The elegant Calla Lily, scientifically known as Zantedeschia, is a popular flower used in gardens and floral arrangements. Its striking, trumpet-shaped structure is often mistaken for a single large petal, but it is actually a modified leaf called a spathe. The spathe wraps around a fleshy, spike-like structure known as the spadix, which holds the plant’s true, minute flowers. This unique inflorescence structure contributes to the flower’s sophisticated appearance.
The Longevity of a Single Calla Bloom
The duration of a single Calla Lily spathe is significantly influenced by whether it remains attached to the plant or is harvested as a cut flower. When growing on the plant, a single bloom typically lasts between three and twelve weeks, depending on the specific variety and environmental conditions. This extended lifespan makes the Calla Lily a favored choice for container gardening and landscape beds, providing sustained visual interest. The total flowering season for a mature plant extends much longer than a single spathe’s life, as the rhizome produces multiple blooms in succession. In contrast, a cut Calla Lily stem will retain its beauty for one to two weeks with proper care.
Environmental Factors That Extend Bloom Life
To maximize the display period of a Calla Lily spathe, managing its immediate environment is necessary. The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and cooler conditions within this range tend to slow the aging process of the bloom. Placing a potted plant or a vase away from heat sources and drafts will help prolong the spathe’s firmness and color.
Light exposure is also a factor, as Calla Lilies prefer full sun in cooler climates but benefit from partial shade during the intense heat of the day in warmer regions. Avoiding harsh, direct midday sun prevents the spathe from scorching or fading prematurely. Consistency in watering is important for a blooming plant, requiring the soil to remain consistently moist without becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root issues.
For cut flowers, immediate action upon harvest ensures maximum vase life. Stems should be trimmed at an angle before being placed in water to maximize the surface area for uptake. The water in the vase must be changed every two to three days to keep it fresh and free of bacteria, which can clog the stem’s vascular system and shorten the bloom’s life. Providing the cut stems with a fresh flower food solution also helps sustain the bloom by supplying necessary nutrients.
Post-Bloom Care and Reblooming
Once a Calla Lily spathe begins to fade and wilt, it is time to remove it from the plant, a process known as deadheading. Removing the spent spathe by cutting the stem at its base redirects the plant’s energy away from seed production. This practice is crucial for encouraging the plant to produce subsequent blooms during the current growing season.
After the flowering cycle is completely finished, continue watering and caring for the plant’s remaining green foliage. These leaves are actively photosynthesizing and creating the energy reserves that are stored in the underground rhizome. This stored energy fuels the plant’s growth and the production of blooms for the following year.
The plant signals the start of its necessary dormancy period when the foliage naturally turns yellow and begins to die back. At this point, watering should be reduced or stopped entirely to allow the rhizome to rest for two to three months. The dormancy, ideally in a cool, dark location, is a required physiological pause that prepares the Calla Lily for reblooming in the next season.