Your calla lily leaves are likely turning yellow due to insufficient sunlight, disease, dormancy, transplant, rebirth, or excess wind. These factors affect plant growth and development, which may manifest as the yellowing of leaves.

I’ll explore these factors in this article, including possible solutions and other relevant information.

Reasons Your Calla Lily Leaves Are Turning Yellow

It can be a cause for concern when your plant’s leaves start turning yellow. Let’s discuss some of the reasons responsible for this problem.

• Too much or too little water: Calla lilies don’t thrive in waterlogged soil. They also won’t survive in environments with little water. Both circumstances can lead to root rot. Yellowing of leaves is one manifestation of root rot.
• Malnutrition: If your calla lily isn’t getting enough essential nutrients (such as zinc, iron, and nitrogen), it won’t grow well. Nutrient deficiency affects every part of the plant, including the leaves.
• Insufficient sunlight: Summer and spring are the best times to grow calla lilies because they require an abundant amount of sunlight to thrive. If you keep your lilies in a cold place with insufficient sunlight, they will turn yellow.
• Transplantation: If you just transplanted your calla lily, it could be responsible for the yellowing. Transplants take a toll on the plant. When the lily is in new soil, it takes time to acclimatize to its new environment. This extra time it takes to adapt can make its leaves turn yellow temporarily.
• New leaf formation: The yellowing of your calla lily leaves may be due to the formation of new leaves. It is natural for plants to turn yellow and shed their leaves when new ones are about to grow. It’s a common form of transformation.
• Dormancy: The lily may be in its hibernating state. The calla lily turns yellow at a certain period. After some months of being dormant, fresh green leaves begin to bloom again. This is a natural process.
• Excessive wind: Exposing your calla lily to excess wind can affect its leaves and cause them to turn yellow.
• Wrong manure: Feeding your calla lily with cow manure is terrible for its growth. Cow dung contains excess sodium, which is unhealthy for your calla lilies.

What To Do About When Calla Lily Leaves Are Turning Yellow

If the beautiful leaves on your calla lilies are turning yellow, here are some measures you can take to save the situation:

• Examine the soil. Calla lilies thrive in loose and well-nourished soil. They need loose soil to absorb and drain water quickly.
• Remove infected plants. If you discover a diseased plant in your garden, remove it immediately. Leave that soil bare for the next two to three years and plant nothing on it to prevent the spread of disease.
• Expose lilies to adequate sunlight. Calla lilies require adequate sunlight to thrive. In areas where the sunlight is mild, they can survive; in areas where the sunlight is scorching, especially in the afternoon, a temporary shade will help.
• Shelter plants from the wind. Don’t plant calla lilies in a windy environment. Plant them close to the fence in your garden where there’ll be less wind. If you’re growing them in a pot, keep your lilies where they can get enough sunlight but less wind.
• Confirm regeneration. It’s natural for calla lilies to start yellowing at some point in their growth cycle to bring forth new leaves. Check the season and see if this is plausible. When you see new green leaves, trim out the yellow ones.
• Fertilize properly. Apply fertilizer at least once a day when the calla lilies are still developing. You can use bulb fertilizer or other plant foods, but not cow manure. Once they are grown, stop fertilization.
• Water the plants. Calla lilies need consistent watering to survive, especially in their early days. However, you shouldn’t water if the soil is still moist from the previous watering. Use your hand to check if the soil is moist or dry before watering.

What To Do if Your Calla Lilies Are Dying

Sometimes, the yellowing of leaves may signal the onset of a more concerning issue.

Several factors, such as too much stagnant water, an overdose of nitrogen in the soil, diseases that cause root rot, and an unfavorable climate, can lead to the death of your calla lilies.

Once you notice your calla lily leaves are beginning to droop or turn yellow, here are some things you should do:

• Water the plant. If you notice your calla lily leaves drooping, it may indicate dehydration. Watering it for two or three days will cause the leaves to come alive again.
• Replant into the correct pot. You can use any pot to plant your calla lily, but a little plastic pot will be best. If your calla lily is dying, replant it into a pot with proper drainage and loose soil.
• Check for root rot. Check the root if you notice that your calla lily isn’t coming up anymore. Gently and carefully lift it from its root and check for any rot. A rotting root smells terrible and appears black.
• Cut off any rotten roots. If your calla lily has a rotting root, cut off the rotten part. However, if the rot has spread everywhere, it’s late to help your calla lilies. You’d have to uproot them and allow the soil to rest.
• Replant healthy roots. If your calla lily has rot that has not spread to all parts of the root, cut off the healthy part and replant it. Ensure you replant it into a better pot with good soil.
• Monitor the plant. You must monitor the plant closely and ensure it has everything it needs to thrive, including proper watering, fertilizer, and sunlight.
• Trim dead leaves. Trim the dead leaves off the calla lilies after they have bloomed.

When Should You Plant Calla Lilies?

Calla lilies do not do well in the cold. They thrive in warm weather. With this in mind, the best time to cultivate your calla lily is during the spring and summer when the weather is warm.

The warmth of your soil significantly determines how well your calla lilies will grow (or if they will even survive). An ideal soil for planting calla lilies should have a temperature of at least 65°F (18.33°C).

Plant your calla lilies in a pot if your soil isn’t warm enough. You can replant them in your garden when the sun is up and the ground is warm enough during spring.

Don’t keep the lilies close to an air conditioner if you plant them in a pot. Instead, keep them in a warm place. Place the lily close to a glass door or an area where it can receive sufficient sunlight. This strategy would ensure it receives enough sunlight and remains protected from the scorching sun.

How Do I Preserve My Calla Lilies in Winter?

Calla lilies grow well in Florida due to the favorable warm climate. However, in cold zones such as Alaska and North Dakota, calla lilies would be an annual plant.

Calla lilies cannot survive in a winter climate. To preserve them during winter, uproot the rhizomes and store them in a cold box till the next planting season.

Here’s a step-by-step method describing the process:

1. Ensure you feed and water the lilies properly throughout their blooming season.
2. Cut off the plant when winter comes, and the first foliage is dried.
3. Cut off the plant’s stem, leaving only about two inches of the stem.
4. Uproot the rhizomes and clean them properly using a brush or a cloth.
5. Find a warm, dry place and keep the rhizomes there for 4-7 days. This procedure will cure them.
6. After that, you can now wrap up your rhizomes and box them. The place where you keep it should be cool and dry, with temperatures lower than 50°F (10°C).

Three Important Facts About Preserving Calla Lilies

Here is some helpful information to note as you consider preserving your calla lilies ahead of the next planting season.

• Calla lilies freeze at any temperature below 50°F (10°C). When preserving the rhizomes during winter, don’t keep them where they can freeze. Also, check them from time to time in case the temperature drops further.
• Do not use water to wash the rhizomes after uprooting. Washing them with water will lead to root rot when you store them.
• If you live in a consistently warm climate, you can leave your rhizomes in the ground during winter. Since the ground won’t be too cold, the rhizomes will survive till the following year.

Conclusion

As lovely as your calla lilies are, they can turn yellow or die completely. Many factors such as the wrong watering system, improper manure, excess nitrogen in the soil, wind, and dormancy can be responsible for this.

However, given proper care and attention, calla lilies bloom beautifully and with large leaves. Calla lilies thrive in warm and sunny seasons, so it’s best to plant them during spring or summer. If you must plant them in winter, plant them in a pot.

You may also like:

• Why Is My Calla Lily Dying?
• How To Plant Calla Lily Seeds
• Are Calla Lily Leaves Poisonous to Dogs?
• Why Are My Calla Lilies Turning Brown?

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post Why Is My Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow? [Reasons & Fixes] appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

Potential reasons your Calla Lily is dying include improper watering, fungal diseases, viruses, chlorosis, harsh temperatures, or inadequate conditions. You can tell your Calla Lily plant is dying if you notice its leaves changing color or roots going bad.

To learn how to keep your plant alive, keep reading!

Reasons Your Calla Lily Is Dying

You can save your Calla Lily if you figure out the issue before it is too late.

Keep a close eye out for any of these symptoms:

• Drooping leaves
• Yellow leaves
• Leaves with brown spots
• Leaves turning black
• Brown or yellow spots of mosaic-like patterns on the leaves
• Slimy and soft-looking plants

Depending on what symptoms your plant is displaying can help you determine the reason it is dying. Let’s take a detailed look at those potential reasons. 

Improper Watering

Like every plant, Calla Lilies needs proper watering. The amount of water your Calla Lily needs changes depending on whether it is an indoor or outdoor plant. Notably, temperature and climate also impact how often you should water your plants.

Here are some valuable tips for watering Calla Lily:

• Water regularly. Calla Lily out in the garden or indoors must receive water regularly. However, it is best not to let the soil get too wet, so it should be able to drain the water properly. Watch out for the yellowing of leaves because it could indicate excessive watering.
• Keep the soil moist through every layer. This is essential. Make sure to avoid too much stagnant water in the top layer while the bottom layer of the soil is dry.
• Ensure soil has good drainage. Soil that does not drain water and has excessive moisture can also cause the plant’s roots to rot.
• Increase watering in dry and warm conditions. Keep an eye on your Calla Lily throughout summer, as you may have to water the plant more frequently to keep them from withering and dying.
• Reduce watering come autumn. The plant’s leaves start turning yellow as autumn approaches. At this point, you should not water the plant as regularly as in summer.

Chlorosis

The soil you use for planting Calla Lilies can make a huge difference. It must have essential nutrients such as iron, nitrogen, zinc, etc. A nutrient-deficient soil causes chlorosis, which turns the leaves of your Calla Lily yellow.

