How to Grow and Care For Rain Lily

Plant Care

They do not require much special attention and care - care is easy and fast. These hardy plants bloom sporadically, especially following rain showers but also under dry spells if they are watered properly. You can enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year by simply understanding their light, soil, and watering needs.

Light

Rain Lilies require full sun to partial shade. Plant in a place that gets at least 6 hrs sun daily for the best blooming results. They’ll survive in some light shade, particularly in hotter areas, but won’t bloom much without full sunlight. The more sun, the greater the chance they’ll surprise you after a rain with their stunning flowers.

Soil

These flowers thrive in well-draining soil, which helps prevent the bulbs from rotting.  A slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) is best. Mixing in compost or well-rotted manure will improve drainage if your soil is heavy or clay-based. Rain Lilies do not require particularly rich soil, but a little organic matter will enrich both texture and nutrient levels.

Watering

Rain Lilies like moderate to regular watering during the hot months or dry spells. While they like moisture, they can’t bear standing water or soggy soil. They will typically bloom within a day or two after a rain, showing how closely their blooming time matches with moisture. However, you should avoid overwatering, as it can cause bulb rot. In dry climates, watering regularly, but allowing the soil to dry between waterings, is the way to go.

Pruning

Rain Lilies don’t need much pruning. To ensure the plant looks tidy and encourages new growth, just remove spent flowers and dead foliage as they wilt. It’s also good to trim any damaged or diseased leaves. In late fall or early winter, you may cut back the plant’s leaves if you wish to tidy up the garden, but this is generally not necessary as the foliage naturally fades after blooming.

Propagating

Rain Lily propagates easily by bulb division or seeds. Here’s how:

Bulb Division:

• The optimum time to separate Rain Lilies is during autumn or early in spring.
• Gently dig up the bulbs, and separate the smaller offsets from the main bulb.
• When replanting, be sure to bury the bulbs to a depth of 2 to 3 inches and to space them correctly (around 4-6 inches apart)

Seeds:

It is less common, but you can also propagate Rain Lilies from seeds.

• Plant in a well-draining potting mix.
• Lightly cover with soil, and keep them moist until germination (typically 2-3 weeks).
• It takes less time to propagate bulbs and is typically more successful.

Growing in Pots

Rain Lilies do nicely in containers, so they’re a gorgeous choice for patios, balconies or windowsills.

• Opt for a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
• Use a light, well-draining soil — a combination of potting soil and sand or perlite works well.
• Put the pot in a sunny to partly shady location; bright indirect light is best.
• Water deeply, letting the soil dry between waterings.
• During growing season, fertilize lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.

Rain Lilies grown in a pot may go dormant in cooler weather.When that happens, ease back on watering, allow the foliage to yellow and die back, and wait for spring to renew growth. Repot every few years to refresh soil and to divide crowded bulbs.

Overwintering

Rain Lilies are usually hardy in USDA zones 7–10, but can be overwintered successfully in colder zones with a little care.

• In zones below 7, lift the bulbs in fall once the foliage has died back.
• Allow bulbs to dry for a few days, then store in paper bags or peat moss in a cool, dark place.
• If you are growing in pots, you can usually move the container indoors to an area free of frost, such as a basement or garage.
• Water sparingly during dormancy—just enough to prevent the bulbs from shriveling.
• Bring back outside when frost danger is over and return to normal care.

This type of care allows your Rain Lilies to come back again and be ready to flower when the next warm rain falls.

Blooming

One of the things that makes Rain Lilies so lovely is that they bloom mysteriously after the rain. They usually bloom from late spring to early fall and can continue to bloom sporadically, especially if they get enough moisture. Flowers are funnel-shaped  in several colors, including white, pink, yellow, and purple. They last a day or two and then fade away, only to be replaced by more flowers after the next rainfall.

Common Issues

While Rain Lilies are pretty low-maintenance, they do have a few potential challenges:

• Bulb rot: Caused by waterlogged soil or poor drainage. Make sure the soil has good drainage and do not over water.
• Pests: Slugs or snails can eat the leaves, but they can be controlled by handpicking or by using safe organic treatments.
• No flowers: The plant doesn’t bloom, which could mean it’s not getting enough sunshine or hasn’t been watered consistently enough. Be sure to provide at least 6 hours of sunlight and water them regularly.

Summary

With their enchanting ability to bloom after a rainstorm, the Rain Lily is a truly magical addition to any garden.  Whether in the ground or in a pot, these beautiful plants will brighten your landscape! They have few demands and often delight gardeners with surprise blooms. So, the next time you hear the rain fall, keep an eye out for the beautiful, delicate flowers of the Rain Lily to grace your garden.