How To Take Care Of Potted Calla Lilies Indoors?

Calla lilies, commonly known as lilies, can be grown indoors near a sunny window and require at least six hours of sunlight each day for proper blooming. They grow and bloom for about 3 weeks to several months, and once the bloom has died back, they can go into dormancy. Potted calla lilies can be started indoors earlier than outdoor ones, allowing for immediate placement of established, ready-to-bloom containers.

To maintain the health of calla lilies, it is essential to water them regularly, aiming to water the plant once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use lukewarm water when watering. The best soil for growing calla lilies is a mix of light, soil, temperature, humidity, fertilizer, potting and repotting, propagation, diseases, pests, and toxicity.

When planting, bring the potted plants indoors before frosts and leave them in the pot while they are dormant. For ground-grown calla lilies, dig up the rhizomes and store them in just-moist compost for winter storage. A humidifier or misting them occasionally can help maintain their happiness.

To care for calla lilies, maintain a balance in moisture, ensuring the soil is damp but not waterlogged. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the environment, and ensure it gets at least 6 hours of indirect bright sunlight daily. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent burning of leaves and flowers.

Indoor calla lilies require regular feeding, adequate fertilization, and proper watering. They are susceptible to aphids and should be placed outside when frost is over and brought indoors in the fall before frost.

How long do potted calla lilies last indoors?

Potted Calla Lilies last for 3 weeks to several months. After blooming, they should go into dormancy by not watering, allowing the foliage to die back, and placing the plant in a dark area below 50F but above freezing. After 2-3 months, bring the plant back into light and begin watering and feeding it. Calla lilies prefer bright but indirect sunlight with average home temperatures, so avoid full sun and keep it away from central heat or A/C vents.

Where is the best place for an indoor calla lily?

Calla lilies, native to South Africa, are a type of lily that require a frost-free environment. They grow from tubers and thrive in well-drained soil in sun but with shelter from hot afternoon sun. To grow calla lilies indoors, choose pots with good drainage holes and fill with free-draining multipurpose compost. Plant one tuber per pot, facing upwards, with ‘eyes’ facing upwards. Water the pots and place them in a warm environment around 20ºC (68ºF).

After 3-4 weeks, shoots should appear and roots will gradually work down into the soil. Move the pots into a bright environment and water sparingly, increasing in frequency as the shoots grow. In summer, the plants can be placed outside in their pots or planted out.

Should I cut off yellow leaves in calla lily?

Calla lilies should not be pruned regularly, except for withered flowerheads and leaves that turn yellow prematurely. They should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, using a flower pot at least one third larger in diameter than the root ball. The pot should have a water drainage hole and a drainage layer like coarse gravel at the bottom. A potting soil like Plantura Organic Flower Compost, mixed with up to 30 pine bark, is suitable for calla lilies, as it requires a coarse, organic substrate.

The peat-free organic potting soil contains quality compost, coconut and wood fibers, crushed expanded clay, clay minerals, lime and magnesium fertilisers, and a primarily organic fertiliser. This soil provides all essentials for long-term plant growth and beautiful blossoms.

What does an overwatered calla lily look like?

Mushiness in Calla Lilies can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and fungal diseases. Overwatering can cause leaves to be limp and moist, with brown or yellow tones and swollen. Poor drainage can cause the soil to feel soggy and the plant to appear drowning. Compacted soil or pots without adequate drainage holes can exacerbate the issue. Fungal diseases, such as root rot, can manifest as moldy smells, mushy bases, black spots on leaves, or gray, fuzzy growth.

What do you do when calla lilies have finished flowering?

Calla lilies require winter care after flowering, as their leaves turn yellow and die back. Cut them down, dig up the tubers, and dry them in a greenhouse or sunny windowsill. Wrap them in newspaper and store them in a cool, dark place. For indoor-grown calla lilies, remove brown leaves and keep them at a minimum temperature of 10ºC (50ºF). Water less frequently in winter. Visit us for summer color plants.

How do I bring my calla lily back to life?

Calla lilies, particularly those grown for Easter, can be kept dormant in a cool, dark place without water for a few months before resuming their blooming. They are water-loving plants, making them attractive to common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and Japanese beetles. These pests can be easily spotted and controlled using non-toxic methods like handpicking or spraying with water. Natural predators can also help keep pests in check.

Calla lilies can be propagated by divisions, using sharp garden shears to separate a rhizome from the plant’s root ball. After a week of cure, the cut should be planted in a well-draining soil mix. Propagating calla lilies can help maintain their health and attract beneficial insects and birds to the garden.

Why is my indoor calla lily dying?

Root rot in Calla lilies is a common issue due to overwatering or poor drainage, which can cause fungal infections like Phytophthora or Pythium. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, a mushy or smelly root system, and overall plant health decline. To prevent root rot, use a well-draining potting mix, water only when the top inch feels dry, and remove affected parts if found. Leaf spot diseases, such as Alternaria or bacterial soft rot, can result from fungal or bacterial infections.

What to do with indoor calla lily after flowering?

Zantedeschia, a plant known for its annual flowers, requires proper care and maintenance. After flowering, the foliage will begin to yellow and die off. To maintain the plant, prune it back above the soil line and place the potted rhizomes in a dark location with low humidity and temperatures around 10°C (50°F) for a couple of months. Water sparingly to prevent root or pythium rot. Once the foliage re-emerges in spring, weakly fertilize the plant using a ‘Houseplant’ labelled feed and increase the number of waters per week. Relocate the specimen in a bright location with little to no direct sunlight to acclimate to the new surroundings.

Root rot is a common issue with Zantedeschia, causing rapidly yellowing leaves, mouldy soil, stunted growth, and a rotten collapsed base. If the roots show a yellow tinge, the plant is healthy, but brown and mushy roots must be addressed immediately. If the plant develops basal collapse, it may be the end of its life. To manage root rot, remove the plant from the pot, prune away rotten areas, check the base for a softened profile, remove rotten plants, repot healthy specimens in fresh compost, provide a brighter location, and reduce watering slightly to avoid further rot.

Should I cut dead flowers off my calla lily?

To maintain optimal health and vigor in calla lily plants, it is essential to remove the stems after the blooms have faded. This should be done by pulling out the entire stem at the base. Additionally, regular deadheading is crucial to redirect the lilies’ energy towards flower production.

How do you keep calla lilies blooming all summer?

Calla lily flowers flourish in soil with adequate drainage, regular irrigation, and a range of light conditions, from partial shade to full sun. The Calla lily is a hardy plant, capable of surviving in USDA zones 8-10. However, in colder climates, it may require indoor storage to prevent frost damage.