The soil loses nutrients, especially iron when its pH is too high or it has too much clay. It also becomes iron-deficient if the fertilizer is too rich in phosphorus or the soil is too wet. You can treat the iron deficiency in your Calla Lily by correcting these imbalances.

If the soil continues to kill your plant, you may want to consider the relocation of your Calla Lily. However, relocation can put the plant under stress, so you must take extra care of the roots.

Harsh Temperatures

Calla Lilies do not like cold temperatures and become dormant in temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 °C). Taking out the plant’s rhizomes and keeping them away from moisture and coldness is best to save them from dying in freezing weather.

Also, the plant blooms in warmer and humid conditions. Therefore, water your Calla Lily more than usual when it gets dry and warm.

Markedly, Oregon and California have the best climatic conditions for Calla Lilies. They also bloom nicely in the San Francisco Bay area and a few other regions within the USA.

Fungal and Viral Diseases

Calla Lilies can also fall prey to fungal diseases, which can occur due to a few reasons, including:

• Poor weather conditions
• Overwatering
• Extra moist soil
• Lack of light

Any of these triggers can cause fungal spores to grow on the plant. Fungal diseases can cause root rot, spotty leaves, and damage to rhizomes.

Also, be on the lookout for these viruses and their symptoms:

• Dasheen Mosaic: True to its name, this virus gives a mosaic-like pattern to the leaves. Typically, aphids are responsible for carrying Dasheen Mosaic from plant to plant.
• Spotted Wilt: This viral condition affects leaves and stalks and causes white and yellow spots or veins. Notably, common garden pests known as thrips transmit spotted wilt to both indoor and outdoor plants.

You must remove the affected plant as soon as you detect any of these viruses because of their contagious nature.

Improper Lighting

Calla Lily needs both full light and partial shade depending on weather conditions and the climate. For instance, you must ensure the plant receives plenty of proper light if you live in cooler temperatures.

For indoor Calla Lilies, find a place that receives excellent light throughout the day for your plant to sit.

Remember, you must not keep Calla Lilies in direct sunlight for more than two hours when the temperature is too warm and dry. If needed, take the time to move the plants under partial shade once the temperature gets warmer.

Yellow Leave Does Not Always Indicate a Disease

Take note that the yellowing of leaves in Calla Lilies is not always a sign of a disease. There are some other common reasons your Calla Lily leaves turn yellow:

Calla Lily Leaves Turn Yellow In Its Dormancy Period

When Calla Lily’s leaves start turning yellow and brown as the temperatures go down, there is no need to revive the plant. It is best to let it rest until the next blooming season.

Therefore, the plant does not need frequent watering. But do not let it dry either. You must keep the plant bulbs safe from freezing and wait for the blooming season.

Relocation Causes Stress and Turns Leaves Yellow

Relocation or transplantation of Calla Lilies can cause stress, which may turn their leaves yellow.

After relocating a Calla Lily, you must water the plant properly and regularly to ensure the roots grow well in the new soil and area. The roots will take a little time to develop, but once they do, you can get rid of the yellow leaves and see your plant bloom.

Ideally, you should relocate the plant in the spring, if possible. If you are uncomfortable doing this yourself, be sure to call experts who know how to relocate the plant.

How To Keep Your Calla Lilies From Dying

You can take steps to prevent your Calla Lily from dying, yet these vary slightly for indoor and outdoor Calla Lilies. Still, the plant is not too fussy, so if you regularly check up on it regularly, you can keep it healthy.

Here are a few things you can do:

Control the Water Quantity

It is crucial not to overwater or underwater your plant. One helpful tip to ensure this is to check if the soil’s top layer is too wet or dry before you water it. Also, remember that the watering frequency changes with the season and weather conditions.

Use Good Quality Soil

The soil you use matters. Make sure your Calla Lily is planted in good quality soil that does not have too much clay. Calla Lilies bloom in organic soil rich in nutrients. Additionally, avoid using phosphorus-rich fertilizers. Regular grooming and pruning are also necessary to prevent soil contamination.

Ensure Optimal Conditions

Keeping the conditions optimal during the blooming and resting seasons is crucial.  Do not keep the indoor Calla Lilies in dark and humid areas during the blooming season. During the resting period, keep the plant in a cool (not too cold) area away from sunlight. Keep it dry! Moreover, do not place the plants in humid and poorly ventilated areas. Lack of air and too much moisture can cause powdery mildew.

Know When To Move Your Plant in and Out of Direct Sunlight

Calla Lilies like light, but keeping them in direct sunlight for long hours can hurt them. Prolonged exposure can cause brown spots. So, placing your Calla Lilies in partial shade is best during scorching and dry temperatures. You can move them out in full light when the weather is not too extreme.

Practice Proper Winter Care

During winters, you must be sure to protect the plant rhizomes to keep your Calla Lily alive. If you have potted plants, bring them indoors and keep them in a dry place. Take out the rhizomes for outdoor plants and keep them indoors in dry and cool conditions. 

Conclusion

Calla lilies are not the most difficult plants to keep. However, you cannot leave them unattended either. Furthermore, the kind of care you provide depends on the season and their placement (indoor or outdoor).

Keep your Calla Lily from dying by taking care of it and regularly checking for diseases, drooping leaves, and discoloration. This requires you to pay attention to multiple things, including:

• Soil
• Drainage
• Temperature
• Watering schedule
• Water quantity
• Light
• Potential signs of distress

No matter where you keep the plant, be sure to provide ideal conditions to keep them healthy and alive.

You may also like:

• Why Is My Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow?
• Is Calla Lily Poisonous to Humans?
• How To Transplant Calla Lily?
• How To Propagate Calla Lily

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post Why Is My Calla Lily Dying? [Reasons & How to Revive] appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

Calla lilies turn green due to poor lighting, too much nitrogen, or dormancy. If the color change is caused by the first two issues, you must address the problem as soon as possible.

The rest of this article will address everything you need to know about why calla lilies turn green — causes, solutions, and preventative measures. I’ll also touch on other issues that can signal poor health in your calla lilies. Let’s begin.

Reasons Calla Lilies Turn Green and Their Fixes

When young calla lilies turn green, it’s often due to poor lighting, too much nitrogen, or dormancy. Since these issues have different causes and remedies, the best way to understand them is to approach each independently.

Let’s do just that.

Excess Nitrogen

Pretty much all garden plants need nitrogen, and calla lilies aren’t any different. The difference is that these flowers are specific when it comes to nitrogen requirements.

And, it’s not just the nitrogen levels you need to get right; you also want to ensure that its ratio to phosphorus and potash favors calla lilies.

If you’re familiar with soil enhancement, you probably know that commercial fertilizers have what’s known as the “NPK ratio.” Essentially, this ratio denotes the proportions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in a fertilizer or soil.

The ideal NPK ratio for calla lilies is 4:1:3. This ratio provides these plants with enough nitrogen for their daily needs without causing flowering issues.

If your soil nitrogen levels go up beyond this balance, your calla lilies won’t get enough potassium.

Why? Because extremely high nitrogen levels can cause potassium deficiency, according to OMEXCanada.

A combination of potassium deficiency and too much nitrogen is the perfect recipe for flowering issues because:

• Excess nitrogen turns calla lilies green.
• A potassium deficiency reduces the quality of flowers since this macronutrient plays an important role in flowering, among other things.

To find out whether too much nitrogen is what’s making your calla lilies green, perform a soil test by following the steps below outlined in the Youtube video below:

If your findings point to excess nitrogen, the first thing you should do is stop adding nitrogen fertilizers to your soil. Instead, add sawdust mulch to help bring down the nitrogen levels.

If you need to fertilize your soil, switch to compost with a good carbon-nitrogen balance. This will provide your plants with just enough nitrogen to survive without affecting their flowering.

Inadequate Light

Calla lilies need about six hours of sunlight daily and will turn green if they don’t get as much exposure. That amount of light exposure isn’t too hard to provide if you’re growing in a garden, but things can be a little different for those growing indoors.

If you’re growing indoors and haven’t been paying attention to how much your lilies are getting, inadequate sunlight is likely the culprit behind the flowers turning green. Luckily, the fix is as easy as moving the plants to a window or any other spot with access to sunlight.

Dormancy

Being perennials, calla lilies become dormant towards the onset of fall. At this point in their life cycle, any existing calla lilies blooms turn green and eventually brown.

This change is a result of the plant’s shift in focus from supporting flowering to preparing for the next bloom. The flowers essentially channel most of their resources to their leaves, which are actively synthesizing energy and sending it to the rhizomes to be stored for the blooming season ahead.

If this is the case with your flowers, there isn’t much you can do to stop the color change. The best you can do is prune off the now-green flowers to help the plants focus on preparing for the next bloom.

Is It Normal for Calla Lilies To Turn Green During Fall?

It’s normal for calla lilies to turn green come fall as the moisture is too much for the plants to withstand. The same applies when you plant calla lilies in cold, wet zones. For example, calla lilies grown in Hawaii and North Carolina may find the wet soil unfavorable.

Call lilies need moist and well-drained soil, as overly soggy soil may cause the rotting of rhizomes. So before planting the flowers, ensure you enrich the soil with plenty of organic material, such as compost manure.

Organic matter helps provide the best conditions for the flowers to grow and blossom by supplying nutrients and improving soil drainage.

Caring for Green Calla Lilies Based on Where They Are Planted

Calla lilies may require different care depending on where they are planted. Remember, different zones offer different weather conditions. Moreover, indoor plants often experience different conditions from those planted outside within the same zone.

