Do Calla Lilies Go Dormant and What You Need to Know

Calla lilies are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor arrangements, but many gardeners wonder if they go dormant like other plants. In fact, calla lilies do go dormant, but it's a bit different from what you might expect.

During the winter months, calla lilies will typically stop growing and appear to be dead, but this is just a natural part of their life cycle. This dormant period usually occurs when the days get shorter and the temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

As a plant that grows from a rhizome, calla lilies store energy in their underground storage organs, which allows them to survive the cold winter months. This stored energy will be used to fuel new growth in the spring when temperatures rise and daylight hours increase.

Calla lilies typically go dormant for 2-3 months, but the exact duration can vary depending on your location and the specific variety of calla lily you're growing.

A unique perspective: When to Spray Dormant Oil on Peach Trees

Calla lilies can indeed go dormant, especially after blooming. This is a natural process where the plant stops growing and preparing for the next growing season.

If your calla lily has already bloomed, it may be going dormant, indicated by yellowing and dying back to the ground. To avoid rotting the underground bulbs with too much water, be cautious with watering during this time.

Calla lilies thrive in soil that's kept evenly moist, but they can be over-watered. To determine if it's time to water, feel the soil - if it's too wet, you can squeeze water out of a handful of soil, but if it's too dry, it won't hold together in a loose ball when squeezed.

Here's a quick rundown on signs of dormancy and over-watering in calla lilies:

By being mindful of these signs, you can take the necessary steps to care for your calla lilies during their dormant period and prevent root rot.

Calla lilies do go dormant, and it's essential to understand how to care for them during this time. They thrive in soil that's kept evenly moist, but can be over-watered.

To avoid rotting the underground bulbs, check the soil moisture by feeling it - if it's too wet, you can squeeze water out of a handful of soil, and if it's too dry, it won't hold together in a loose ball when squeezed. Calla lilies typically bloom once and then go dormant, with the foliage yellowing and dying back to the ground.

For winter storage, dig up the rhizomes right after the first hard frost, and gently brush off any remaining dirt. Don't wash the calla lily rhizomes off, as this can cause them to rot later on. Cut off the foliage from the top of the rhizomes, leaving about 2 to 3 inches of the dead leaves.

To dry the rhizomes, leave them in a warm, dry place for four to seven days. This allows the outer skin of the rhizome to toughen up and will help it survive the winter. Store them in a cool, dry place, somewhere that stays around 50°F (10°C).

You can also store them in a paper bag or wrap them in newspaper, with a small amount of dry peat moss or vermiculite inside. This will help prevent one bulb from infecting another if it develops mold.

Additional reading: Why Does My Ac Unit Windo Compressor Go off

Wait until all threat of frost has passed before replanting your Calla lily. This will ensure it has the best chance to thrive.

Choose a well-drained spot in a sunny position for your Calla lily. If you can't find a super sunny spot, it will tolerate shade for part of the day.

Plant your rhizome correctly, with the 'eyes' facing upward and just visible at the top of the soil. These 'eyes' are the growing points that look like the 'eyes' on a potato.

Water your Calla lilies regularly, especially when they're getting established after being replanted. They require water throughout the summer and will need extra water during this time.

Here's a quick rundown of the watering schedule:

Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or whiteflies, which can attack your Calla lilies. If you notice any, spray with an all-purpose bug spray to keep them under control.

Calla lilies typically go dormant in the fall, but some varieties may continue to bloom throughout the winter months. This can be a challenge for gardeners who want to keep their calla lilies looking their best.

In regions with mild winters, calla lilies may not go dormant at all, and will continue to grow and produce flowers year-round. However, this can also make them more susceptible to pests and diseases.

To encourage dormancy, gardeners can cut back the foliage to about 6 inches from the ground, which can help the plant conserve energy and prepare for the winter months. This should be done after the first frost.

In areas with freezing winters, calla lilies are often treated as annuals and discarded after the first frost, but in warmer climates, they can be left in the ground and allowed to regrow in the spring.