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Calla Lilies

29 Comments on Calla Lilies»

1. Live in Texas and I dont know any thing about planting Bulbs. I just bought Calla Lilly bulbs and I dont know which way you are suppose to plant the bulbs. I dont want the roots to grow to the surface. And any other helpful hints about taking care of them would be great.

   Calla ( Zantedeschia)rhizome should be planted so the tip is just below the surface in well prepared soil. The rough,nubby side up. They are a summer blooming plant hardy in zone 7-10. They will not tolerate frost. Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist or wet environment.

   Comment by Kris — 9/19/2006 @ 5:47 am

2. I purchased Callas Lillies, but they are doing poorly. After bringing them home, they wilted, and although I have green folage, I have no lillies. What “Lillies” that do grow, are the same color as the follage. I live in New York. Pots are well drained. Help.

   It may need more sun to develop blossom color. In cooler climates full sun promotes a brighter bloom. Also, feed it with a balanced fertilizer every 2 wks when flowering. When it stops flowering feed it monthly. If your plant is starting to wane, it is possible that it is starting to go dormant. They bloom in spring and summer and start to slow down in the fall.

   Comment by Kris — 9/19/2006 @ 6:03 am

3. Would like some helpful information on care of purchased potted calla lilies. Thanks.

   A potted Calla lily will usually bloom for 4-6 weeks. They do well in bright light in the winter months and partial shade in the summer. They prefer temperatures of 70-85F in summer and 60-75F in the winter/spring. Cooler temperatures will help the plant and flowers last longer. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Wet soil can lead to a fungus rot that affects the roots and rhizome, that is why you need to allow the water to drain from the pot. During active growth and blooming, feed your Calla every 2-3 weeks with a well-balanced fertilizer. When the plant, stops blooming and the leaves start to yellow and die back, reduce watering and let the soil dry. Clip off all brown foliage and store the slightly moist pot in a cool (42-45F), shady spot for a resting period. In late winter/spring, replant the tuber in fresh, loose soil for spring/summer blooms.

   Comment by Teresa Leichty — 10/16/2006 @ 8:28 pm

4. Do I cut spent blooms from my calla lillies or let them dry on the plant. I want to encourage the best bloom next season. I live in Southern CA.

   Thanks, Lee

   Yes, remove the spent flowers. They will just drain energy from the plant.

   Comment by lee allen — 11/18/2006 @ 10:54 am

5. I live in California where we have been experiences a cold spell. All of our outdoor calla lily plants have lost there vigor and are wilted towards the ground. Several of the leaves are also browning. Shall I cut everything down and if so where do I cut?

   Allow the leaves turn brown and dieback, it will provide some nutrient back to the rhizomes. If they are soft and mushy remove from the plant.

   Comment by nichole — 1/14/2007 @ 11:11 am

6. I had a potted plant arrangement. There were three plants in a basket, a china plant, the calla lillies, and one that I dont know what it was but it dropped all its leaves one day. Anyhow, when I got the arrangement home, I separated all the plants into individual pots and have been watering once a week. No grow food or anything like that. I dont know my zone for growing. I am in the south west corner of Wyoming. We just had our first snow fall of the season this morning and the outside temp for the last week has seen highs around mid 50s and a lows in the 30s. If you could tell me my grow zone, Id appreciate it. We just bought a house and the property will need some serious gardening. I do not have the slightest idea of what will produce the best results. I would like color, but the weather is so up and down. Anyhow, thanks for your time.
   Donna

   Keep the calla lily in the pot and let it completely die back . Store it dry in the container over the winter . Plant the tubers (6 in) outside next spring. Callas are not hardy where temperatures fall below 10 to minus 12 degrees F. You are in zone 4 minus 30 to -20 degrees, there are some parts that fall into zone 5 but to be on the safe side stay with zone 4. You will have the winter to think and plan on what you would like to grow. Enjoy you new home!