Below is a discussion of why different calla lilies turn green and how you should care for them:

The Garden Calla Lily Perennials

Calla lilies grow as perennial plants and can be in the ground for a year. However, they are healthy when grown in average climates within the zone range. They may even remain green for the whole year, depending on winter temperatures and the sun.

Excess heat or cold can kill the rhizomes, preventing them from germinating further. To improve perennial growth, ensure that the soil is always evenly moist.

It will help the top 6 inches not to dry out completely. Provide calla lilies with adequate sunlight and some light afternoon shade to assist in the healthy production of leaves, which will fuel their tuber roots for ongoing growth for a whole year.

The Potted Calla Lily Plants

The potted calla lilies also grow as perennials, whether you plant them outdoors or indoors. Potted outdoor plants are prone to drought stress because of the direct sun, so ensure that the moisture in the pot is favorable for optimal growth. Ideally, water when the top 1/2 inch gets dry.

Low temperatures can kill the back top of outdoor potted calla lilies. Remember to keep the containers indoors during fall and place them in a sunny window.

On the other hand, the indoor potted plants may need to be watered occasionally, like every two or three days. The shade in the house slows down water absorption and evaporation, allowing the soil to stay moist longer.

Calla Lilies in Cold Climates

Other calla lilies might not survive in some areas with wet winter weather or low temperatures. Overly moist soil can result in the rotting of the roots, so the rhizomes may not survive winter conditions to regrow in spring.

However, you can treat the calla lilies as annuals and replace them annually if the weather is a huge concern. Alternatively, you can dig up the tuberous roots after the flowering period and keep them indoors during winter.

Let the seeds dry and remove the dead leaves. Store the calla lily rhizomes in a dry peat moss environment until ready for replanting in spring.

Lifting Garden Calla Lilies

Sometimes calla lily plants can wither and wilt. They may produce few flowers when the perennial rhizomes are crowded. Lifting garden calla lilies every 2 to 5 years or potted calla lilies yearly and dividing the rhizomes ensures they continue growing healthy as perennials.

Ensure you dig up the tuberous roots after the flowering season ends in the summer. Cut the calla lilies into 2- to 4-inch (5.08 to 10.16 cm) sections, each bunch having at least two buds on the upper branch of the root.

Then replant them immediately with the top of the roots 4 – 6 inches beneath the soil surface to aid healthy growth.

How Can You Tell if a Calla Lily Is Overwatered?

Calla lilies are easy to grow but need tender care to survive as they are equally delicate. If you notice drooping, you can be sure that the water is unfavorable, and the plant may wilt and die.

While calla lilies thrive in moist soil, excess watering can make the ground soggy resulting in the roots rotting, eventually killing the plant. Maintain the right amount of water for the plant to stay healthy and grow.

Other Issues Accompanying Green Calla Lilies

The calla lily plants are famous for their healthy cupped blooms and sword-shaped leaves. If the leaves look droopy and go limp, it is a sign that the plant is not healthy. The cause could be that the plant was given too much nitrogen fertilizer.

Calla lily leaves may also droop and sag if the soil is too soggy or dry. The problem can also be as simple as a larger bloom.

Of course, you want your plant to produce big flowers, so ensure that you provide the right amount of fertilizer, water, and sunlight for the plant to thrive and blossom.

Final Thoughts

The calla lily is a florist’s favorite, and many people love it for various intimate functions. So why not take good care of them and ensure they blossom in your garden? One way to nurture calla lilies is by watering them to ensure they get proper color and good health. 

You should also give them enough fertilizer to provide adequate nutrients. Finally, expose them to enough sunlight considering the prevailing weather conditions.  Follow the above recommendations, and you will smile whenever you visit your garden or see them thriving in your house.

You may also like:

• Can Calla Lilies Be Planted Outside?
• Do Calla Lilies Come Back Every Year?
• Calla Lily Leaves but No Flowers

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post Why Are My Calla Lilies Turning Green? [Reasons & What to Do] appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

Thus, you will likely find them in US states with warm climates like North Carolina, Mississippi, and Florida.

Your calla lilies can turn brown for multiple reasons, including over-exposure to direct sunlight, excessive water, too much heat, and attacks from pests. They can also turn brown because of frost damage and fertilizer burns. Thus, you should closely monitor your lilies for these issues.

This article will explore the various factors that cause calla lilies to turn brown. It will also suggest simple remedies to revive your calla lilies when they turn brown and how to care for them when planted outside. Keep reading to find out more!

Common Reasons Calla Lilies Turn Brown

If there is a problem with the planting setup or growing conditions, you will notice a change in your calla lilies’ growth pattern. These changes include browning your calla lilies’ leaves and tips. So, what causes this to happen?

Fertilizer Burn

Fertilizers are meant as supplements to help plants obtain the necessary nutrients for healthy growth that are lacking in the soil. While most people understand the importance of fertilizers, many do not know the importance of their correct application. This problem is especially true for many beginner calla lily farmers.

Usually, more fertilizer is not always the solution. The reason is that, after some time, the soil becomes saturated with salts from the fertilizer, resulting in worse growing conditions.

Calla lilies are highly susceptible to fertilizer burns. Therefore, you must apply the right amount of fertilizer. Using more fertilizer than you require is bad for the calla lilies root system because the saturated salts cause root damage.

This root damage results in the calla lilies’ leaves turning brown. Therefore, if your calla lilies start turning brown, one of the reasons could be overfeeding the plant with fertilizer.

Cold Weather

Another common reason your calla lilies may turn brown is frost damage because of prolonged exposure to the cold weather. Calla lilies usually do well in warm weather with mild temperatures.

They are warm-weather plants and are unlikely to survive the cold season. Therefore, exposing the plant to cold weather raises its chances of developing issues such as browning leaves because of frost damage.

Usually, calla lilies start experiencing frost damage when subjected to temperatures lower than 50℉ (10℃). Therefore, you should always ensure your plant maintains a temperature of about 70℉ (21℃) to keep it healthy.

Poor Drainage

Calla lilies also usually start browning when planted in soil with poor drainage. This lack of drainage could be because of poor soil quality or a potting medium with poor drainage. Drainage affects the root’s health by tampering with aeration and the moisture content available to the plant.

Poor drainage causes calla lilies to turn brown because the excess water rots their roots. This root decay affects the calla lilies’ ability to absorb water and nutrients, thus turning brown.

Excess Sunlight

Calla lilies are warm-weather plants and thus love warm temperatures and sunlight. However, exposing the plant to direct sunlight for prolonged spells usually results in sunburns and browning of the leaves. Therefore, excessive sunlight is one of the most common causes of browning calla lilies, primarily if grown outside in the direct sun.

Improper Watering

Another major factor that causes calla lilies to start browning is improper watering. Improper watering usually occurs when you over-water, under-water, or use poor-quality water to irrigate the calla lilies.

Inadequate water supply is a prominent contributor to browning calla lilies because when the plant lacks enough water, no hydration makes it to the leaves, causing them to dry and turn brown.

On the other hand, over-watering the plant also causes the water lilies’ roots to rot, thus affecting the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients. This process also causes the calla lilies to turn brown. Therefore, you should never underwater or overwater your calla lilies if you want them to grow healthy.

Finally, the water quality also matters because bad water contains minerals not suitable for the growth of calla lilies. For instance, tap water has high amounts of fluoride, which affects calla lilies and makes them turn brown.

Pest Attacks

Another common reason the leaves of your calla lily plant turn brown is the attacks from harmful insects and pests. Usually, pests such as caterpillars, slugs, and snails boreholes and leave brown marks on plant leaves and stem.

Others like spiders and aphids usually suck sap from the plant’s leaves, causing them to turn color to brown or yellow. Therefore, if you find your calla lilies with brown leaves and marks, check if they are pest infested.

End of Life

Sometimes you can do everything right and still observe your calla lily turning brown. In such cases, your plant is probably at the end of its life. Plants usually start drying, dropping, and browning their leaves when they grow older. This browning is a natural part of their life cycle.

Therefore, if you cannot establish another explanation for your plant’s withering and browning, consider that it may have reached its end of life.

What To Do When Calla Lilies Turn Brown

It is never a good sign when your calla lilies start turning brown. However, this should not worry you much if you discover this issue because there are a few options you can use to curb the problem. You can cut off the affected leaves to prevent spreading any fungal disease to healthy plant parts.

You can also slow the watering if the problem causing the browning is overwatering. Also, water your calla lilies at the root instead of the leaves and change to quality potting soil with better drainage. This bottom watering will help you curb further browning and allow the plant to regain its healthy color.

Is It Okay To Cut Dead Flowers Off My Calla Lily?

Cutting dead flowers off your calla lily is okay because it allows new healthy flowers to blossom again. It also protects your calla lily because dead plant parts usually attract pests interested in dry decaying matter. It will also encourage healthier foliage and stems.

Dead plant parts are never good for any plant. Therefore, you should cut dead flowers off your Calla lilies whenever you spot them. These dead flowers usually affect the plant’s appearance and attract pests and insects searching for dried decaying plant matter to eat. These insects will eat the dead flowers and spread infections to healthy plant parts in the process.

Therefore, always cut the dead flowers. However, it would help if you cut them using the correct method to avoid ruining the calla lilies. Do not use your hands to pull off the dead plant because you could easily damage the plant. Instead, use a pair of shears or scissors to cut the dead flower off at the stalk’s base by carefully slicing the stem.

Will My Calla Lilies Survive Indoors?

