In this guide, I am going to talk about how to grow and care for calla lily flowers.

The flowers of Calla Lilies are available in a variety of bright colors like orange, purple, pink, yellow, green, and white.

They are comparatively easy to grow. Their unique tubular-shaped flowers make them distinct and preeminent in the garden,

and they are a perfect choice for houseplants as well. They are also called arum lilies.

They have a trumpet-shaped flower, and their entire genus originated from South Africa.

Calla Lilies bloom in the summer season. They form extensive and dense roots from the underground stem called a rhizome.

The botanical name of Calla Lilies is Zantedeschia. The plants in the Zantedeschia family are perennial, herbaceous, and flowering plants.

They belong to the Araceae family and Aroideae subfamily. They can be grown in zones 8-10.

You can grow them as annuals in the cold season or replant the stored plants in the spring season.

You will notice flower stocks sprouting up from the soil after six to twelve weeks of planting, and they will keep you delighted for the next few months.

Here is everything you need to know about the plant. With that, you will also be guided by the growth and care of Calla Lilies.

 

How to Grow and Care for Calla Lily Flowers

They are grown from rhizomes. They prefer well-drained porous soil. The ideal temperature for their growth is 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 26 degrees Celsius). With that, humid and moist conditions are required for their growth, and it is essential to keep them away from the afternoon sun as the midday heat is challenging for them. The optimum percentage of humidity ranges from 65 to 75%. If the plants are not provided with this humidity, their leaves become brown and brittle and dry out.

 

 

Calla Lily Flowers Growing Guide

 

Soil

Calla Lilies prefer moist soil. They grow well in well-drained soil, which is organically rich.

Whether you are planting them indoors or outdoors, it is essential to note that they are kept moist but not wet.

Because their roots can rot quickly if given too much water.

Sandy soil is suitable if fertilizers are added. And peat moss is essential to keep the soil aerated.

 

Light

A shady environment is optimal for their development. They require an adequate amount of sunlight or bright light during non-peak hours of the day.

They may grow in full light in colder climates. You can keep them in east or west-facing windows indoors.

 

Watering

Calla Lilies are water-loving plants. When they are grown indoors, they like to grow in moist conditions.

You are required to keep the soil moist but do not overwater them because too much water will cause the root or bulb to rot.

 

Temperature

These tropical plants grow well at 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 26 degrees Celsius) temperature.

They prefer humid and moist conditions. Calla Lilies will go dormant if the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

Make sure that their rhizome does not freeze as they cannot survive severe frosts.

 

Humidity

Calla Lilies require moderate to high humidity to grow properly. The optimum percentage of humidity ranges from 65 to 75%.

If the plants are not provided with this humidity, their leaves become brown and brittle and dry out.

In the winter season, the plants hibernate, so humidity is not that essential, and the plants can also survive in low humidity.

But it is important to protect the plants from frost.

 

Fertilizer

At the time of planting, you must use a slow-release fertilizer.

If the amount of nitrogen exceeds, the stems elongate, squelching production of buds and bounty of leaves will be encouraged.

 

Propagation

A cluster of rhizomes formed by Calla Lilies can easily be separated in late summer or through the season of early fall after the flowering season of the plant.

Small berries form when you fertilize Calla Lilies.

Moreover, you can also plant them in three inches of potting soil, as a result of which bulbs will be formed.

 

Growth

The average height of Calla Lilies is between 1 to 3 feet high. The diameter of these plants is 1-1.5 feet when they are fully grown.

The leaves of Calla Lilies are arrowhead-shaped, long-petioled, have white speckles, and they arise from a thick rhizome.

The inflorescence of this plant consists of spathe and spadix.

The spathe is large, trumpet-shaped bracts that surround the spadix covered with small flowers.

The plant reaches its maximum height within a single growing season.

The plant remains green throughout the year and flowers in the spring season. They are moderately fast-growing plants.

 

Potting

These are the steps to pot the plant:

• Place the dormant tubers at 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) in well-aerated trays for a few days before planting them.

• The pots for planting are required to be about 12 inches (30cm) in diameter with many drainage holes.
• Use well-drained, peat-based media having a pH of 6-6.5 and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Place the plant on a window sill where it can get six hours of indirect sunlight to grow properly.
•  To settle the soil around the bulb, add a tiny amount of water.
• You can also incorporate gypsum in the soil to maintain the pH balance. And calcium for proper growth of the plant.
• These plants grow best when the temperature is warm and the days are longer, so the best season to plant them is spring when the soil has warmed to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).
• The plant can start flowering after six to twelve weeks of planting if provided with adequate water, light, and environment.