   Comment by Donna — 3/19/2007 @ 1:58 pm

7. Every attempt I have made at growing calla lilies in our garden has resulted in foul smelling rotted bulbs. We live in the coastal south and they should do well here. I have tried different locations, amended the soil, and reduced watering but to no avail. What am I doing wrong? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

   Calla lily are susceptible to several “rotting” diseases, bacterial soft rot, crown rot, root rot (Phytophthora richardiae) and storage rot (Pythium ultimim). The tubers may be infected when you buy them. Some suppliers treat them with a fungicide before shipping them out. Keep in mind that white callas and colored callas have slightly different growing requirements.

   Comment by Sarah — 4/16/2007 @ 8:43 am

8. how to plant calla lilly seeds

   Push the seeds into well-drained soil 1/4″-1/2″ deep and 1/2″ apart. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 70-80 degrees. Germination can take 30-90 days. Transplant seedlings when after they have developed 2-3 leaves.

   Comment by sandra allen — 4/30/2007 @ 10:13 am

9. I have calla lilies planted in a pot that gets great sun. I keep them moist and I will admit since there has been some rain in our area they have been really wet for only a couple of days. Even before we got the rain my leaves were turning yellow and the bottoms of the stalks really mushy. I would be able to pull them out of the pot with little effort and the ends were rotting and mushy. I have pics if you want to see. This is only happening in one pot. Can you tell me what is wrong? I have two pots and the other is producing great leaves and only 2 flowers. I got the flowers 2weeks ago and there are about 15 stalks left to bloom. Is this a fungus? is it a slug? Or could it be too wet? I can drill more holes in the pot. What about miracle grow? Is that a fertilizer? If not then what kind should I get and when should I use it? Thank you for your time.

   Most likely the one calla lily is suffering from a fungal disease due to too much water. They should be kept moist but not wet. It probably will not survive. Miracle grow is an all-purpose fertilizer that can be used on the callas as well as any other well balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Use it every 2 wks during the growing season and follow manufacturer’s recommendation on the dosage. Later in the season when the foliage starts to turn yellow reduce watering and let the plant dry out. Store the tubers at 45F and replant next spring.

   Comment by Tamela Hill — 6/19/2007 @ 5:36 am

10. I purchased two potted White Callas this spring. I live in Oregon. They have been moved to my flowerbed with morning sun. The leaves are turning yellow and the blossoms are gone. I have not trimmed anything yet, nor fertilized. The tag said to keep them well watered. The plants have lost that “lots of leaves, large blossoms, healthy, right from the nursery look” any suggestions would be wonderful. Thx

    Calla lilies can bloom for 4-6 weeks. Your plants were forced in a container and may be done blooming. They may be ready to go dormant. Let the foliage die back and remove when they are brown. If new growth emerges between the yellowing leaves then feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer and maybe you’ll get a new growth spurt. If no growth occurs cut off all yellowing leaves and allow them to go dormant. Callas are hardy in zone 9–10 any colder climate will require that they be dug up and stored @ 42-45F during the winter. They can be replanted in the spring.

    Comment by Lissa K — 6/20/2007 @ 8:43 am

11. I have had my Calla Lilies planted in ground for about a year now and have not experienced any problem until now. The leaves are turning yellow, some of the stems seem to be weak, and the strangest thing is that each flower is producing 2-3 short and fat yellow spikes. The flowers aren’t giving off any horrible smell - what could be the problem? Thanks for your input.

    This has been a baffling question. It is difficult to say what is going on without seeing it but here are some theories from two different expert sources. 1. There may be some sort of pest eating the rhizome or roots. Your callas may have inadvertently been exposed to herbicide drift or indirect application(weed & feed the grass) causing the short fat yellow spikes. If so water to dilute the chemical and eventually it will recover. Also if its been a wet season, all that water could be causing a root rot or the plant lost a lot of nutrients and needs fertilizer to strenghten the stems. 2. The other possibility is: after several years in the same location, they can develop a virus that cannot be easily cured. A lot to think about.

