how to care for calla

With their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and statuesque stems, calla lilies bring a touch of sophisticated beauty to any garden or home. These graceful plants, which aren’t true lilies at all, might seem a bit delicate, but they are surprisingly resilient with the right attention. Whether you’re nurturing a potted calla on your patio or a bed of them in your garden, knowing the fundamentals of how to care for calla plants is the key to enjoying their stunning display season after season.

The Perfect Environment for Your Calla

Calla lilies thrive in a sweet spot of conditions. They adore bright, indirect light. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal, protecting their lush foliage from getting scorched. When it comes to soil, they are not too fussy but insist on excellent drainage. A well-draining potting mix prevents their rhizomes from sitting in water, which can lead to rot. Keeping the soil consistently moist, but never soggy, is the golden rule for happy, hydrated plants.

A Simple Guide on How to Care for Calla Lilies

Feeding your calla lily helps support its magnificent blooms. During its active growing and flowering period, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every couple of weeks will work wonders. After the vibrant flowers begin to fade, you can deadhead them by snipping off the spent bloom at the base of the stem. This encourages the plant to put its energy back into the foliage and rhizome rather than producing seeds.

Handling the Dormant Period

One of the most unique aspects of calla lily care is their need for a rest period. In the fall, after the foliage has yellowed and died back, it’s time to let them sleep. For gardeners in colder climates, this means carefully digging up the rhizomes, letting them dry for a few days, and storing them in a cool, dark place in peat moss or a paper bag until spring. Potted callas can simply be moved to a cool, dark location and left dry until you’re ready to wake them up again with fresh soil and water.

By providing the right light, consistent moisture, and respecting their natural cycle of growth and rest, your calla lilies will reward you with their breathtaking elegance year after year. A little thoughtful care goes a long way in keeping these stunning plants healthy and vibrant.