just like they prefer to be near bodies of water.
- Just like Begonia plants, lilies are best grown in partial to full sunlight.
- They are sensitive to extreme temperatures (hot and cold), so temperature is vital.
- To prune, wait until the plant has flowered and the blooms have withered.
- Once flowered, trim dead branches and reshape the lily so it is not excessively brushing against other plants.
- And don’t forget to remove the faded flower heads to make room for fresh, stunning growth.
Indoor Arum Lily Care: Your Flowering Babies
- If you’ve got your arum lily in a vase, give the stems a little trim every few days – they’re sappy, just like emotional movies.
- Change the water after each trim – it’s like giving them a fresh spa day.
- For potted lilies, use a loam-based potting mix to keep them thriving.
- Place them on a non-windy balcony, veranda, or in a small garden and let them soak in some spotlight.
Outdoor Arum Lily Care: Make Your Garden Shine
- Spring is their time to shine, so plant them outside when the season is in full swing.
- Plant 15cm deep and leave 30cm – 40cm between plants to give space for leaves.
- They’re all about partial sunlight and nothing harsh, so find them a spot with a good sun/ shade balance.
- Avoid planting in dry soil. Instead use moist, humus-rich soil.
- At the start, water sparingly, but once those first blooms pop up, make it rain (figuratively, of course).
- This plant can’t resist water, so it would be best to plant your lily adjacent to a pond, stream or lake.
What More To Know About Arum Lilies?
This part is so important that we had to bring it up again. Arum lilies have a dark side – they’re toxic. And trust us, that is not a joke. The Arum lily flower can make humans and animals extremely ill and can sometimes result in death. So, keep them away from curious little humans and keep a watchful eye on your pets. The pollen can lead to dermatitis and eczema, while ingesting any part of the plant can result in irritation, burning, and swelling of the mouth and throat. So, consider handling with latex gloves to avoid contamination and maybe even a face mask. Keep these plants out of reach of small children, and monitor pets.
So, there you have it, the captivating world of arum lilies! Despite their mysterious allure, these enchanting beauties will steal your heart and transform your home or garden into a floral paradise. Remember, they may be a little high maintenance, but the rewards are worth every effort. So why wait? Head to the NetFlorist website and place an order for these flowering plants for nationwide delivery these elegant wonders today.
Want more flower tips? We have a post which tells you how to take care of your orchids. Visit our home page and explore the Rambling Rose for more gift ideas and tips!