Calla lilies can survive indoors, although they are primarily outdoor plants. It all depends on the growing conditions and the care you give them. Pay attention to the primary growing conditions such as water, temperature, lighting, and exercise moderation if you want healthy indoor calla lilies.

Calla lilies are relatively easy to grow because they can survive indoors and outdoors. However, you must always take a few measures depending on whether the plant is indoor or outdoor. You should observe some primary growing conditions for your lilies’ indoor survival.

Ensure the plants receive adequate lighting because they need sunlight to make food. If you place the potted plants in a room with inadequate lighting, you should take them out regularly for a small amount of direct sunlight. This process ensures that the plants do not lack any factor necessary for their growth. 

It would be best to exercise moderation when watering the plants or applying fertilizer. Too much water, fertilizer, or heat from direct sunlight will cause your indoor calla lilies to wither and die or grow into frail plants.

How Should I Take Care of a Calla Lily Outside?

You should take care of a calla lily outside by placing it in a fully or partially shaded area to avoid the sun’s intensity. Also, water your lilies regularly and apply appropriate concentrations of fertilizer to avoid fertilizer burns. You should also check your lilies regularly for pests or diseases.

Calla lilies are easy to grow outside because they are primarily outdoor plants. Therefore, they can grow out in the open sun without a problem, provided you meet the primary conditions such as adequate water and well-drained soils.

Conclusion

Calla lilies are easy to grow because they require basic growing conditions to blossom. However, the factors discussed above, such as improper watering and excess sunlight, can cause them to start browning. When this happens, try cutting off the dead flowers and changing the growing conditions. These methods will help you grow healthy indoor and outdoor calla lilies.

You may also like:

• Why Are My Calla Lilies Turning Green?
• How To Transplant Calla Lily?
• How Long Do Calla Lilies Last?
• How Often Should You Water Calla Lilies

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post Why Are My Calla Lilies Turning Brown? [Causes & Fixes] appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

Calla lilies are poisonous to humans but only to a small extent. The effects are limited to the point of contact, usually the mouth, fingers, or eyes. There are plenty of calla lily poisoning symptoms, but they rarely cause severe illnesses or death.

This article will discuss what makes calla lilies dangerous for humans and how our bodies usually react when exposed to their toxic components. I will then offer tips on what you can do in case of a calla lily exposure and how you can keep your friends and family safe from these deceiving beauties. Let’s start!

Why Calla Lilies Are Poisonous to Humans

Calla lilies may look dainty and unassuming, but they pack quite a punch. They contain the protein asparagine and calcium oxalate crystals — minuscule needle-like crystals that instantly cause pain upon contact.

The calla lily releases these poisonous crystals as soon as it is severed. Calla lilies cause plenty of plant-related poisonings, especially in sunny areas like California or Texas, where these beautiful flowers are grown in abundance.

They are usually accidentally ingested by curious children, eager to find out if the creamy petals are juicy and sweet. Some people may nonchalantly pluck off the flowers, unaware of the potential dangers.

Others admire the flowers, touch them, pinch them, and later rub their eyes or scratch their faces, inadvertently spreading poisonous substances on their skin.

How Calla Lilies Attack

You will find oxalate crystals in a calla lily’s sap, stem, leaves, flowers, and practically in every part of the plant. They are particularly abundant in the roots. Touching the plant does not make it release oxalate crystals but severing it in any way will.

If you tear off a piece of the plant or scratch it, juice loaded with oxalate crystals will emerge from the wound. Contacting the poisonous sap will instantly make your skin itch, burn, or swell.

On the other hand, if you somehow end up putting the severed part of the calla lily in your mouth, the oxalate crystals will instantly stab the delicate tissues in your tongue, gums, and lips.

People who have experienced this likened the sensation to biting into shards of glass. This awful sensation is why poisoning from swallowing calla lily is relatively rare — the pain will instantly make you gag and spit the plant pieces out.

Here are some of the effects of getting into contact with calcium oxalate crystals:

Effects on the mouth:

• Burning of the lips, tongue, gums, and throat
• Pain in swallowing
• Drooling
• Voice hoarseness
• Blistering in the tongue and lips.

Effects on the eyes:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Burning sensation
• Tearing
• Sensitivity to light.

Effects on the body:

• Inflammation
• Itching
• Rashes
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea.

These symptoms do not usually progress into something serious or fatal. This result is because asparagine and calcium oxalate crystals do not dissolve and thus cannot cause life-threatening poisoning.

Keep in mind, though, that the symptoms, especially if unaddressed, may progress into more severe conditions depending on how an individual reacts to these situations.

What To Do After Eye or Skin Exposure to Calla Lily

Eye and skin irritations due to calla lily poisoning are pretty standard. It is usual for any gardener or plant lover to touch plants. This practice may seem harmless, but it exposes you to many risks. Many common household plants contain poisonous substances, including the infamous calla lily.

After touching these toxic plants, you may be unwittingly spreading these to your eyes when you rub them or to your skin when you scratch them.

You should follow these steps if you experience  eye or skin exposure to calla lilies:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Rinse the affected area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
3. Observe and keep track of the symptoms (they should begin to disappear within a few hours slowly).
4. Call the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) anywhere in the United States if the symptoms intensify.

What To Do if You Ingest Part of a Calla Lily

Children are among the most common victims of calla lilies. They are curious and always want to investigate things, especially if something is new.

Unfortunately, besides needing to touch objects they find attractive, such as calla lilies, most kids also need to smell and taste them. Every part of the calla lily contains calcium oxalate crystals, from the spathe to the spadix to the petals.

You should follow these steps if someone ingests part of a calla lily:

1. Remove any remaining bits of the calla lily from inside the mouth.
2. Rinse the lips with soap and water.
3. Rub the tongue using a cloth dipped in cold water.
4. Check for any swelling inside the mouth, particularly in the tongue and throat, since this could eventually cause difficulty in breathing.
5. Give milk or yogurt if there is no swelling. If you notice any swelling or change in alertness, do not give any food or water.
6. Call your local poison control hotline. Or call the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States to ask for assistance.

Follow all instructions to a tee. It is crucial to act swiftly. Keep a close eye on the person affected and keep track of the symptoms. They should start to disappear within a few hours. Call back your poison control hotline if you notice that the symptoms seem to be getting worse.

If a trip to the hospital is necessary, bring the plant with you for proper identification by experts. The person affected will be observed, and professionals will monitor their vital signs. More severe symptoms tend to resolve within just a day or two, especially if there was no prolonged exposure or contact with calla lilies.

In rare cases, calla lily poisoning symptoms worsen and may even become life-threatening. Note that you should expect these symptoms if the person ingested a substantial amount of calla lily or if there was prolonged or constant exposure to the plant.

Here are some of the more severe effects of calla lily poisoning:

• Corneal (eye) damage
• Blocked airways due to swelling of the tongue or throat
• Severe allergic reactions.

Other Plants Armed With Oxalate Crystals

Surprisingly, there are quite a lot of common household plants that contain poisonous calcium oxalate crystals. Knowing which of our beloved plants pose threats to our families and us would be great so we can be more careful around them. Here are some of them:

• Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
• Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
• Philodendrons (some species)
• Caladium
• Elephant’s Ears
• Devil’s Ivy
• Jack-in-the-Pulpit
• Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
• Rhubarb.

How To Keep Yourself and Others Safe From Calla Lilies and Other Poisonous Plants

Calla lilies are a sight to behold with their elegant stems and soft, creamy petals. There has always been a lot of talk about them being poisonous, but this doesn’t stop gardeners and plant lovers from allotting a special spot for these beauties in their gardens and homes. Calla lilies can perk up any space.

This attraction also holds true for other poisonous plants, especially the houseplants mentioned above. They still grace many homes and gardens because of their aesthetic appeal. After all, you can quickly diminish their risks if we take specific measures to keep ourselves and everyone else around them safe.

Here are some tips on how you can keep yourself and others safe from the dangers posed by calla lilies and other poisonous plants:

• Always wear gloves when handling poisonous plants. In case you accidentally snap off a piece of a plant, your hands are protected.
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and shoes when venturing outdoors for any plant-related activities. This barrier will protect your skin from getting into contact with any toxic elements.
• Avoid scratching or touching your face whenever you’re doing any gardening. These can quickly spread irritants, germs, and toxic substances.
• Lather bentoquatam-rich lotion on exposed skin. This lotion will form a barrier of protection against toxic substances that may come into contact with your skin. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water after each gardening session. Pay special attention to the undersides of your nails, where tiny particles can easily settle.
• Wash your gardening tools after each use to eliminate any harmful substances that may have accumulated. Use running water and soap for cleaning, then finish with a good spraying of alcohol to eliminate germs and bacteria.
• Keep calla lilies and other poisonous plants away from children and pets. Place them on top of high shelves or secure them behind a fence.
• Do not burn plants that may be poisonous. Inhaling the smoke may cause severe allergies and symptoms.

Key Takeaways

Calla lilies may not typically inflict life-threatening harm, but this is not a reason to be nonchalant about handling them now that you know they are poisonous. Their classic charm might be challenging to resist since they can add so much life and beauty to a dull space.

Be alert and know what to do in case of an emergency. More importantly, ensure that everyone, especially curious young children, will be safe even with the presence of calla lilies in your home or garden.

You may also like:

• How To Transplant Calla Lily
• How To Propagate Calla Lily
• How To Plant Calla Lily Seeds

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post Is Calla Lily Poisonous to Humans? [Why & What to Do] appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

You can transplant a calla lily in spring or fall by preparing the soil, digging up the bulbs, and separating the rhizomes. After you remove the excess soil, allow the rhizomes to dry, replant in fresh soil, and add mulch. Always ensure you water the lily generously after transplanting.

