Calla Lily Care: Planting, Growing & Maintaining Vibrant Blooms

Calla lilies are known for their sensuous form, long-lasting blooms, and rich symbolism. Whether outdoors in gardens, nestled in pots, or brightening indoor spaces, these captivating flowers bring elegance and color wherever they grow. With a heritage rooted in symbolism and modern hybrids offering an array of hues, calla lilies (Zantedeschia hybrids) are favorites for gardeners and floral designers alike. This comprehensive guide walks you through all facets of calla lily care, from planting and maintenance to design inspiration and indoor tips.

Table of Contents

• Basics of Calla Lilies
• Planting Calla Lilies
• Calla Lily Care and Maintenance
• Popular Calla Lily Varieties
• Design Ideas for Calla Lilies
• Growing Calla Lilies Indoors
• Frequently Asked Questions

Basics of Calla Lilies

Despite their name, calla lilies aren’t true lilies but share a similar grace and allure. Native to southern Africa, they offer:

• Chalice-shaped flowers (spathes) in colors ranging from classic white to yellow, pink, rose, maroon, and lavender.
• Grown from rhizomes, not bulbs.
• Long-lasting blooms—typically summer to fall, but can vary with climate.
• Attractive, smooth, sword-like foliage often speckled with white.
• Symbolism: Commonly represent rebirth and resurrection, and are widely used in weddings and religious ceremonies.

The elegance of calla lilies makes them ideal for borders, containers, mass plantings, and floral arrangements, both fresh and dried.

Planting Calla Lilies

Proper planting sets the foundation for healthy, vibrant calla lilies. Whether you’re planting in the ground or containers, follow these steps:

When to Plant

• Plant calla lily rhizomes outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
• In colder climates, start rhizomes indoors in pots 4-6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant after frost ends.

Site and Soil Requirements

• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot summers, light afternoon shade is beneficial.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil is vital to avoid root rot.
• For containers, use a high-quality all-purpose potting mix with excellent drainage.

How to Plant Calla Lily Rhizomes

1. Depth: Plant rhizomes 1.5 to 2 inches deep, with growing tips facing upward.
2. Spacing: Space rhizomes about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for mature spread.
3. Watering: Water sparingly until you see new leaf growth, then keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.

Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes to further prevent the risk of rot, especially in heavy rains or overwatering situations.

Calla Lily Care and Maintenance

Once your calla lilies are established, consistent care will keep them thriving season after season.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
• Container plants will dry out more quickly than those in the ground, so check moisture levels frequently during warm weather.
• Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, which can hinder bloom production.

Light

• Outdoors: Choose a location with bright, indirect light or filtered sun.
• Indoors: Place near a window with plenty of natural light, but protect from harsh, direct midday sunlight.

Temperature & Humidity

• Prefers temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C).
• Protect from frost; in zones below 8, dig and store the rhizomes before the first frost.
• Calla lilies enjoy moderate humidity; indoor plants benefit from a humidifier or pebble tray.

Fertilization

• Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through early autumn) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
• For indoor plants, dilute fertilizer to half strength and only apply to moist soil to avoid root burn.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Remove spent flowers promptly to encourage more blooms and a tidy appearance.
• Trim fading or yellowing leaves as needed.

Dormancy and Overwintering

• Callas naturally go dormant after blooming; foliage yellows and dies back.
• Reduce watering and allow the plant to rest for about six weeks in a cool, dry location.
• In cold regions, dig up rhizomes before the first frost, dry them, and store in peat moss or vermiculite in a dark, frost-free spot for winter.

Note: Calla lilies are toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so keep them out of reach of children and animals.

Popular Calla Lily Varieties

Modern hybridization has given gardeners a vivid palette of calla lily cultivars. Some admired selections include:

• Classic White Calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica): Large, snow-white blooms and glossy green leaves; often used in weddings and religious arrangements.
• ‘Captain Reno®’: Deep burgundy spathes with broad, speckled foliage. Grows 16-20 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide; blooms summer through fall.
• ‘Be My® Main Squeeze™’: Striking colors and sculptural form; ideal for adding a tropical feel to containers and mass plantings.
• Yellow, Orange, and Pink Hybrids: Bright, cheerful varieties bring a splash of color to borders and bouquets.
• Lavender and Maroon: For a touch of drama, try darker-hued hybrids that contrast beautifully with lighter companions.

Design Ideas for Calla Lilies

Calla lilies’ sculptural grace and vivid colors make them a versatile choice in creative garden and floral design:

• Container Gardens: Use as the focal point in mixed pots, pairing with trailing annuals or textured foliage plants.
• Borders and Mass Plantings: Interplant with summer-blooming annuals for an extended season of color.
• Water Gardens: Some species (like Z. aethiopica) thrive in boggy sites or along pond edges.
• Cut Flower Arrangements: With strong stems and exotic form, callas are prized by florists for bouquets and centerpiece displays.
• Wedding Decor: Symbolic white and pastel varieties bring classic elegance to bridal bouquets and altar arrangements.

Growing Calla Lilies Indoors

Calla lilies adapt well to indoor cultivation and can flower repeatedly with proper care:

• Light: Place in a bright room with filtered light. Rotate pots every week for even growth.
• Water: Allow the top half of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid letting the roots sit in excess water.
• Humidity: Use pebble trays or humidifiers if indoor air is especially dry.
• Fertilizer: Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every month during the active growth period.
• Rest Period: After blooming, reduce watering and allow a 6-week dormant phase to encourage repeat flowering.
• Pet Caution: All parts of the plant are toxic—take care with placement in pet-friendly homes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are calla lilies true lilies?

No, calla lilies belong to the Zantedeschia genus and are not related to true lilies (Lilium spp.), but they share similar elegance and flower structure.

How long do calla lily blooms last?

Calla lily spathes remain attractive for several weeks, typically from mid-summer into fall. Indoors, blooms can last even longer with proper care.

Can calla lilies be left in the ground year-round?

In USDA zones 8-10, calla lilies can stay in the ground over winter. In colder zones, dig and store rhizomes before the first frost.

Why aren’t my calla lilies blooming?

Poor flowering can result from insufficient light, over- or underwatering, depleted soil, or skipping the dormant rest period. Provide bright light, feed monthly, and ensure they rest in winter.

Are calla lilies toxic to pets?

Yes. All parts of calla lilies are toxic to pets and humans if ingested, causing irritation or more severe reactions.

Quick Reference Table: Calla Lily Growing Conditions

Conclusion

Calla lilies bring luxury and color to any space, requiring surprisingly simple care for show-stopping results. With mindful planting, attentive watering, and the right conditions, you can enjoy their sculptural flowers all season long—indoors or out. Explore new hybrids and experiment with creative plantings to celebrate this timeless favorite in your garden or home.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta