calla lilies?

Question

I received a calla lilly plant for mother's day and have kept it indoors until recently. It doesn't look good, in fact, it is starting to turn brown. How do I plant and revive my calla lilies so I can enjoy them every mother's day?

Answer 1

I grow mine outside in the semi shade in a warm temperate climate very successfully. They go dormant in winter and completely die down.

They pop up again in early summer, grow and bloom again.

If you live in a climate with no winter chills they can have leaves all year, but in cold climates they get knocked back as soon as it gets cold.

You might find yours has been 'hot housed' if you are in winter at the moment, and its just going dormant. Don't overwater just keep it slightly damp and plant in spring.

Answer 2

Zantedeschia aethiopica, the common white calla lily, does not need a dormant period. It will continue blooming throughout the year if it is given good growing conditions. Full sunshine from September to June and light filtered shade only during the hottest part of the day in summer. It must be kept moist.

All other species need summer dormancy. They should be started into growth again in late August or September by potting them up in fresh soil and resuming watering. The pots should be kept dry and on their sides during the summer rest period which is usually from 2 to 3 months. At this time of the year, they miss the real hot, bright summer weather. Calla lilies need cool night temperatures (55 to 65 degrees F.) and daytime temmperatures in the mid 70's to perform well and flower. This time of the year gives the plant those conditions. They must also be kept moist while they are actively growing as dry spells can prevent blooming. Be sure not to give them to much shade, flowering plants need a fair amount of light. If your calla lilies are one of these varieties, you may have the resting period season in reverse.

I am just about to bring mine out of storage now for repotting and growing on. I have kept them dry since July 15th. They were a gift from my daughter this spring. I hope this will answer your question and good luck with those calla's!

Answer 3

It all depends on your planting zone. Where are you located? Usually Calla Lilies prefer warmer climates and lots of water. They do best in zones 7 and above. They have a bulb, so you can plant the bulb outdoors after the temp reaches 50 degrees or so. Try to get it as much sun as you can on the warm days that come along and keep it near a window to receive as much sun as possible if no warm in your area now. You might talk to your local nursery to see if they can take care of it until the temps warm up.
Once it gets warm, plant it in a large pot or even in the ground. They will get large and beautiful.
Good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 4

Its too cold to plant flowers now without them dying soon