    Comment by Eileen G — 6/28/2007 @ 9:40 pm

12. Calla Lilies. Should the “seed pods” that accumulate in the bloom be dried or can they be planted immediately ?

    When the seed pod matures, it should turn yellow and become soft and mushy. This can take several months. They are usually ready in the fall. If you pick it before it matures the seeds will not be viable. You can remove the seeds by pinching or squishing each berry between your fingers which can hold 1-5 sticky seeds. At this point you can either plant the seeds in moistened potting soil or store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to plant. Another way is to let the whole “seed pod” dry until it turns a orange, gold or light green color. Clean off the fleshy coating and take out the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place (frig) until you are ready to plant.

    Comment by bill & joyce haworth — 7/10/2007 @ 10:33 am

13. My callas lily plant produces foliage, but for two years no blooms. I live in northern New Jersey and grow it indoors in a north window. This year it produced one bloom which started out white and then turned dark green with purple edges. The bloom and foliage grew too high and the bloom is drooped over. I cut it back every fall and let it rest. I have not repotted the plant since I received it (2 years). What can I do to encourage multiple new blooms and healthy growth? Why is my plant growing so high? Thank you so much.

    Being in a north window, your calla probably doesn’t get enough light producing a leggy weak stem. You don’t mention fertilizer. If they have been in the same soil for 2 years chances are the tubers are worn out and nutrients need to be replenished. Do you let the foliage die back before you cut it back? If not, this is an important procedure because the leaves replenish the tuber with nutrients. Next year after dormancy, repot in fresh soil which will initially supply new nutrients and when the leaves open then start feeding with an balanced fertilizer every 2 wks.

    Comment by Danae — 8/13/2007 @ 6:40 am

14. I have read all the calla lilly Q’s & A’s and if fertilization is not the answer, I still don’t have it. My plants have been in the ground for approx. 3 years. The blossoms are prolific, but green, with seed pods too heavy for the stalks, thus droopy. I have babies coming up everywhere, but no beautiful color. Please give a specific answer for Shelbyville, TN growing zone (Middle TN), and preferable fertilizer to rejuvinate the splendid colors I miss so much! Thank you!

    It sounds like your calla lilies may need more sun. In warmer climates they should be grown in part shade but your lilies may not be getting enough sun to enhance flower color. Warm temperatures and low light can cause elongated stems. Try feeding them with a 5-10-10 or 5-10-5 every other week during the active growing season-starting in spring or balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 once a month.

    Comment by Peggy Hartline — 8/19/2007 @ 9:17 am

15. I HAVE A CALLA lILLY THAT IS DOING VERY GOOD and is in a small pot. I received this Mother’s Day and looks as good as when I got it but was wondering if I should divide it into other pots. It is still blooming. I feed it and keep it moist.

    If you must transplant it to a larger container, do it very carefully without disturbing the roots. I would not recommend dividing it at this time. Wait till it is done blooming and the leaves die back - then you can divide. Leave well enough alone. Enjoy your plant, they usually don’t bloom that long.

    Comment by Ruth Martin — 9/8/2007 @ 9:28 am

16. I got a calla lilies for mother’s day kept it in a shaded area in its pot that it came in, for two months then I moved and I planted it in the ground were it gets more sun. The leaves started turning yellow before I moved, I figured because it wasn’t getting enough sun, but now it has been 2 months since it has been in the ground and although it has grown a couple of new leaves they quickly turn yellow. It bloomed 1 flower when I first got it but nothing since I have tried fertilizer but that doesnt seem to help. Any idea what the problem could be?

    It may be done growing for the season and needs to go dormant (resting stage) for the season. When the plant, stops blooming and the leaves start to yellow and die back, reduce watering and let the soil dry. Clip off all brown foliage and store the slightly moist pot in a cool (42-45F), shady spot for a resting period. In late winter/spring, replant the tuber in fresh, loose soil for spring/summer blooms

    Comment by vanessa — 9/22/2007 @ 3:23 pm

17. hi there my friend got a calla lilly as a gift and she intended to keep it as a house plant ? is this possible or will it still die back over the winter and need to be stored
    cheers dave in scotland
    ps keep up the good work very helpfull reading

    Hi Dave,
    Calla lily can be grown as a houseplant and enjoyed for several weeks but once its starts to slow down and stop blooming, it will need a “resting stage” to replenish itself for the next blooming season.