In this article, I’ll take you through the above steps to understand the right way to transplant your lily. I’ll also discuss factors to consider when transplanting your lilies. Keep reading.

1. Choose the Right Season To Transplant Your Calla Lilies

Calla lilies can grow both in warm and cool areas under the following conditions:

• In warm regions: They perform well in partial shade or full sun.
• In cooler areas: They need full sun to grow well.

These are the critical conditions you should consider when choosing the right time to transplant your calla lilies. 

You may transplant your calla lilies in spring or fall from the above conditions. These seasons don’t portray extreme weather conditions like summer or winter that might damage the lilies.

It’s more suitable to transplant your calla lilies in spring. At this time, you can rest assured that all the frost has passed and the soil is getting warmer to support your plants’ growth.

It’s worth noting that your calla lilies will blossom well without much struggle if you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Some of these zones are:

• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Florida
• California
• Texas
• Oregon.

2. Prepare the Soil for Transplanting

Whether you’re transplanting your lilies into a new bed or moving them to another location in your garden, it’s crucial to prepare the soil. This process will give your lilies an excellent chance to grow and blossom beautifully.

When preparing the soil, you should:

• Test the pH level of the soil.
• Loosen the soil with a shovel.
• Add organic matter to the soil.
• Work on soil drainage.

We’ll discuss each of these in detail below.

Test the pH Level of the Soil

The soil’s pH level is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. Calla lilies prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range between 5.6 and 6.5.

You can test the pH level of your soil using a simple soil test kit that you can purchase from any gardening store. I recommend the Kensizer pH Soil Meter which also has a moisture reader and functions on a plug-and-play system so batteries are unnecessary.

If the pH level is too high or low, you can adjust it by adding either sulfur or lime to the soil accordingly.

Loosen the Soil With a Shovel

After testing and adjusting the soil’s pH level, it’s time to loosen it up with a shovel. This aeration will allow your calla lilies to spread their roots more easily.

The procedure below will help you loosen your soil the right way:

1. Remove any existing plants from the bed.
2. Use a shovel to dig up the soil to a depth of about 5 inches (12.7cm).
3. Turn the soil over and break up any large clumps.
4. Rake the bed to level it out.

Your goal is to have loose, crumbly soil that’s easy for your lilies to penetrate and blossom.

Add Organic Matter to the Soil

Organic matter helps improve the drainage and aeration of the soil while also providing essential nutrients for your plants. Apart from temperature, it’s worth noting that call lilies need well-aerated soils with a high level of biodiversity.

Mixing in compost or well-rotted manure adds organic matter to the soil, which is also an excellent way to increase the soil’s biodiversity.

Work on Soil Drainage

According to the University of Illinois, soil drainage is crucial for the growth of any plant as it facilitates aeration. Good drainage also prevents the roots from rotting.

There are two ways to improve soil drainage:

• Amend the soil: You can add organic matter to sandy soils or sand to clayey soils. This addition will help improve water retention in sandy soils and drainage in clayey soils.
• Install a drainage system: If you have a problem with waterlogged soil, you can install a drainage system to help remove excess water.

3. Dig Up the Bulbs and Rhizomes With a Shovel

Once you’ve prepared the soil, it’s time to dig up your calla lily bulbs and rhizomes. Be aware that this is a delicate process that requires some care so as not to damage the plants.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Dig around the plant using a shovel, about 12 inches (1 foot) from the base.
2. Lift the plant carefully from the soil, retaining as much root mass as possible.
3. Shake off any excess soil from the roots.

4. Remove Excess Soil and Gently Brush Off  Dirt or Mud

You’ve successfully dug up the rhizomes and bulbs, and it’s time to replant them. But before you do, it’s essential to remove any excess soil and gently brush off any dirt or mud.

This cleaning will help the plant roots to establish themselves more quickly in the new bed. Replanting your call lilies with excessive soil and mud will make them grow slowly or fail. You don’t want this to happen.

You can remove the excess soil by:

• Shaking off the soil gently with your hands.
• Blowing on the roots to remove any clinging dirt particles.
• Rinsing the roots with water from a hose or watering can.

5. Separate the Rhizomes by Cutting Them Apart

It’s vital to separate the rhizomes before replanting your calla lilies, as this will allow each plant to have its own space to grow.

You can do this by:

• Removing any foliage.
• Cutting the rhizomes apart using a sharp knife.
• Ensuring each piece has at least one bud or growth point.

6. Allow the Calla Lily Rhizomes To Dry

You should not replant the rhizomes before they form a callus over the cut area. A callus ensures that the plant can heal and prevents infection.

You can let the rhizomes callus over by following these steps:

• Leave them in a dry, airy place for one to two days.
• Place the lilies on a sheet of newspaper in a warm room.

Once the rhizomes have formed a callus, they’re ready to be replanted.

7. Replant the Rhizomes in Fresh Moist Soil

It’s now time to transfer the rhizomes to their new home. Because you’ve already prepared the soil, we go directly to replanting.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Create small mounds of soil, about 12 to 18 inches (1 to 1.5 feet) apart.
2. Dig holes in the mounds, about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.1cm ) deep.
3. Place the rhizomes in the dug holes with the buds pointing upward.
4. Cover the rhizomes with 2 inches (5.8cm) of soil.
5. Pack the soil gently around the rhizomes.

8. Mulch To Protect the Rhizomes From Extreme Temperatures

Adding a layer of mulch will help protect your calla lilies from extreme temperatures. It will also help retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.

You can use any mulch, but we recommend wood chips or shredded bark.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Gather organic mulches like wood chips, shredded bark, or grass.
2. Spread a 2-inch (5.08cm) layer of mulch around the base of each plant.
3. Make sure the mulch doesn’t touch the leaves or stems of the plants to prevent the spread of diseases.

9. Water Generously After Replanting

Your work doesn’t end with replanting; you must ensure the Callas are in the right conditions to support their growth. One of these conditions is sufficient water, as these plants need a lot of moisture to blossom.

Regularly watering your transplanted lilies will help them to establish themselves in the new bed and produce beautiful flowers.

It’s advisable to water them every two days or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry.

The following tips will help you water your lilies the right way:

• Use a hose or watering can and drench the soil around the plants.
• Ensure the water penetrates the ground at least eight inches (20.3cm) deep.
• Check that the leaves are not wet, which could encourage fungal diseases.
• Allow the top 2 inches (5.08cm) of soil to dry before watering again.

Factors To Consider Before Transplanting Calla Lilies

Before transplanting your lilies, check to ensure that:

• They are yet to flower: You should transplant calla lilies before they bloom as the process can damage the buds, and you don’t want that.
• The soil is moist: The soil should be wet but not soggy, so water it a day or two before replanting if it’s too dry.
• The weather is cool: It’s best to transplant calla lilies when the weather is cool in either spring or fall. Avoid hot days, as this will stress the plants.
• You have all the tools: You’ll need a spade, shovel, a sharp knife, and some organic mulch. Make sure you have everything before you start replanting.

Final Thoughts

Transplanting your calla lilies is an excellent way to propagate them. You want to have these plants in your garden for years to come, which is the best way to do it. By following the steps above, you’ll surely succeed in transplanting your lilies. Just remember to be patient; it takes time for these beautiful plants to grow and bloom.

Finally, you shouldn’t forget to water your transplanted lilies regularly, as they need sufficient moisture to bloom.

You may also like:

• Is Calla Lily Poisonous to Humans?
• How To Plant Calla Lily Seeds?
• How Often Should You Water Calla Lilies

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post How To Transplant Calla Lily? appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

Along with temperature one of the things that makes growing them so hard is choosing between the two methods of propagation.

Propagating calla lilies from seeds involves using seeds produced from pollination to create another adult plant. On the other hand, propagating with cuttings is an asexual method where another plant is grown using parts from a single adult plant.

Both methods are perfectly viable and usually depend on preference and availability. However, each has differing methods that you’ll need to be aware of to get the best results. If you’re not sure which method to use, keep reading!

1. Calla Lily Propagation From Seed

Sexual reproduction refers to the using seeds produced by a plant after pollination of the female egg with the male pollen to propagate the plant. When sown under the right conditions, the seeds germinate, grow into mature plants, and produce more seeds. It is the most common method of propagation observed in nature.

If you’ve ever wondered how to propagate calla lilies from seeds, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to propagate calla lilies sexually:

1. Collect the Seeds

You can collect seeds for propagation if you have mature calla lily plants. Calla lilies produce seed pods at the end of the flowering season. The pods start green and hard but become tan and soften after drying. Each pod contains one or more seeds.

Remove the seeds from the pods and dry them. You can also place them on cardboard which will help absorb some of the moisture from the seed. Once dry, store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool area until the planting season in spring.

You can buy seeds from a reputable vendor if you do not have mature plants.

2. Use Paper Towel Method to Test Seed Viability

Place the calla lily seeds in a damp paper towel for two to six weeks. Cover the paper towel in a plastic bag and put them in a well-lit area. During that time, if the seeds are viable, you will notice changes like the development of roots. That shows that the seeds are germinating and should be transferred to a seedling pot.

3. Get a Seedling Starting Kit

You need a starter tray and starter pots for a seedling starting kit. For the starter pots, consider buying the JTGONNI 200 Cells Starter Trays (available on Amazon.com). They provide value for money since they are reusable. They are also good for the environment since they are biodegradable.

