The elegant Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica and its colorful hybrids) is a popular choice for indoor decoration, known for its distinctive, trumpet-shaped bloom structure (spathe). The longevity of this plant indoors depends entirely on whether it is a severed stem in a vase or a live, potted specimen. Understanding the difference in care and life cycles is the primary factor in maximizing their time inside the home.
Lifespan Expectations: Cut Flowers vs. Potted Plants
The lifespan of a Calla Lily indoors varies significantly. A fresh-cut stem will typically maintain its beauty in a vase for about one to two weeks under ideal conditions. Some varieties, with meticulous care, may extend their vase life to nearly three weeks before the spathe declines.
Potted Calla Lilies offer a much longer period of enjoyment, though the flower itself has a limited window. The colorful spathe on a potted plant generally lasts for two to eight weeks, depending on the cultivar and environmental factors. The plant itself, grown from a rhizome or corm, is a perennial that can live for several years indoors with proper care and management of its natural dormancy cycle.
Extending the Life of Cut Calla Lilies
The primary goal for cut stems is to ensure continuous water uptake and minimize bacterial growth. To promote hydration, trim the bottom of the stem at a slight angle every two to three days, removing the sealed or blocked portion. This allows the stem to absorb water more efficiently.
Place the stems in fresh, lukewarm water mixed with commercial flower food to provide nutrients and inhibit microbial growth. Change the vase water completely whenever the stems are re-cut to prevent bacteria from clogging the plant’s vessels.
The bloom’s longevity is improved by placing the vase in a cool location, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafts. Keep cut Calla Lilies away from ripening fruit, which emits ethylene gas that accelerates flower decay.
Care for Potted Calla Lilies During Bloom
Maintaining a vibrant bloom phase requires a balance of light, moisture, and temperature. Potted Calla Lilies flourish best in a location that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day. While direct morning sun is tolerated, avoid intense, hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage and shorten the spathe’s life.
The plant prefers its soil to be consistently moist, but not waterlogged, which causes root and rhizome rot. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels slightly dry, ensuring the pot has adequate drainage.
During active growth and blooming, the plant benefits from a light feeding schedule. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly.
Ideal indoor temperatures for active growth are between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant should be kept away from sudden temperature fluctuations caused by vents or exterior doors.
Post-Bloom Care for Reblooming
Once the colorful spathe begins to fade, remove the spent flower stalk. This is best accomplished by pulling the stem sharply near the base or cutting it down to the soil line, which redirects the plant’s energy away from seed production. After blooming finishes, the potted Calla Lily requires a period of dormancy to store energy for the next season’s blooms.
To initiate dormancy, gradually reduce watering frequency and cease fertilization completely. The foliage will naturally begin to yellow and die back; cut the leaves off at the soil level when this occurs.
Move the pot containing the corm to a cool, dark, and dry location where the temperature stays above freezing, ideally below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, for two to three months. After this rest period, bring the corm back into a bright, warm location. Resume watering to signal the start of a new growth cycle and encourage reblooming.