How to Care For Calla Lilies and Ensure Their Vibrant Beauty
How to Care For Calla Lilies?
To care for calla lilies, it is important to grow them in pots of peat-free multi-purpose compost in a sunny frost-free spot indoors or outdoors.
Once the risk of frost has passed, they can be planted in the garden or in pots.
They should be planted 8-10 cm deep in compost and the soil should be improved with compost or soil conditioner.
Regular watering, but avoiding over-watering, is crucial.
Also, feed them every three to four weeks with a liquid fertilizer high in potash after flowering starts.
Remove dead and faded flower stems and leaves regularly.
In the winter, potted calla lilies should be brought indoors and kept in a cool, frost-free place.
Calla lilies growing in the ground should be dug up and the rhizomes stored in trays of just-moist compost.
In late winter, the rhizomes can be divided for propagation, and they should be repotted in moist compost to encourage growth.
Aphids can be a problem, especially for indoor plants, and can be treated with various methods.
Lastly, white calla lilies are hardier and suitable for outdoor growth in mild regions.
Key Points:
- Grow calla lilies in pots of peat-free multi-purpose compost in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors.
- After the risk of frost has passed, they can be planted in the garden or in pots.
- Plant 8-10 cm deep in compost and improve soil with compost or soil conditioner.
- Water regularly, avoiding over-watering.
- Feed every three to four weeks with a liquid fertilizer high in potash after flowering starts.
- Remove dead and faded flower stems and leaves regularly.
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Did You Know?
1. The calla lily is not actually a true lily. It belongs to the Araceae family, which also includes plants like philodendrons and peace lilies.
2. Calla lilies are highly toxic if ingested, as all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. It is important to keep them away from children and pets.
3. Calla lilies have a unique flowering mechanism called “thermogenesis.” They are able to generate heat, which helps attract pollinators such as beetles and flies by mimicking the warmth of a decaying animal.
4. In Greek mythology, the calla lily is associated with the story of Persephone, the queen of the underworld. It is said that when she was abducted by Hades, she accidentally stepped on a white lily causing it to turn from white to yellow, symbolizing her transition to the underworld.
5. Calla lilies have been used for various purposes throughout history. In ancient Rome, they were used to heal wounds, while in Victorian times, they symbolized elegance and sophistication and were often used in bridal bouquets. Today, they are a popular choice for wedding flowers, representing purity and devotion.
Flowering And Foliage Of Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are well-known for their unique trumpet-shaped blooms, which make them a delight to behold. These stunning flowers can be found in gardens and homes during the early to late summer. Standing tall on sturdy upright stems, calla lilies add elegance and vibrancy to any space. However, it’s important to note that the foliage of these plants is equally captivating. The wide and bright green leaves of calla lilies often feature charming white or silver speckles, further enhancing their overall allure.
Growing Calla Lilies Indoors And Outdoors
When it comes to growing calla lilies, you have the option of cultivating them indoors or outdoors, depending on your preferences and the climatic conditions in your region. These beautiful plants can be grown from rhizomes or as pot-grown specimens.
If you decide to grow calla lilies in pots, make sure to use peat-free multi-purpose compost and place them in a sunny, frost-free spot. Indoors, calla lilies should be kept in well-lit windowsills or conservatories. If you have a heated greenhouse, that would also provide the ideal environment for these plants.
Once the risk of frost has passed, you can transfer potted calla lilies to your garden or plant them directly in the ground. Whether in pots or in a border, ensure they receive adequate sunlight.
Planting And Watering Calla Lilies
When planting calla lilies, it’s important to follow these guidelines for successful growth:
- Planting in pots: Bury the rhizomes 8-10 cm deep in peat-free multi-purpose potting compost.
- Planting in the ground: Improve the soil by adding compost or soil conditioner to provide necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
- Watering: Ensure regular moisture for calla lilies, but avoid over-watering. Strike a balance between keeping the soil consistently damp and preventing waterlogging.
- Proper drainage: Essential to prevent root rot.
Remember to adhere to these guidelines to promote the healthy growth of calla lilies.
Care Tips For Calla Lilies After Flowering
After the enchanting flowering display of calla lilies, the care doesn’t end there. To ensure the longevity and vitality of your plants, it’s important to continue their care regime.
- Remove dead or faded flower stems and leaves regularly: This helps maintain the plant’s tidiness and prevents the spread of disease.
- Feed calla lilies every three to four weeks: Use a liquid fertilizer high in potash to boost their nutrient intake and support their overall health.
- Consistently water the plants: Continue watering until the leaves start to die back.
Remember to focus on the ongoing care of your calla lilies to ensure their health and beauty.
Storing And Propagating Calla Lilies
As winter approaches and the threat of frost looms, it is crucial to protect your calla lilies from the cold. If you have potted specimens, bring them indoors before the frosts arrive. Store them in their pots while they remain dormant. For calla lilies growing in the ground, it’s recommended to dig up the rhizomes and store them in trays with just-moist compost. Ensure the storage area is cool and frost-free during winter. Late winter is the perfect time to repot calla lilies in moist compost, encouraging new growth. This is also an opportune moment to divide the rhizomes for propagation, increasing your collection of these exquisite flowers.
Dealing With Aphids And Purchasing Calla Lilies Safely
Aphids can be a challenge when caring for calla lilies, especially indoors. These small insects damage plants by sucking sap from the foliage. Early detection is crucial, so regularly check for infestations. If you spot aphids, techniques like hand-squashing, spraying with water, or applying insecticidal soap can control them. When buying calla lilies, choose healthy specimens. Thoroughly examine plants for damage or disease. Reputable online retailers, like Thompson & Morgan, offer a wide selection of calla lilies ensuring high-quality plants for your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for potted calla lilies?
To care for potted calla lilies, it is essential to maintain the soil’s moisture level, ensuring it is moist but not overly saturated. Place the plant in an area where it can receive bright, indirect light, away from heating or air conditioning vents that could cause harm. Apply liquid fertilizer once a month during its flowering period to support healthy growth. When the plant enters dormancy in November, reduce watering and cut off the leaves at soil level once they have withered. By following these care instructions, you can enjoy thriving and beautiful potted calla lilies.
Do calla lilies prefer sun or shade?
Calla lilies, with their graceful beauty, can adapt to different sunlight conditions. While they thrive in full sun in cooler summer regions, they prefer partial shade in hot summer areas. These remarkable flowers flourish in organically rich and well-drained soils, needing consistent moisture to thrive while avoiding excessive watering to prevent root rot.
Are calla lilies indoor or outdoor plants?
While calla lilies thrive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8-10, they can also be grown indoors with proper care. Being rhizome plants instead of true lilies, calla lilies can adapt to various environments. Indoor gardening allows enthusiasts in colder zones to enjoy their beauty year-round, as they can be grown as perennials indoors. With their graceful and distinctive blooms, calla lilies can bring a touch of elegance both inside and outside the home.
Do calla lilies grow better in pots or in the ground?
Calla lilies thrive in both pots and in the ground, providing ample flexibility for cultivation. When planted in containers, they make excellent houseplants or additions to outdoor patios. Planting them just beneath the soil’s surface, with the rhizome eyes facing upward, is vital. While a loam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 2, is recommended for potted calla lilies, a good quality multi-purpose compost can also suffice to support their growth. Consequently, whether in pots or the ground, calla lilies have the potential to flourish and enhance any environment they adorn.