Can I force my St. Bernard's lily to bloom indoors?

It is very difficult to get this plant to bloom indoors because it requires specific light intensity and a cooling period that is hard to replicate inside a home. It is much happier and more likely to flower when planted directly in a garden bed.

Does fertilizer help it bloom?

A balanced, slow release fertilizer applied in early spring can provide the nutrients needed for flower production. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as these encourage leaves instead of flowers.

Why is my St. Bernard's lily not blooming? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the amount of direct sunlight the plant receives each day.
Assess if the plant has been kept in a consistently warm environment year round.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks healthy but lacks the energy to produce flower stalks. It may be tucked away in a spot that is too shady for its needs.
What to do: Move your plant to a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct or bright filtered sunlight daily. If it is in a pot, shift it to a south or west facing spot during the spring.
Lack of Winter Chill
Most likely
How to tell: The plant grows foliage well but never attempts to send up a flower spike. This often happens when the plant is kept in a climate that never cools down.
What to do: Ensure the plant experiences a natural cooling period during the winter months. If you are growing it in a container, keep it in a cool, unheated porch or garage where temperatures stay above freezing but below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for a few weeks.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your st. bernard's lily

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is not a cause for worry if the plant is still young, as it may take 2 to 3 years to reach maturity and bloom. You should only be concerned if the plant is fully mature and has been in the same spot for several years without flowering.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright light throughout the growing season and allow the plant to experience a natural seasonal temperature drop in winter.

St. Bernard's lily: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your st. bernard's lily and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I force my St. Bernard's lily to bloom indoors?: It is very difficult to get this plant to bloom indoors because it requires specific light intensity and a cooling period that is hard to replicate inside a home. It is much happier and more likely to flower when planted directly in a garden bed.
Does fertilizer help it bloom?: A balanced, slow release fertilizer applied in early spring can provide the nutrients needed for flower production. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as these encourage leaves instead of flowers.

Why is my St. Bernard's lily not blooming?