    Comment by dave barclay — 9/28/2007 @ 11:35 am

18. I have purchased three calla lily bulbs, and I’d like to grow them as a houseplant. However I haven’t found any information on what size pot to plant them in. Can you advise me?

    I would plant all three bulbs in a 6 inch pot or larger up to 12 inches. Plant the rhizomes 3 inches deep in premoistened pottimg soil mix. Keep it evenly moist in a warm room.

    Comment by Sasha — 10/23/2007 @ 3:29 pm

19. I live in south Florida and I just bought 3 yellow calla lillies in pots. What is the best care for them? Should I keep them in pots or plant them in the ground? What do you mean by “resting"? Do all of the leaves die and then all I have is a bare pot?

    Enjoy them in their containers indoors in a bright filtered light and plant them outdoors whenever you want in zone 9-10. Plant them in rich moist soil in semi shaded area. The resting (dormant)period comes when the plant stops blooming and starts to slow down producing less leaves and yellowing leaving until most leaves die back. In this process they are replacing nutrients back to the rhizomes for next seasons growth. In Florida it may happen when the weather gets too hot, they will die back and “rest” for a few months and then come back when its cooler.

    Comment by karin — 12/27/2007 @ 8:00 pm

20. I received a lovely potted calla lily for valentines day and there a few large flowers, and several little ones coming up. the large ones are drooping now (are they spent) and some (only a small portion) of the leaves are good one day and then completely drooped and falling off the next, all of them from near where the plant comes up out of the soil and these specifically look a little damaged, i gave my plant a little more water and put it in more sun this morning was that right? should i remove the dying leaves and cut out the large drooping flowers???

    Hi Shannon
    Calla lilies like bright indirect light and cool temperatures(60-75) to continue blooming. Watch the watering. Allow the plant to dry out slightly between watering and then water thoroughly letting the water drain out from the bottom. If it came in a foil cover, remove it to drain out the water. If it sits in water or has been overwatered, it can develop a fungal disease or root rot which will kill the plant. You can remove the dying leaves and spent flowers.

    Comment by Shannon — 2/18/2008 @ 11:20 am

21. Brigitte 2007-8-8
    I have colored Calla Lilies I can’t get any Flowers, but Leaves. Thanks Kris

    Hi Brigitte
    Hybrid callas need full sun to partial shade. Especially morning sun with some afternoon shade. Their soil should be moist but not wet. Another reason for no blooms is poor quality bulbs. If they are getting enough sun, try feeding them with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.

    Comment by brigitte — 2/21/2008 @ 2:58 pm

22. I purchased a Calla Lily plant in bloom 2 weeks ago. It is a deep colored smaller variety and was grown here in Florida. It has produced several more bloom spikes indoors. Some of the older ones seemed to be drooping. I only have low level light inside so decided to place it on my front porch where it would get 2 hours of early morning sun. All the flower spikes (new and old) tightened up almost like a pencil I can barely see any color at all. The new spikes have not formed color yet. I brought it back inside where it has been for 2 days but the stamens have not re-opened.
    I’m baffled,
    Maureen

    Hi Maureen

    Your Callas need more light. They bloom best in bright indirect light which is more than 2 hrs. (closer to 6 hrs.) It will still form flowers but not the color you want. Give it more light and feed it every other week with a 5-10-10 fertilizer.

    Comment by Maureen — 2/27/2008 @ 5:04 am

23. I live in Georgia I purchased 3 potted Lavender Calla Lilies from
    the wholesale green house in Atlanta this weekend. They are blooming and are very hardy, can I plant these in a planter in doors? If so what kind and where should I place them and how should I water and feed them? Also what should I expect after they quit blooming and what do I need to do and can I keep them in the house year round as a house plant?

