Calla lillies are stunning flowers that you can grow indoors and outdoors. Calla lilies, scientifically known as Zantedeschia, belong to the Araceae family and are native to Africa. These elegant flowers are known for their trumpet-shaped blooms that increase the beauty of every space. They come in various colours, ranging from classic white to vibrant shades of pink, yellow, and purple.calla lilies are not true lilies; they belong to a different botanical genus altogether and is commonly used in weddings and other special occasions.
They also hold various symbolic meanings in different cultures across the world. In some traditions, they represent purity and faithfulness, while in others, they symbolize resurrection and rebirth. Consider placing them near windows indoors. Alternatively, outdoors, calla lilies can be planted in garden beds or even as a striking border plant along pathways.
Is Calla Lily Toxic?
Calla lilies are toxic and should be handled with caution, especially around children and pets like cats and dogs. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested or touched. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. It’s important to keep calla lilies out of reach of curious hands and mouths to prevent any potential harm.
How and When to Plant Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are typically grown from rhizomes, which you can purchase from a nursery or garden centres. Before planting, soak the bulbs in water for a few hours to help them rehydrate and promote better growth. If you are growing calla lillies in the ground, plant calla lilies in a slightly shaded area to protect their vibrant blooms from intense heat and sun exposure.
These delicate flowers should be planted in the spring, after the last frost has passed.Dig a hole about 4-5 inches deep and space each rhizomes at least 8-12 inches apart to give them room to grow and thrive.Ensure that the pointed tips of the rhizomes, also known as the eyes, are facing upwards when planting.
Calla Lily Care
They are easy to grow and look after once established. They do not demand much attention.
Sunlight for Calla lillies
To thrive indoors during warmer months, calla lilies require abundant sunlight but with a bit of caution. While they do enjoy the sun, direct exposure for prolonged periods can scorch their delicate leaves. It is best to place them near a window that receives filtered sunlight or indirect light for most of the day. Consider rotating the plant occasionally to ensure even growth and prevent any parts from becoming leggy due to uneven light exposure.
In the winter months, calla lilies require a significant amount of sunlight to thrive outdoors. These beautiful flowers prefer at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to ensure healthy growth.
Soil for Calla lillies
These plants prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5. Make sure the soil is loose and loamy, allowing for proper aeration and root development.When planting calla lilies, mix in organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility Avoid heavy clay soils that can hold excess water and lead to root rot.
Watering Calla lillies
These plants thrive in consistently moist soil but do not like standing in water. To strike the perfect balance, water calla lilies deeply once or twice a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. These plants prefer lukewarm or room temperature water, rather than cold water straight from the tap.
Temperature and Humidity
Calla lilies thrive in temperatures ranging from 60-75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night.period. Excessive heat can cause the plants to wilt, while cold temperatures can stunt their growth.They are native to marshy areas with high moisture levels, high humidity levels of around 60-70% are ideal for Calla lilies, especially during their active growing period. Too much humidity can lead to mold or fungal growth on the leaves, while too little can cause dehydration and browning tips. Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent mould and mildew growth due to high humidity levels.
Fertilizer Needs for Calla Lilies
Choosing the right fertilizer is crucial for them. These plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, applied every 3-4 weeks during their active growing season. Organic fertilizers like compost or manure can also be beneficial for calla lilies.
One key consideration when fertilizing calla lilies is to avoid overfeeding them. Excessive application of fertilizer can lead to nutrient imbalances in the soil and may cause harm to the plants. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the fertilizer package and adjust based on the specific needs of your calla lilies.
Potting and Reporting
These elegant plants should be repotted in early spring, just as they begin to show signs of new growth. Look out for crowded or protruding roots as these are indications that your calla lily may be root-bound and in need of a larger home. Root-bound plants can struggle to absorb water and nutrients effectively, leading to stunted growth and unhappy foliage.
Terracotta pots are ideal for calla lilies due to their porous nature.When repotting your calla lily into a terracotta pot, make sure the new container has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Overwintering Calla Lilies
First, it’s crucial to wait until the first frost blackens the leaves before digging up your calla lilies. This signals that the plant is ready for dormancy and storing its energy in the rhizomes. Carefully dig up the rhizomes, ensuring you don’t damage them in the process. Trim off any foliage and let them dry for a day or two.
Next,place the rhizomes in a box filled with peat moss or vermiculite to protect them from moisture during storage. Store them in a cool,dark place with good ventilation to prevent rotting. Check on them periodically throughout winter to ensure they are not drying out or becoming too moist. Come spring time, around March or April, you can start calla lilies planting again.
Calla Lillies Types
Calla lilies come in various types that showcase a diverse range of colors and sizes. The most common type is the classic white calla lily.However, there are also vibrant colored varieties such as the pink calla lily or the deep purple ones that add a touch of boldness to floral arrangements.One unique type is the black calla lily, which isn’t actually black but a deep plum color.There are mini calla lilies with smaller blooms perfect for boutonnieres or delicate floral designs.
Calla Lillies propagation
Calla lilies propagation by division is a common method used by many gardeners to expand their plant collection.calla lilies are best divided during their dormancy period in late winter or early spring. start by gently digging up the clump of calla lilies from the soil. Carefully separate the rhizomes, making sure each section has healthy roots and shoots. Trim any damaged or rotting parts before replanting them in a well-draining soil mix.Water thoroughly after planting to help them establish roots quickly.
How to Grow Calla Lilies from Seeds
Calla lily seeds are typically round or oval in shape and vary in size depending on the species.You can grow them from seeds, although it is not a commonly used method due to the time and effort involved.It takes at least 2 to 3 years to full maturity.
If you want to grow calla lilies from seeds, start by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and encourage germination. Then, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and keep them consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cover the pots or tray with plastic wrap to create a humid environment that aids in germination.
Place the containers in a warm area with indirect sunlight.Once the seedlings have sprouted, transplant them into individual pots to allow for proper growth and development. Keep them well-watered and gradually introduce them to more sunlight as they mature.
Common Pets and Plant Diseases
When it comes to common calla lilies, pets, and diseases, gardeners often find themselves facing a variety of challenges.The common pets that can cause special damage to these plants are spider mites, slugs and aphids. These slimy pests are particularly fond of munching on tender young foliage, leaving behind unsightly holes and damage. To protect calla lilies from these hungry intruders, creating physical barriers, or using organic pest control methods like beer traps can be effective solutions.
The common disease that can affect this plant is botrytis. Botrytis, also known as grey mould, is a fungal disease that thrives in cool and humid conditions. It typically presents itself as grayish-brown lesions on the leaves and flowers of calla lilies. This disease can quickly spread throughout a plant if not addressed promptly.To combat this disease, it is crucial to ensure proper sanitation.