Is Fertilization Necessary For Calla Lilies?

Calla lilies are known for their stunning and elegant blooms, but they can get waist high and need plenty of water and a high phosphorus fertilizer. Fertilizing calla lilies at the right times ensures they grow healthily and produce beautiful blooms. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is recommended for optimal growth, with monthly application during growth season and reduced in fall/winter dormancy. Over-fertilization harms blooms, while underfeeding is safer.

Propagation of calla lilies involves using sharp garden shears to separate a rhizome from the plant’s root ball. For indoor plants, feed them every month in the spring and summer with an all-purpose fertilizer for indoor plants, diluting the fertilizer to half the recommended strength and applying it to damp soil. Calla lilies prefer slightly acidic soil, so gardeners should aim for between 5.6 to 6.5 pH. To maintain their health, provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks until the flowers have faded, then remove the flower stems after the blooms have faded.

Overwintered Calla Lilies or those grown indoors still need monthly fertilization. When it comes to fertilizing Calla lilies, a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is ideal. Rhizomes planted in the garden should be fed an organic fertilizer such as bone meal rich in phosphorus, calcium, and a trace of nitrogen.

In spring, feed calla lilies fortnightly with a high-nitrogen feed, then switch to a high-potash feed like tomato feed. Apply a liquid fertilizer, such as Plantura Liquid Houseplant Food, with watering every one to two weeks. In the spring, apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer or our All-Bloom Fertilizer monthly while the Calla Lily grows and blooms.

Do calla lilies like a lot of water?

Calla lilies require a warm, moist environment between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity and moisture. They thrive in humid summers, and dormant plants in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To overwinter, dig up rhizomes before temperatures drop below freezing in the fall. Feed calla lilies upon planting and every spring to promote flowering. Most well-balanced fertilizers work, but avoid choosing a blend with too much nitrogen, as it can reduce the plant’s flowering. It is essential to avoid overwatering calla lilies, as they will dry out sooner than ground plantings. Fertilizer should be chosen carefully to avoid reducing the plant’s flowering.

Do calla lilies like coffee grounds?

Calla lily bulbs require a 20-20-20 fertilizer before planting, reapplying every two weeks for 8 weeks after planting. If the leaves have dark tips, reduce the fertilizer. Coffee grounds can be added between rounds to encourage growth. When planting Canna lily rhizomes, add 12-4-8 fertilizer to the soil, mixing it into the soil before adding plants. Fertilize once a month starting one month after planting, and 5-10-5 fertilizer until late summer for tender new growth.

Caladiums don’t require special growing fertilizer, but should be fertilized every four to six weeks throughout the growing season with 5-10-10 fertilizer. To prevent burning, avoid placing fertilizer on the leaves of the caladiums.

Do calla lilies grow better in pots or in the ground?

Calla lilies are suitable for houseplants, patios, or seasonal outdoor bedding displays. They should be planted under the soil surface with the rhizome’s eyes facing upwards. A loam-based compost like John Innes No. 2 or a good multi-purpose compost is suitable for pot planting. Plant one rhizome to an 8″ pot or three to a 16″ pot. Cover the pots with decorative stones if desired. Water freely during the summer months and feed with a fertilizer every two weeks.

Caring for calla lilies involves lifting them before frosts and storing them in trays of compost in a cool, dark, frost-free location. Do not overwater and ensure that the rhizomes are covered with decorative stones if desired. In most areas, the foliage will be affected by frost and slightly blackened.

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.

How often should calla lilies be watered?

To ensure the health and longevity of your Calla Lily, choose a location with diffused light and a humidifier. Water your plant once or twice a week, depending on the environment, and ensure adequate drainage to mitigate risks like root rot. Calla Lilies have a bloom window of 3-8 weeks, and after this, their leaves will naturally turn yellow, signaling their dormancy phase. Minimize watering and prune yellowing leaves during this period.

If you have a green thumb for outdoor gardening, consider relocating your Calla Lily to a sheltered spot near buildings in USDA zones 8-10 or below for better survivability. This plant thrives as a perennial in USDA zones 8-10.

How often should you water a calla lily?

To ensure the health and longevity of your Calla Lily, choose a location with diffused light and a humidifier. Water your plant once or twice a week, depending on the environment, and ensure adequate drainage to mitigate risks like root rot. Calla Lilies have a bloom window of 3-8 weeks, and after this, their leaves will naturally turn yellow, signaling their dormancy phase. Minimize watering and prune yellowing leaves during this period.

If you have a green thumb for outdoor gardening, consider relocating your Calla Lily to a sheltered spot near buildings in USDA zones 8-10 or below for better survivability. This plant thrives as a perennial in USDA zones 8-10.

What is the best fertilizer for Calla Lily?

For Calla lilies, a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. A 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio is ideal for foliage growth, root development, and flower production. Apply the fertilizer before planting or sprinkle it around the base of established plants. Organic options like compost or well-rotted manure can also improve soil structure and promote plant health. Water Calla lilies thoroughly after fertilization to ensure nutrients reach the roots effectively. Avoid over-fertilization to avoid excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.

How do you perk up calla lilies?

Drooping calla lilies can be fixed by giving them a drink and allowing them to perk up in a day or two. Callas grow from bulbs that need to be planted in well-drained soil and potted in an unglazed pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate. If the bulb begins to rot, discard it and start over. Fungal diseases like Anthracnose and root rot can cause calla lily flower droop, which can stem from soft rot in the soil. The best cure is to replace the soil or start over with a resistant plant.

Additionally, calla lilies cannot tolerate freezing weather, and even a quick frost can affect their leaves and blooms. To fix this, cut back the spent foliage in fall, move the bulb indoors for winter, let it dry on the counter, and wrap it in sphagnum moss or newspaper in a mesh bag. Store the bulb in a dry, non-freezing area.

Do calla lilies like full sun?

Calla lilies flourish in environments with ample sunlight or partial shade, exhibiting a preference for cooler summer temperatures and partial shade during periods of elevated heat. Calla lilies flourish in soil that is rich in organic matter, moist, and well-drained. To ensure optimal growth, it is essential to maintain consistent moisture levels while avoiding overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Do calla lilies like sun or shade?

Calla lilies flourish in environments with ample sunlight or partial shade, exhibiting a preference for cooler summer temperatures and partial shade during periods of elevated heat. Calla lilies flourish in soil that is rich in organic matter, moist, and well-drained. To ensure optimal growth, it is essential to maintain consistent moisture levels while avoiding overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.