Tiger Lily Plant Care
Lilium lancifolium Thunb.
Lilium lancifolium is an Asian species of lily, native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East. It is widely planted as an ornamental because of its showy orange-and-black flowers, and sporadically occurs as a garden escapee in North America, particularly the eastern United States including New England, and has made incursions into some southern states such as Georgia.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–70%
What Is the Tiger Lily?
Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium) belongs to the Liliaceae family within the Lilium genus. Tiger Lily is native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East. Tiger Lily is also known as Leopard Lily, Orange Lily, Medicinal Lily.
Tiger Lily displays an upright, tall perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 inches tall with a spread of approximately 1 inches. Tiger Lily produces large, showy flowers in various colors like white, pink, orange, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tiger Lily?
Lilium lancifolium requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tiger Lily Need?
Tiger Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 2000–8000 lux. Avoid placing Tiger Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
2000–8000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tiger Lily Prefer?
Lilium lancifolium grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. Tiger Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tiger Lily?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Tiger Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Tiger Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tiger Lily?
Tiger Lily can be propagated through division of bulbs, scales, or seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to easter lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Tiger Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to Pets & Children
Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; can cause vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tiger Lily?
Tiger Lily is susceptible to aphids, red lily beetles, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tiger Lily Need?
Tiger Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3 – 8. Native to China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East, Tiger Lily is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Tiger Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3 – 8
Keep exploring plants
Tiger Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lilium genus — compare its care with other Lilium species on PlantoScan.
Tiger Lily tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Lilium Species
Other Lilium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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