The elegant, architectural form of the Calla Lily, botanically known as Zantedeschia, makes it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements. A common query regarding these beautiful blooms concerns their longevity once placed in a vase. Under typical conditions and with proper daily care, you can expect cut Calla Lilies to maintain their appearance for approximately seven to fourteen days. This wide range highlights the significant impact that flower quality at purchase and subsequent maintenance have on the final display life.
The Expected Lifespan
The potential duration of the flower display is largely determined at the time of harvest and sale. A high-quality Calla Lily should be harvested when the spathe (the colorful, funnel-shaped petal) has opened sufficiently to reveal the spadix (the central fleshy spike), but before it is fully unfurled. If the flower is cut too early, it may fail to open completely, while a flower cut too late will have a significantly reduced vase life. Visible pollen on the stamen indicates that the flower head is mature and past its peak freshness. Commercial conditioning, which involves placing the stems in a hydrating solution immediately after cutting, also sets a strong baseline for maximum longevity.
Essential Steps for Longevity
The most impactful action you can take to prolong the life of your Calla Lilies is to trim the stems frequently. The thick, soft stems can quickly develop blockages that impede water uptake, so recutting the stem at a sharp angle every day or two is necessary. This cut should ideally be performed under running water to prevent air bubbles from entering the stem, which can block hydration. Calla Lilies are thirsty flowers, necessitating deep and consistent hydration. The water in the vase must be changed completely every day to prevent the buildup of bacteria, which can hasten the decline of the stems. Using a commercial flower food provides necessary carbohydrates and a biocide to inhibit microbial growth, which is more effective than plain water.
Environmental Factors and Troubleshooting
External environmental factors can drastically shorten the lifespan of the flowers, even with excellent maintenance. Calla Lilies thrive in cooler conditions, so placement away from heat sources, such as radiators or television sets, is imperative. Direct sunlight and strong drafts should also be avoided, as both accelerate moisture loss and wilting.
Ethylene Gas Sensitivity
A significant factor in premature wilting is exposure to ethylene gas, a naturally occurring plant hormone that promotes ripening and senescence. Calla Lilies are sensitive to this gas, which is produced by ripening fruit, decaying plant material, and cigarette smoke. Keeping your vase away from the fruit bowl, particularly bananas and apples, will help prevent this rapid decline.
Troubleshooting Slimy Stems
The soft, thick nature of Calla Lily stems makes them prone to becoming slimy, a common issue due to their high water content. This “slimy stem” is a sign of bacterial growth, which blocks water absorption. The best troubleshooting method is to immediately remove the flowers, wash the vase thoroughly, and recut the stems before placing them back in fresh, clean water with flower food.