For the starter tray, consider purchasing the Super Sprouter Deluxe Propagation Kit (available on Amazon.com). It has a humidity dome which is convenient since it negates the need to use a plastic bag to cover your seedlings. It also has a grow light that will give your calla lily seedlings sufficient light during germination.

4. Prepare the Seedling Starter Kit

Prepare a growth medium or use a premade seed starting mix. A standard starting mix will be sufficient; it should have soil, compost to provide nutrients, peat moss for moisture retention, and perlite to improve soil aeration.

Once you have your medium ready, here’s all you need to know:

1. Pour the starting mix into the starter pots until they are packed, and place them in the starter tray.
2. Remove the germinating seeds from the damp paper towel and transfer them into the starter pots, with a seed placed in each pot.
3. Do not completely insert the seeds into the soil. Ensure the top of the seed is slightly visible.

5. Provide Adequate Growth Conditions

First, ensure the seeds receive enough water initially. Pour about an inch of water into the starter tray and let the soil in the starter pots soak up the water. Once the soil is adequately moist, pour out any excess water left in the tray.

Use the humidity dome to cover the starter pots. That will ensure the soil remains moist and retains moisture in the air as the seeds continue germinating.

Calla lilies grow well in warmer areas; thus, placing the seed starting kit in a room with temperatures of about 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius) is advisable.

Moreover, calla lilies perform well when exposed to sufficient amounts of light. When starting indoors, provide about 16 hours of light. A starter kit with a grow light makes that easier. If starting outdoors, do not expose the calla lily to direct sunlight, especially in hot climate zones.

6. Monitor Growth Conditions

Constantly monitor the conditions you provide for your calla lily seedlings. Too much moisture can result in root rot which will slow or stop growth.

Moreover, if the starter kit is outdoors, ensure you provide sufficient shade to the seedlings. Lastly, be careful in applying fertilizers to prevent nutrient deficiency or imbalance in the soil

7. Transplant the Seedlings

The first few leaves produced by call lily are seed leaves; therefore, you should not transplant them then. Once the seedlings grow their second set of true leaves, you should transfer them to larger seedling pots. The pots should preferably be at least 6 inches deep.

The increased pot depth will give the calla lily root system space to grow, thus promoting better plant development. It would be best if you used an acidic growth medium similar to that used for azaleas.

Overall, growing a calla lily from a seedling is a lengthy process. Depending on your agricultural zone, you may not see flower blooms for at least two years, though most calla lilies propagate from seed flowers in their third year.

Alternatively, if you do not want to propagate calla lilies from seeds, you can reproduce them from cuttings. The appropriate cuttings for calla lily propagation are its rhizomes, a horizontal underground stem, unlike true lilies, which use bulbs or tubers for propagation.

Now that we’ve covered sexual propagation, let’s look at asexual propagation from cuttings.

2.  Calla Lily Propagation From Cuttings

On the other hand, asexual reproduction refers to propagation using a part of a plant to produce another genetically identical plant. Success requires using vegetative parts like leaves, roots, or stems. It has several advantages, including increasing plant numbers considerably shorter than seed reproduction.

Read along for a detailed review of the steps involved when growing calla lilies from cuttings.

1. Select a Rhizome

You can obtain a healthy, viable rhizome from existing mature calla lily plants. The first step is to find an extensive and healthy rhizome. The best rhizome will have more than one eye, the point from which the plant will sprout.

More eyes mean the resultant plant is likely to produce more flowers. Once identified, cut out the rhizome using a sharp cutting tool.

2. Prepare the Soil

Rhizomes grow best when planted directly into the soil; thus, you should ensure the soil has sufficient nutrients to support them. You should mix the soil with compost which will help increase nutrients in the soil and assist with drainage. In addition, the soil should be slightly acidic.

When propagating in a container, prepare a potting mix that provides similar nutrients, including acidic soil, perlite, and compost. You should also ensure the container is large enough to hold a fully grown plant.

3. Plant and Water the Rhizome

Planting the right way can make or break the chances of your calla lily reaching maturity. Here’s how to properly plant and water your cutting:

1. Place the rhizome at most four inches (10 cm) into the soil and ensure the rhizomes are at least twelve inches (30 cm) apart to allow the growth of healthy and lush calla lilies. The eyes should face upwards and be slightly covered.
2. Next, ensure you soak the soil with water since calla lilies require substantial water to grow. The lilies will need at least an inch of water a week while they grow and more when it gets hotter than usual.
3. If you’re using a container, place the rhizomes in containers at a depth of four inches (10 cm). However, since a container has space constraints, you can plant the rhizomes closer to each other at around four inches (10 cm). Calla lilies grown in containers require more water than those grown in fields since they have limited access to water.    

4. Provide Optimal Growth Conditions

After planting, you must ensure the growing conditions are conducive to sustaining growth. If you are growing the rhizome in a container, you will need to use fertilizer to provide nutrients. Thus you should apply liquid fertilizer every few weeks.

Moreover, ensure you grow the rhizome in a place that receives sufficient but indirect light. Therefore, in hot areas like California, Texas, or Florida, you should plant in a location with some shade.

However, in cooler regions, you can grow them directly under the sun since it does not get too bright and will not scorch the leaves. 

5. Deal With Pests and Diseases

Note that calla lilies are susceptible to some bacterial and fungal infections. Bacterial infections include root rot, pythium, and crown rot, while fungal infections include powdery mildew, gray mold, and blight.

The best way to deal with such issues is by using fungicides. However, you can deal with powdery mildew by improving air circulation around your calla lilies.

Common pests that attack calla lilies include aphids, snails, and slugs. You can remove aphids by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water. You can also hand-pick slugs to protect your lilies though it should be done at night since that is when they are active.

Final Thoughts

Calla lilies produce magnificent green leaves and beautiful flowers that bloom throughout the summer. You can propagate them using their seeds or cutting the rhizome of a mature plant. Propagation from seeds is a more complex process and takes longer to achieve a mature plant but ensures the genetic versatility of your plants.

However, rhizome propagation is more straightforward and takes shorter to produce identical mature plants.

You may also like:

• Can Calla Lilies Be Planted Outside?
• Do Calla Lilies Come Back Every Year?
• How To Transplant Calla Lily

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post How To Propagate Calla Lily (Calla Lily Propagation From Seed & Calla Lily Propagation From Cuttings) appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

Here are the steps for successfully planting calla lily seeds:

1. Live in a USDA plant hardiness zone 8 through 10.
2. Acquire the seeds from an existing plant or a gardening store.
3. Soften the seeds.
4. Prepare your pots.
5. Moisten the soil and allow the seed to germinate.
6. Allow the plant to get lots of sunlight and water if needed.
7. Transplant the seedling when necessary.

In the rest of this article, I’ll explain how to plant calla lily seeds for the best chances of success. If you’re interested in growing these beautiful flowers, keep reading! I’ll tell you all you need to know.

1. Live in a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8 Through 10

You may not have a lot of control over this step, but it is an important one. Understanding which United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone you live in is important to successfully growing plants.

Calla lilies grow best in zones 8-10, although you could probably succeed in zone seven if you’re attentive and mindful of your plant. The following table outlines these zones and the major cities they encompass:

If you live in or near one of the above cities, you’re likely to experience success growing calla lilies. 

2. Acquire the Seeds From an Existing Plant or a Gardening Store

To plant calla lily seeds, you need first to acquire the seeds! If you or someone you know already has a calla lily plant, you can get the seeds from the plant. Be sure to leave the seeds attached to the plant for a few months until the seed pod is completely mature.

You can purchase seed pods from a plant nursery or a gardening store if you don’t have access to an existing calla lily plant. Another option is to buy your seeds online.

I like this Defonia Calla Lily Mix from Amazon.com because the seeds sprout quickly if planted properly, and the mix comes with all different colors of the plant, so it’s a surprise when the lily blooms! 

3. Soften the Seeds

After you get your seeds, you’ll need to soften them first. To do this, fill a bowl with warm tap water. Then, submerge your seeds in the water and let them soak for about eight hours. This softens the seed coat, which helps with a quick germination process.

After you’ve let the seeds soak, remove them from the water and place them on a damp paper towel. Transport the towel to a cool and dry place, and let the seeds sit there.

After a few days, check the seeds for signs of growth. If any seeds don’t have any growth, you can throw them away. If the seed isn’t pre-growing in this environment, it won’t grow in a pot either. The seeds that are showing signs of life can be planted.

4. Prepare Your Seedling Pots

You’ll need to plant the seeds in seedling pots first. I like these Cosweet Peat Pots, which are available on Amazon.com. These pots are made of biodegradable material but are still sturdy enough to support roots and extended watering. You get fifty pieces with this purchase, which means you’ll certainly have enough to start your calla lily growth.

Fill the seedling pots with potting mixture and put them in a drip tray. Press the seeds into the soil so the top of it is barely exposed.

5. Moisten the Soil and Allow the Seed To Germinate

Pour an inch of water into the drip tray so the soil can soak up the water through the bottom. After this, the soil surface should feel moist but not sopping.    

Cover the seedling pots with a clear plastic bag when the soil is moist. This will empower the soil to retain moisture from the soil and air, creating an ideal environment for seed germination. Germination is the process of a seed beginning to sprout after dormancy.

6. Allow the Plant To Get Lots of Sunlight and Water if Needed

Move the pots and the drip tray to an area where they will receive indirect sunlight. If the seeds don’t get any sunlight, they won’t germinate. The temperature at this location should consistently be between seventy and seventy-five degrees.