    A potted Calla lily will usually bloom for 6-8 weeks. Indoors they prefer bright indirect light in the winter months and partial shade in the summer with temperatures of 60-75F in the winter/spring. Cooler temperatures will help the plant and flowers last longer. Keep the sandy, well-drained soil evenly moist but not soggy. Soggy soil can lead to a fungus rot that affects the roots and rhizomes. During active growth and blooming, feed your Calla every 2-3 weeks with a well-balanced fertilizer. Colored callas are planted in the spring and bloom in summer then go dormant in the fall. When the plant stops blooming continue to feed & water it until the leaves start to yellow and die back, then reduce watering and let the soil dry. Clip off all brown foliage and store the slightly moist pot in a cool (42-45F), dry place for a resting period of 10 wks or more. This period is important for tuber renewal. They can be stored as long as 8-10 months. In late winter/spring, replant the tuber in fresh, loose soil for spring/summer blooms.

    Comment by maurica massey — 3/2/2008 @ 11:58 am

24. I have just purchased some calla lily bulbs and need to know if I plant them in the ground this spring, do I need to dig them up in the fall. I live in Zone 7, in Southern DE.
    Thanks!

    Are they the large white callas or the smaller colored ones? The large white ones can be marginally hardy up to zone 7 but most are hardy zone 8 and 9. So you would have to dig yours up.

    Comment by Judy Maness — 3/3/2008 @ 6:41 am

25. My calla lily bulbs are sprouting and it’s still too cold to put them outside. I have too many for pots. What do I do?

    If you can’t plant them in pots, put them in a large container/box filled with slightly damp peat moss/perlite -just enough to keep them from drying out. Place the sprouts upright so they don’t get injured. Keep the container in the coolest place (basement, cellar, garage) you have and away from light. Cool temps will slow your calla bulbs down until you are ready to plant. Wait until the danger of frost has passed in your area before you plant them outdoors.

    Comment by Jean Seiffert — 3/17/2008 @ 5:28 am

26. My Calla Lily is sprouting new shoots but when the leaf sprouts it turns brown and dies off. What do I need to do? What I am doing wrong with this plant?

    Is it possible that you are keeping it too wet? The bulb can send out a shoot but there is no root system to support the new growth, if there is root damage.

    Comment by Patricia Sanders — 4/7/2008 @ 1:27 pm

27. I live in Ct. # years ago purchased Calla Lillies for container. they bloomed that year. In the fall I removed them from the soil and stored as recomemded. The next year only 2-3 bloomed out of 15. The next year I repeated the proses and only 2-3 again bloomed. The bulbs look heathly enough. Question is what am I doing wrong for so few blooms. Thank you Amalia

    Hi Amalia
    Post flowering is the most important time for Calla lilies to build up energy for the next season’s bloom. They need to continue to produce leaves and be allowed to die back. They also need to be fed with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer during that time. Other factors that cause lack of flowers is not enough light, too much water-overwatering can rot the bulb and finally “worn out” bulbs. As with most bulbs, when grown in a container much energy is used to produce flowers and if there is not enough bulb restoration it will only produce what it can-leaves.

    Comment by amalia valko — 4/20/2008 @ 12:46 pm

28. I bought a potted Calla Lily plant at a local farmer’s market. I was told it would work in my no window, flourescant light office… but 2 weeks later the leaves are turning yellow and oozing a clear chemical that smells like cleaning alcohol. There are two flowers on the plant that seem to be flourishing, but the smell is giving me a headache and leaving clear liquid on my desk. HELP! What am I doing wrong?

    Comment by Jessie — 5/6/2008 @ 9:26 am

29. I live in southern California and have 6 large established calla lillies. They are in a semi shade location with good drainage. They’ve bloomed and while blooming began to flop over so that the entire plants are flat on the ground. My neighbor has a garden full of calla lillies that are standing tall but they are in a sunnier location. Could that be the problem?

    Hi Eileen
    A sunnier location will make a difference. If a plant doesn’t get enough of its required light then it develops weak, elongated stem that tend to flop over. Another factor is too much nitrogen will produce weak elongated stems and leaves. Also, you mentioned good drainage, -could the soil be drying out too much?

    Comment by Eileen — 5/11/2008 @ 1:38 pm

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