Calla lily care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Calla lily

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 4 days

Dry-land (colored) types are watered well once the topsoil dries, as a guide; the white wet-land type likes steadily moist soil.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 7 days

Reduce dry-land types as leaves yellow and stop when they die; the wet-land type is starting to grow, so water about when the soil dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 14 days

Dormant dry-land types get almost no water, at most about monthly; the wet-land type is watered about every two weeks so it does not dry out.

Light and placement for Calla lily

Sun outdoors, as a guide, with light shade in midsummer against scorch; dry-land types belong under the eaves out of the rain, while the wet-land type also grows in bright shade.

Overwintering Calla lily

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

Dry-land types are stored dry, in the pot or lifted, frost-free at about 5–10°C once the leaves die; the wet-land type is generally hardier and keeps its leaves under the eaves.

Fertilizing and repotting Calla lily

Fertilizer

Slow-release about monthly or liquid feed about every two weeks in growth, spring to summer for dry-land types and fall to spring for the wet-land type; too much rots the rhizome.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Common problems with Calla lily

• Dry-land types left in rain or wet soil rot with soft rot.
• Confusing the two types, the watering is wrong and the plant declines.
• In too little light it makes leaves but no flowers.

Tips for growing Calla lily

• Big white flowers with plain leaves usually mean the wet-land type; colored flowers with spotted leaves, a dry-land type.
• Plant dry-land rhizomes shallow, eyes up, and hold back water until they root.
• Discard a plant with soft rot and do not reuse its soil or tools.

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