The elegant Calla Lily, botanically known as Zantedeschia, is a popular plant recognized for its sophisticated, trumpet-shaped blooms. While their exotic appearance might suggest high-maintenance care, these South African natives are actually tender perennials whose long-term survival relies heavily on understanding their natural life cycle. Consistent care that respects their active growing phase and required dormant period ensures these beautiful plants return season after season.
Establishing the Ideal Environment
Successful growth requires the right combination of light, soil, and moisture during active spring and summer months. Calla Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light, which is particularly important for plants grown indoors or in containers. Outdoor plants in cooler climates often benefit from full sun exposure to maximize flowering, but those in regions with intense summer heat require partial shade to prevent leaf scorching.
The planting medium must be rich in organic matter and drain well to prevent rhizome rot. If planting in the garden, amending heavy soil with compost or perlite is necessary for aeration. Container-grown Calla Lilies prefer a well-aerated, peat moss-based potting mix that drains quickly.
These plants require consistent moisture during their growth phase. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never allowed to become soggy or waterlogged. It is best to check the top inch or two of soil; if it feels dry, the plant needs water.
Seasonal Maintenance and Feeding
During active growth, Calla Lilies benefit from consistent feeding to support foliage and extensive blooming. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer should be applied every two to four weeks, especially for container plants where nutrients leach out quickly. The fertilizer formula should be lower in nitrogen to encourage flower production rather than excessive leafy growth.
Spent flowers (spathes) should be removed to keep the plant tidy and direct energy toward new blooms. This process, called deadheading, involves pulling the entire flower stem out from the base of the plant. Regular inspection of the foliage helps catch common pests like aphids or spider mites early, which can be managed with gentle horticultural soap if necessary.
Navigating the Dormancy Period
Properly managing the mandatory rest phase is crucial for the Calla Lily’s return, especially in climates that experience frost. Dormancy begins in the fall as temperatures drop, signaled by the yellowing and browning of leaves. This is the cue to begin inducing rest.
Induce dormancy by gradually withholding water, allowing foliage to die back naturally as the soil dries. Once the leaves have completely yellowed or after the first light frost, the foliage should be cut back to just a few inches above the soil line. For colorful hybrid varieties, which are generally less cold-tolerant, the underground rhizomes must be lifted from the garden soil in hardiness zones 7 and below.
After digging, gently brush off the soil; do not wash the rhizomes. Cure them by placing them on a tray in a dry, dark place with good air circulation (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) for about one week. Curing toughens the skin, which helps prevent rot during storage.
Store cured rhizomes in a frost-free, dark location that maintains a steady temperature between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, such as a basement or garage. Nestle them in peat moss or vermiculite inside a vented container to prevent touching and absorb excess moisture. Container plants can simply be moved indoors to a cool, dry place, stopping watering completely until new growth is desired in the spring.