Calla lilies (Zantedeschia species and hybrids) are an excellent choice for container gardening, offering elegant foliage and unique, funnel-shaped blooms. Growing these plants in pots is often preferred, especially in cooler climates where their tender rhizomes cannot survive a cold winter outdoors. Container growing allows for easy mobility, protecting the plant from frost or managing environmental needs. Using containers also prevents the common white variety, Zantedeschia aethiopica, from potentially becoming invasive in suitable climates.
Selecting the Right Container and Soil Mix
The initial setup requires choosing a container with functional drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A minimum diameter of 10 to 12 inches is recommended for a single rhizome, while a 16-inch pot can comfortably hold three. Terracotta pots are a good option because their porous nature allows excess moisture to evaporate, promoting a healthier root environment.
Calla lilies require a soil medium that is both moisture-retentive and fast-draining to avoid root rot. Use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix instead of heavy garden soil, which compacts easily in containers. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, and amendments like perlite or coarse sand ensures necessary aeration and drainage while providing a rich environment. When planting, place the rhizomes with the growing tips facing upward, covered with one to two inches of potting mix.
Daily Requirements for Thriving Growth
Calla lilies thrive best when placed in a location that receives ample light, though specific needs vary based on climate. In cooler regions, full sun is generally tolerated. In hotter areas, the plant benefits from a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. For indoor growing, a location near a sunny window that provides at least six hours of bright, indirect light is ideal for encouraging blooming.
Proper water management is the most demanding aspect of calla lily care, as the plants require consistently moist soil during active growth. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely, nor should it be saturated or soggy, which leads to rhizome rot. A deep, thorough watering is best applied when the top inch or two of the potting mix feels dry to the touch.
During the spring and summer growing season, potted calla lilies benefit from regular feeding because nutrients leach out of containers more quickly than in the ground. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 formula, every three to four weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production. Fertilization should cease entirely once the blooming period has finished, typically in early fall, to prepare the plant for dormancy.
Preparing Potted Calla Lilies for Winter
A period of dormancy is a natural part of the calla lily’s life cycle, especially for colorful hybrid varieties. The transition is signaled by the foliage yellowing and dying back as temperatures cool in the fall. Once this process begins, watering should be gradually reduced and eventually stopped.
After the foliage has withered and died back, cut away the dead leaves. The pot can then be moved to a cool, dark, and dry location for winter storage. The ideal storage temperature is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit; lower temperatures can cause the rhizomes to freeze, and higher temperatures may cause premature sprouting. The rhizomes can be left in the pot without watering for two to three months, or they can be carefully lifted, cleaned, and stored in a medium like peat moss. Check the rhizomes monthly during storage, discarding any that show signs of becoming soft or mushy to prevent rot.