Check the soil regularly. If it feels dry to the touch, water lightly so the soil feels moist again. Once the seeds begin to sprout, remove the plastic bag. This process should take one to three months, so don’t get discouraged if it’s taking longer than you anticipated.

7. Transplant the Seedling When Necessary

Once the plant produces its second set of leaves, it’s time to transplant it into a new pot. You’ll need a pot that is at least six inches instead of the three-inch seedling pot. Try to plant the lily at the same depth it grew at previously.

You should use an acidic potting mix, like this Jessi Mae Air Cleaning Plant Soil from Amazon. I like this soil because the blend balances drainage needs with moisture retention, so your calla lilies won’t become dehydrated or overwatered.

Additionally, the soil is mixed in small batches, which helps prevent root rot. Finally, I like that this mix is completely organic and chemical-free. This leads to better plant nutrition and strength.  

If you’re planting outside in a garden, at this point, you can transplant them there. Typically, calla lilies are planted in the spring for the best results. Just ensure that there is no threat of frost and that the soil is warm enough for your lilies.

Plant your calla lilies about four inches deep for the best results, and space them a foot apart to give them room to grow and expand. Keep the area well watered.

Caring for Calla Lilies

Getting your calla lilies planted and growing is just part of the process! Like all plants, calla lilies require regular attention and care to thrive. Here are some care tips:

• Plant the lilies in loose, well-drained soil. Calla lilies can suffer if they receive too much water, so ensure that you use soil that drains well and won’t get waterlogged.
• Keep mulch around the plants to prevent weeds. Mulch prevents weed seeds from reaching the soil and blocks sunlight from the seeds that get past this barrier, so unless you want to spend a lot of your time weeding, keep the area around your calla lilies covered with a layer of mulch. 
• Use a high-phosphorus fertilizer to enhance health and promote bigger blooms. Calla lilies require lots of nutrients for the best flowering and growth, so they benefit from fertilizer. The best fertilizer for calla lilies will include rotted compost, cow manure, and bone meal. 
• Allow a dormancy period after flowering. After the calla lilies stop flowering, they need a dormant period. Stop watering them and allow the plant to die back. Then, resume watering in two or three months.
• Prepare for the winter. If you grow your lilies outside, dig up the rhizomes after the leaves have died, and trim the foliage on the plants. Let the rhizomes cure for several days. Then, place them in a box with damp peat moss and store the box in a dark place. You can then replant in the spring. 

Compared to some other plants, calla lilies are low-maintenance. However, they still require attention to be successful.

Common Calla Lily Problems and Solutions

Calla lilies are susceptible to various diseases, so it isn’t unusual to experience a problem during your calla lily journey. Luckily, you can control and occasionally fix these diseases.

Calla Lillies Rotting

One potential issue is rot. Crown rot, root rot, and pythium rot are all potential threats to calla lilies. Rot is detrimental to plant health and can result in poor growth, wilt, and possible death.

The most common reason for rot is poorly-draining soil and overheating. Crown rot causes the yellowing of leaves, pythium rot causes lesions on leaves, and soft rot affects the rhizomes.

To prevent rot, ensure that your soil is draining and that you aren’t overwatering your plant. Additionally, try to prevent overheating. Calla lilies need sunlight but rot thrives in hot and moist conditions, so if the soil feels hot to the touch instead of just warm, you might have to shield the plant somehow.

Calla Lily Viruses

Calla lilies are susceptible to some viruses, such as spotted wilt and dasheen mosaic. Spotted wilt, spread through an insect pest called a trip, causes yellow or white spots on stalks and leaves. This causes a loss of strength and eventual death.

If you notice these symptoms on your calla lilies, remove the infected plants immediately and burn them, so the virus doesn’t spread. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to save a calla lily once it has been infected with spotted wilt.

To keep your plant healthy, remove any decaying debris around your plants, as this debris is a good hiding place for virus-carrying pests. You should frequently remove weeds or use mulch to prevent weed growth.

You can use a fungicide to prevent some of these problems, although you should dilute the solution with water before you apply it to your calla lilies because they are sensitive plants. I recommend BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control from Amazon because the 3-in-1 formula controls disease, insects, and mites. The formula is also rainproof, so protection lasts up to thirty days after application.  

Conclusion

Calla lilies are beautiful flowers, as they produce large green leaves with light spots and a range of colorful flowers when they are healthy. Luckily, it isn’t too difficult to grow calla lilies from seeds.

You’ll need to live in the right USDA plant hardiness zone, allow the seeds to pre-grow, give them plenty of water and sunlight, and transplant them when they’re ready.

You may also like:

• Is Calla Lily Poisonous to Humans
• How To Transplant Calla Lily
• How To Propagate Calla Lily
• How Often Should You Water Calla Lilies

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post How To Plant Calla Lily Seeds appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

You should water calla lilies once a week, whether your flowers are in containers or in the ground, to ensure that their soil remains moist. This routine helps the flowers to grow and stay healthy. However, if you live in a particularly hot area, you should water your calla more often.

Calla lilies are a gorgeous addition of color to your home and garden, and they are relatively easy to grow, but under and overwatering your lilies can spell disaster.

In this article, I’ll explore what you need to know about watering calla lilies, such as when to water them and how much to give them. I’ll also look at signs you’re not giving your plants enough water, stunting their growth.

Why You Should Water Calla Lilies Once a Week 

Although calla lilies grow in warm, sunny environments because they’re tropical plants, this doesn’t mean they thrive in dry soil. In fact, their preference for warmth and humidity causes them to dry out, which can lead to growth problems. This preference is why they need regular, deep watering.

Aim to water your calla lilies approximately every seven days, whether they’re kept in partial or full sun conditions. If you live in an area of the U.S. that experiences high temperatures or droughts, such as New Mexico or Arizona, you should regularly give the calla lilies water.

Note that if you’re keeping calla lilies in containers indoors, it’s essential to be extra vigilant of their soil to ensure it doesn’t become too dry. Sometimes indoor plants require water more regularly because they tend to dry out faster than plants in the ground, as The Spruce reports.

Extra Tips To Ensure You Give Calla Lilies Enough Water

Watering your calla lilies once a week might not be enough to ensure they’re getting enough water. They might require soil additions that help them retain more moisture. With this in mind, here are important ways to keep your calla plants’ soil moist, whether you’re growing outdoor or indoor lilies.

Plant Outdoor Calla Lilies Near Water

If you’re planting calla lilies outside and have a body of water like a pond in your garden, consider planting them close to it. This proximity will benefit the plant because calla lilies are water-hungry and love being close to water. 

Add Organic Elements to the Soil

For potted calla lilies that you’re keeping indoors, potting soil containing peat moss is an excellent way to ensure the lilies remain hydrated. Peat moss helps the soil drain water quickly while keeping it well-aerated.

If you’ve planted your calla lilies in soil that doesn’t have good drainage, organic materials such as compost and coco peat are also beneficial to improve the quality of the soil.

Provide More Water When It’s Hot and Less When It’s Cold

During the hottest summer weeks, ensure you soak the lilies with water every other day. This action will ensure that their soil doesn’t dry out.

When the weather cools down, water your plants every few days until winter approaches. Then, decrease how regularly you water the lilies as they’re about to enter their dormant stage. 

Other tips for looking after calla lilies when they go dormant in winter include:

• Let the plant’s foliage become dry, withered, and yellow, then cut them back.
• Leave the rhizomes in a container and store them at a cool temperature of around 40-60°F (4-16°C).
• Water the plants enough to prevent them from drying out.
• Restart the rhizomes in the period from January to March. You should do this by placing them in a pot with fresh soil.
• Put one inch (2.54cm) of soil on top of the rhizomes. Keep the soil moist to prevent the plants from drying out.

Apply Liquid Fertilizer to the Soil

It’s not just water that your calla lilies require, as liquid fertilizer benefits them. Apply liquid fertilizer to calla lilies every three to four weeks once their flowering shoots appear.

I’d recommend purchasing Miracle-Gro Liquid Plant Food from Amazon. It’s easy to use, as you simply mix the plant food with water and then apply it to your plants to provide them with nutrients.

It’s ideal for flowers, houseplants, vegetables, and even trees, so it’s a versatile one to own. It has a 12-4-8 (NKP) ratio, giving your lilies a nitrogen boost to encourage growth.

Signs You’re Not Giving Calla Lilies Enough Water

Since calla lilies love having moist soil, it’s essential to keep an eye on the lilies for signs that they’re not getting enough water.

Signs of underwatering include the following:

• They’re not blooming. Healthy calla lilies have beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors, such as white, orange, yellow, and maroon. If they’ve stopped producing flowers, this is a sign they’re not getting enough water to grow.
• They’re not growing new shoots. Calla lilies usually grow quickly, reaching up to three feet (0.9 meters) in height after just one growing season.
• Their leaves are turning yellow. Usually, calla lilies have bright green leaves when they’re healthy. If their leaves look yellow, it indicates that the plants can’t draw enough nutrients from the soil, which requires them to have enough water.
• The plant is wilting or drooping. These conditions are a common sign in plants that they need more water. On hot days, moisture loss causes collapsing cells in the plant’s leaves and stems so they can’t remain upright, as Britannica reports.
• Inward curling leaves. Your calla lily will start curling its leaves inwards to prevent further water loss through evaporation. 
• Your soil will look dry and shrink away from the sides of your container. Indoor pot soil condition is an excellent indication of insufficient watering.
• Your lily flowers show browning on their tips. Your blooms will also show discoloration, much like your eaves, to indicate a lack of sufficient water. 

