Japanese sacred lily care guide
Rohdea japonica
Also known as: Nippon lily
Pets and children
Considered toxic
The whole plant, especially the red berries and rhizome, contains cardiac glycosides that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and an irregular heartbeat; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Japanese sacred lily
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide, in the cool of morning or evening during midsummer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Once it cools, wait about a day or two after the topsoil dries before watering.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water roughly three to four days after the soil dries, in the morning of a mild day.
Light and placement for Japanese sacred lily
Generally best in bright shade out of direct sun: a woodland plant by nature, it grows under trees or on the north side of a building outdoors and behind a sheer curtain indoors, and strong summer sun scorches the leaves.
Overwintering Japanese sacred lily
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Hardy enough to overwinter outdoors; pots generally take around −5°C, but as a guide give them a spot under the eaves out of cold wind and hard frost, or a cool place indoors away from sun, and water less in winter.
Fertilizing and repotting Japanese sacred lily
Fertilizer
Feed lightly as a guide: a small dose of slow-release fertilizer or a diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month from April to June and from September to October, none in midsummer or winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Japanese sacred lily
- Placed in the sun, the leaves scorch and turn yellow or brown.
- Too much water or poorly draining soil rots the roots.
- Overfeeding damages the roots and yellows the leaves.
Tips for growing Japanese sacred lily
- Plant it in a coarse, fast-draining mix with pumice at the bottom of the pot to keep the roots healthy.
- The berries that turn red in winter are ornamental only, not edible.
- When the clump grows, split off the offsets and replant in spring or autumn.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
