Nippon lily (Rohdea japonica)

Also known as: Sacred lily, Japanese sacred lily, Nippon lily, Japanese lily-of-the-valley

Rohdea japonica, commonly referred to as Sacred Lily or Japanese Sacred Lily, is indigenous to China, Japan, and Korea. This evergreen perennial is widely grown as an ornamental plant, prized for its striking bright red berries that emerge in winter. While it adds aesthetic value to gardens, it's important to note that the plant is toxic and should not be consumed.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Nippon lily

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Black

Flower Size

4 mm to 5 mm

Flower Color

White Green Yellow

Images of Nippon lily

Quickly Identify Nippon lily

Thick, rubbery lanceolate leaves, dark green, 1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm) long, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide

Upright vase-like clump, lush tropical appearance, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height and width

Conspicuous bright red berries, 0.3-0.4 inches (7-10 mm) in diameter, visually striking against foliage

Tiny whitish-green flowers, 0.1 inches (2-3 mm) in diameter, densely arranged on a spike

Fleshy ruby-red berries, glossy spherical shell, visually appealing, clustered at base on short stalks

Scientific Classification of Nippon lily

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagus and allies

Family

Asparagus

Genus

Rohdea

Species

Nippon lily

Planting and Growing of Nippon lily

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Nippon lily?

Rohdea japonica prefers consistent, well-measured watering that keeps the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. This plant thrives best when watered until approximately 250ml of water per watering session soaks into the soil, allowing excess to gently drain away. The idea is to replenish moisture without drowning the roots.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Nippon lily? ›

What should I do if my Nippon lily is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Nippon lily? ›

How to save an overwatered Nippon lily? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Nippon lily?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 5 hours daily

Partial shade to partial sun is ideal for Rohdea japonica. This lighting ensures steady growth, vibrant leaf coloration, and reduces the chance of stress due to harsh lighting conditions.

What is the best location for Rohdea japonica? ›

How to manage light indoors for Rohdea japonica? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide for Rohdea japonica? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Nippon lily?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Rohdea japonica thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range allows for optimal growth and ensures that the plant maintains its vibrant foliage. Temperatures within this range mimic the plant's natural habitat, allowing it to flourish and resist common pests and diseases.

What Soil is Best for Nippon lily?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7.5

Rohdea japonica thrives in well-draining soil that prevents waterlogging, enhancing root health and preventing rot. A porous soil helps avoid water buildup around the roots, crucial for this plant's longevity. While good drainage is vital, keeping soil consistently moist is key for Rohdea japonica. Moisture-retentive soil helps the plant access necessary water without experiencing fluctuations that cause stress. A soil rich in organic matter supports healthy growth and lush foliage in Rohdea japonica. Nutrient-rich soil provides the essential elements needed for robust development and vibrant leaves.

How to Fertilize Nippon lily?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Rohdea japonica, it's best to apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, ensuring you don't overwhelm the plant's roots. Use about half a teaspoon per gallon of water for liquid feed. For slow-release fertilizers, apply a small handful scattered evenly around the base of the plant to provide nutrients over time.

How to Prune Nippon lily?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by examining the plant for any dead or damaged leaves, as these should be removed first to prevent any potential disease. Use sharp and sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts. Focus on trimming the longer leaves to maintain the plant’s balanced shape, ensuring you cut back to the base of the leaf to avoid unsightly stubs. This encourages new, healthy growth and keeps the plant looking neat. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Nippon lily plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Harvest ripe berries from Rohdea japonica and carefully extract the seeds. Clean them thoroughly to remove any pulp, which can harbor pathogens.

Prepare a well-draining potting mix for seed propagation. It should be moist but not waterlogged to ensure proper seed germination and rooting for divisions.

Sow the seeds shallowly in the prepared soil or plant divisions at the same depth as they were previously. Ensure adequate spacing for growth.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Nippon lily plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Rohdea japonica signals the need for repotting when roots emerge from the drainage holes, crowd the surface of the soil, or when growth seems sluggish. Typically, repotting is best in spring or autumn to minimize root stress and take advantage of active growth periods.

Select a pot slightly larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes. The new pot should be 1-2 inches wider in diameter to give the roots room to grow while preventing excess soil, which can lead to water retention issues. Good pot selection aids root development and prevents overwatering.

For Rohdea japonica, choose a soil mix that is rich in organic matter and drains well. Adding perlite or sand helps enhance aeration and drainage, crucial for preventing root rot. A well-selected soil mix provides necessary nutrients and creates a supportive environment.