Signs You Are Overwatering Your Calla Lily

If you overwater your calla lily, you may make your plant susceptible to conditions such as crown rot, root rot, and pythium rot. Lack of adequate draining and overly moist conditions attract pathogens, including powdery mildew and gray mold.

Signs of overwatering include:

• A soft, mushy root system. When your calla lily stands in too much water, the roots deteriorate, making them susceptible to disease and affecting their nutrient absorption capacity.
• Your calla has wilted, yellowing leaves. Leaves are always a great indicator of plant conditions, and one of the first signs of excess moisture is the yellowing and drooping of your call lily’s foliage.
• Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is often present when a plant is overwatered, and you will notice white spots on your plant foliage which then spreads throughout the plant.
• Brown-tipped, sagging foliage. When roots can no longer transport nutrients to the leaves, you will notice browning on your call lily leaves.
• Your soil is constantly waterlogged, even after not watering for a week. Your soil is an excellent indicator of your watering mistakes. If your soil never seems to dry out completely, you should seek out the drainage issues.
• Stunted growth. Overwatering affects your lily’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, so your plant will show a visible lack of development, such as an absence of new shoots.
• You notice foul odors from your potting mix. Overwatered soil may have a moldy appearance and bad smell due to overwatering.
• Curling leaves with unsightly brown patches. Excess water causes changes in your leaf shape and color due to insufficient absorption of vital nutrients.

How To Water Newly Planted Calla Lilies

After you plant your calla lilies, follow these steps to ensure maximum growth and hydration:

1. Place the seeds on a damp paper towel.
2. Put the paper towel in a cool, dry place.
3. Check the seeds daily for signs of growth.
4. When you see the seeds are starting to grow, plant them in the soil.
5. Water the seeds. If you’re using a drip tray for the lilies’ pots, fill the tray with an inch (2.54 cm) of water and drain it after about an hour.
6. After that initial watering, stick to watering the calla lilies once per week to keep them hydrated.

Final Thoughts

If you’re growing calla lilies, one of the primary rules is to give them enough water. These tropical plants require regular watering so that their soil remains soft. There are a variety of easy ways that you can keep their soil remains moist, such as:

• Watering them every few days, and more regularly when the weather’s hot.
• Applying mulch around outdoor plants to retain soil moisture.
• Using organic elements, such as peat moss, to encourage soil drainage.
• Give your calla lilies liquid fertilizer to boost their hydration and nutrients.

You may also like:

• Do Calla Lilies Come Back Every Year?
• Can Calla Lilies Be Planted Outside?

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post How Often Should You Water Calla Lilies appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.

However, some people wonder how long they can expect their calla lilies to last as they are getting ready to start growing them.

Calla lilies last almost two weeks in a vase with water, providing a focal point to your cut flower arrangement. They grow actively for four months in spring and summer. Calla lilies will return annually to add color and sophistication to any perennial flower combination.

Since calla lily varieties have different blooming times in the warm months, you can enjoy them from late spring until early fall. Keep reading to learn where calla lilies grow in the US, how to plant and nurture them, and when to leave them in the ground or dig them up to overwinter indoors.

The Life of a Calla Lily

Calla lilies in a pot or planted in the ground will grow leaves for about six weeks in the late spring and summer. The calla lilies will bloom in majestic green-spotted, heart-shaped leaves in the next six weeks. This plant has a trumpet-shaped, flowering spike with a curving flower petal called a spathe.

This plant returns yearly to grace your garden with a breathtaking, regal appearance. However, calla lilies do not bloom at one time since there are early, mid, and late bloomers. This means you can plan to have blooming calla lilies for weeks in the spring and summer.

Cut calla lilies will last two weeks in a vase with water. Follow these directions to ensure gorgeous calla lily flowers for much longer than just a few days:

1. Look for fully-open flowers as they won’t open after cutting as many cutting flowers will.
2. Fill a vase with water and dissolved flower food (mixed according to package directions) to a depth of two inches (5 cm) and place your flowers inside.
3. Put a single aspirin in the water if you don’t have flower food.
4. Place the vase out of direct sunshine.
5. Check the calla lilies daily to look for split stem ends.
6. Cut the stems beneath running water every third day.
7. Rinse the vase and add clean water with plant food.
8. Remove any withered or dead leaves.

The Calla Lily Symbolism

The calla lily flower is a sought-after addition to many bridal bouquets for its symbolic meaning of purity, holiness, and faithfulness. The name “calla” comes from the Greek word for beauty. They represent beauty and elegance and frequently signify new beginnings. 

What Is a Calla Lily?

A calla lily grows from a rhizome into a classic flower with white-dotted leaves. They grow in full and part shade, returning yearly to elevate your garden and landscape spaces with their distinct appearance.

Calla lilies come in multiple colors and grow to a height of one to two feet. You can grow calla lilies in pots or in the ground for a pretty flower that stands out in a bouquet. They tend to be so pretty, in fact, that they’re always a favorite for weddings!

Where Calla Lilies Grow in the US

Calla lilies are hardy enough to stay in the ground all year in the southern states of:

• Texas
• Louisiana
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Alabama
• Georgia
• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• Florida

They grow when the weather turns warm in the summer but can hold their own throughout the year. This flower also grows equally well on the West Coast of the US in California and other areas where the winters are mild.

In colder climates like New York, Massachusetts, and other locations in the Northeast to Midwestern states like Idaho and Oklahoma, calla lilies will still grow, but you must dig them up once the growing season is done.

How To Plant Calla Lilies in the US States

Planting Calla lilies is the same for every US state. Like other perennial bulbs and rhizomes, calla lilies do best in full sun in states where the summers are warm but not blazing hot.

If you live in a hot state like Florida, Louisiana, or Texas, plant the calla lilies in part shade to relieve them from the hottest sun’s rays.

Planting calla lilies in the ground is easy. Here are the steps to grow them properly:

1. Locate the area where you wish to plant the calla lilies. Remember that they need plenty of sunlight to thrive and flower, but make sure they get some shade if you live in a hot area.
2. Amend the planting bed with compost to hold moisture for the plant roots.
3. Dig a hole in the ground three to four inches (7-10 cm) deep.
4. Space holes six to eight inches apart (16-20 cm).
5. Make sure the green shoots are facing up toward the sun.
6. Cover with soil and pat down lightly.
7. Water with the shower attachment on your garden hose.
8. Cover the planted space with mulch to preserve moisture.

Planting calla lilies in pots is also a breeze, making it simple to take them indoors during the cold months:

1. Start calla lilies early in the spring by planting them indoors in a clay pot.
2. Choose a clay pot at least ten to twelve inches (25-31 cm).
3. Fill the pot with half-fertilized potting soil and half sand.
4. Plant rhizomes one inch (2 cm) below the soil.
5. Space the rhizomes one or two inches (2-4 cm) apart.
6. Water the plants well and ensure there is adequate drainage.
7. Position the pot where it gets sun and shade throughout the day.
8. Water when the top soil feels dry to the touch.

Calla lilies can do well growing in pots in your windows. You can place the pots outdoors when the weather reaches 70°F (21°C). Continue to water the flowers when the topsoil is dry and ensure they receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Feeding Calla Lilies

This flower likes acidic soil of less than 6.5 pH. You should plan to feed the calla lilies a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Mix the plant fertilizer according to package directions and water your plants until water drains out of the pot’s bottom.

Digging Up Calla Lilies for Winter Storage

When the cool fall air has arrived and frost has killed the foliage, this is the ideal time to dig up your calla lilies for winter storage. Because the bulbs multiply and spread beneath the ground, digging them up allows you to separate the bulbs for planting in more landscape spaces.

Remember that Calla Lilies in plant hardiness zones of 8-10 can stay in the ground all year. You should stop watering them and let them die back. They will return in the spring when the ground starts to warm up and other perennials begin to bloom.

Colder planting zones will kill the plants, so you should plan to dig them up for winter storage in a cool, dry place in your home (a basement is perfect).

Follow these steps to remove the calla lilies from the ground:

1. Use a shovel or garden trowel to dig a circle around the lily plant.
2. Remove the bulb gently from the ground.
3. Brush away the excess dirt carefully from the bulbs.
4. Do not wash the bulbs as dampness will cause rot.
5. Trim the top foliage two inches (5 cm) above the bulb.
6. Twist multiple connected bulbs to separate them if desired. 
7. Lay the bulbs on newspaper or cardboard in the sun for several days until they dry out.
8. Layer the bulbs in a cardboard box between newspaper or tissue paper.
9. Store in a dry, cool place in your house.
10. Replant the Calla Lilies in prepared soil after the danger of frost has passed.

Choosing Calla Lily Varieties

Aside from flower color preferences, look for calla lily rhizomes with a plump, large, and dense appearance. Bigger rhizomes produce larger, hardier calla lily plants. This chart will help you select some of the most popular plant colors to suit your preference in a garden design:

Conclusion

Whether in Ohio or sunny Florida, you can grow calla lilies as a showy flower to grace your garden space and cut-flower bouquets. In the warmer states, the calla lilies can stay in the ground year-round, while in the colder, northern states, you should plan to dig them up and keep them in a cool, dry place for planting the next growing season. With their distinctive leaves and stately height, this flower belongs in any garden to add color and refinement.

You may also like:

• Do Calla Lilies Come Back Every Year?
• How Often Should You Water Calla Lilies
• Can Calla Lilies Be Planted Outside?
• How To Plant Calla Lily Seeds

Sophia

Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.

The post How Long Do Calla Lilies Last? appeared first on HousePlantsInfo.com.