The Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.) is an ornamental plant known for its elegant, funnel-shaped flowers called spathes. These South African natives are favored in gardens, containers, and floral arrangements for their striking appearance. Calla Lilies come in a wide range of colors, including traditional white, deep purple, orange, and pink. This guide will help ensure you select the healthiest stock, regardless of your intended use.
Purchasing Calla Lilies: Bulbs, Potted Plants, or Cut Flowers
Consumers primarily acquire Calla Lilies in one of three formats, each dictating the timing and purpose of the purchase.
The most common form for cultivation is the rhizome, often incorrectly referred to as a bulb. This underground storage structure is typically bought in late winter or early spring. Rhizomes are planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, or forced indoors for an earlier bloom.
Potted plants offer immediate gratification, as they are usually purchased actively growing or in bloom. This format is popular for instant display indoors or outdoors in containers. Potted Calla Lilies are most widely available during the spring and summer growing seasons.
The third option is the cut flower, intended for temporary aesthetic arrangements. Calla Lilies are a florist favorite due to their long vase life, often lasting up to two weeks. Purchasing cut flowers focuses on peak freshness and bloom quality.
Retail Locations for Calla Lilies
The choice of retailer often depends on the specific format you intend to purchase.
Local nurseries and independent garden centers are excellent sources for both potted plants and rhizomes. They frequently offer expert advice on local growing conditions and often stock certified disease-free varieties best suited for the region.
Mass market stores, such as home improvement or grocery chains, offer a convenient and lower-cost option for common varieties. However, the quality of the planting stock can be variable, and expert guidance is generally lower. Shoppers must be vigilant when inspecting the health of the stock.
Specialty online vendors provide the widest selection, especially for rare colors or bulk rhizome purchases. Online retailers offer access to unique varieties that are not locally available. However, buyers cannot physically inspect the stock and must rely on the vendor’s reputation and robust shipping practices.
How to Select Healthy Stock
A careful inspection of the Calla Lily stock will improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Selecting Rhizomes
When purchasing rhizomes, look for a structure that is firm, heavy for its size, and free from any signs of softness, mold, or excessive shriveling. Larger, firmer rhizomes generally possess more stored energy and will produce a more vigorous plant.
Selecting Potted Plants
Examine the foliage for a vibrant, green color, avoiding plants with yellowing leaves or spots that could indicate pests or fungal issues. Inspect the soil surface for mold. Healthy roots should be white or light tan and fill the pot without excessively circling the edges. The flower stems should be strong and upright, supporting the spathes.
Selecting Cut Flowers
Choose stems with blooms that are firm and vibrant in color, avoiding any that appear wilted or bruised. The cut end of the stem should be clean and free of slimy residue, which indicates bacterial growth. Look for stems that have at least one open flower and several tight buds to maximize the display time.
Immediate Care After Purchase
The first steps taken after bringing your Calla Lily home are important for its continued health.
If you purchased a potted plant, it requires a period of acclimatization to its new environment. Place it in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Check the soil and water thoroughly if the top inch of the potting mix feels dry.
For rhizomes not intended for immediate planting, proper temporary storage is necessary to prevent rot or desiccation. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark location, ideally between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When ready to plant, set the rhizome in well-drained soil, 1.5 to 4 inches deep with the growth points facing upward, and water sparingly until shoots emerge.