Easter lily care guide
Lilium longiflorum
Quick answer
Water your Easter lily when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright light, some sun
- Climate18–24 °C (64–75 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
Easter lily needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your Easter lily every 14 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–24 °C (64–75 °F)
Humidity40–60%
Easter lily is comfortable between 18 and 24 °C (64–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 0 °C (32 °F).
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water an Easter lily?
Water your Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does an Easter lily need?
Easter lily needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Is Easter lily safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains unknown toxin (severe for cats: kidney failure). Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep Easter lily out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like areca palm, wax plant, sweetheart plant, or Gerbera daisy.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
Last reviewed:
