The lifespan of a Calla Lily plant depends heavily on its environment and context. The Calla Lily, a flowering plant in the genus Zantedeschia, is prized for its elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and striking foliage. Its longevity can range from a brief two weeks to many years, making it a perennial that can be treated as a temporary centerpiece or a long-term garden fixture. Understanding the different stages of its life cycle is key to maximizing the time you enjoy this beautiful plant.
The Longevity of Cut Blooms
When the Calla Lily is used as a cut flower, its lifespan is the shortest, typically lasting between seven and fourteen days in a vase with proper attention. These flowers require a few simple steps to maintain their vibrant appearance for the maximum time.
To extend the vase life, always trim the stems at a sharp 45-degree angle before placing them in water. This angled cut increases the surface area for water absorption, helping the stem remain hydrated. Changing the water every two days is also important, as it minimizes the build-up of bacteria that can clog the stem’s vascular system. Keeping the vase away from direct heat sources, drafts, and ripening fruit will prevent premature wilting, since fruit releases ethylene gas that accelerates the aging process.
Plant Lifespan in Potted and Indoor Settings
Calla Lilies purchased as blooming potted plants often have an active growing period that lasts approximately three to six months. During this time, the plant produces its foliage and flowers, providing weeks of color indoors. To maximize this seasonal lifespan, the plant requires bright, indirect light and soil that is consistently moist but never waterlogged, as poor drainage can quickly lead to rhizome rot.
Once the blooming cycle finishes, the plant naturally enters a dormancy period, which is necessary for it to rebloom the following year. The first sign of this transition is the yellowing and eventual dieback of the foliage, at which point the plant should be allowed to dry out. To force dormancy indoors, gradually reduce watering and allow the leaves to fully yellow and collapse.
The potted rhizome should then be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally around 50°F, for two to three months. During this resting phase, water should be withheld almost entirely to prevent rot, allowing the plant to gather energy for its next growing cycle. By honoring this natural cycle, an indoor Calla Lily can transition to a perennial houseplant, potentially lasting three to five years or more.
Ensuring Long-Term Perennial Growth
For the longest possible lifespan, the Calla Lily must be treated as a true perennial, a plant that regrows each spring from its underground rhizome. In warmer climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10), the rhizome can be left in the ground year-round, where it will naturally go dormant in the winter and reemerge in the spring. In these optimal conditions, a Calla Lily can survive for a decade or longer.
Gardeners in colder regions (Zone 7 and below) must take specific steps to ensure perennial longevity. The rhizomes must be lifted from the ground after the first light frost has killed the foliage, which signals that the plant has stored maximum energy. After digging, the rhizomes should be brushed clean of excess soil and allowed to cure in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location for one to two weeks.
This curing process allows the skin of the rhizome to harden, protecting it during storage. The cured rhizomes are then stored in a breathable medium like dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust, and kept in a cool, dark, and frost-free location. An ideal storage temperature range is between 40°F and 50°F, which maintains dormancy without risking rot or freezing. Replanting the rhizomes in spring after the danger of frost has passed allows the Calla Lily to continue its life cycle year after year.