 

Types of Calla Lilies

My top choices for Calla Lily are

 

Pink Melody

They have rosy pink spathes, and they grow up to 12-24 inches in size—the plant flower from summer to fall and has a sturdy stem.

 

Fire Dancer

They have reddish-orange leaves with white spots, they require well-drained moist soil to grow,

the flowers are trumpet-shaped, and they can grow well in full sun or partial shade.

 

California Red

They have vibrant colored blooms, and the color of their flower is a deep magenta.

 

Acapulco Gold

They grow well in moist soil and prefer full sun to partial shade.

The color of their flowers is bright yellow, and they have green arrow-shaped leaves.

 

California Ice Dancer

The color of their flowers is white, they have darker leaves than other types, and the size of their stalk is 18 inches.

 

Night Life

They have dark purple flowers, perfect for displaying a darker shade.

Every type of Calla Lilies has specific requirements that are supposed to be kept in mind to make them bloom.

 

Propagation Step by Step

Follow the steps below for propagation of Calla Lilies

• In late summer, you can separate Calla Lilies from a cluster of rhizome
• Remove the rhizome from the pot and pick up any soil and foliage
• Divide the foliage and discard the ones that are weak or shriveled
• Keep the ones that have sprouts “eyes” as this is the region from where the new plant will grow
• To treat the wounds, keep this rhizome in a dark spot for a few days.
• Now pot the rhizome and provide it with adequate water

 

Common Problems with Calla Lilies

 

Root Rot or Botrytis

Overwatering the plant causes root rot. Make sure that the pots have many drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

 

Viral Diseases

Calla Lilies are resistant plants, but they cannot be resistant against red spiders, aphids, or thrips which can cause viral diseases and other diseases in plants.

You can use insecticides and neem oil to protect the plants from pests. And make sure that you remove weeds growing near the plants.

 

Bacterial and Fungal Diseases

Soft rots are the most common bacterial disease in Calla Lilies, in which the rhizome of the plant is affected.

Spores formed in the soil attack the bulb and stems of the plant. Affected stems will become soft and mushy.

Several fungal diseases like root rot and Anthracnose can lead Calla Lily to flower droop.

You may have to replace the soil to cure this problem. Do not overwater the plants to prevent them from fungal diseases.

 

Other Diseases

The most common problems faced by Calla Lilies include grey mold, blight, powdery mildew, leaf spots, etc.

Due to crown rot, the leaves turn yellow, while in root rot, the margins of leaves become yellow.

And water-soaked lesions form on the leaves as a result of pythium rot.

 

Tips for Growing Calla Lilies problem-free

They are low-maintenance plants. Make sure that you consider the proper location and planting procedure to make them grow ideally.

Plant them in loose and well-drained soil. You are supposed to wait till the soil has warmed and the possibility of frost has passed to plant them.

The preferable time to plant them is during the spring season. You are supposed to place them in full sun or partial shade.

Do not allow the water to sit in the container as overwatering can lead them to rot, and water the plants after every 7-10 days.

 

Frequently Asked Question about Calla Lily Flowers Care

 

When do Calla Lilies bloom?

They are supposed to be planted in spring, and they will produce flowers in the midsummer or early fall season.

 

Can I grow Calla Lilies in pots?

These plants grow well in pots.

 

What is the blooming period of Calla Lilies?

They can bloom from 6 to 12 weeks. It is also dependent on the plant`s type and the surrounding environment.

 

What are the advantages of growing Calla Lilies?

• They have eye-catching colorful flowers
• They bloom within six weeks of planting
• They are low-maintenance plants
• Their arrow-shaped leaves are captivating

 

Are Calla Lilies poisonous?

Calcium oxalate crystals, which are insoluble, are found in plants. They can be toxic to the pets if they bite or chew them.

They can cause vomiting, oral pain, drooling, and pawing at the mouth.


 

Conclusion On How to Grow and Care for Calla Lily Flowers

Calla Lilies are plants that are colorful and captivating. They are low-maintenance plants. They require well-drained soil.

They are common houseplants and can be planted in a garden to add color and beauty to them.

You can plant them in the spring season, and they will bloom typically in summer or early fall.

A typical plant will grow to be between 1-3 feet tall, with a diameter of 1-1.5 feet. They require moist and humid conditions to grow well.

The most common problems faced by Calla Lilies are a blight, grey mold, powdery mildew, and leaf spots.

Calla Lilies are the best to keep you delighted because of the vibrant color of their flowers.

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