
Growing calla lilies at home can be a rewarding experience, especially with the right conditions. Calla lilies prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, with temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal growth.
To get started, choose a container that's at least 6-8 inches deep to accommodate the lily's rhizome. The rhizome is the underground stem that produces the plant's growth.
Plant the rhizome in the spring or summer, with the "eyes" facing upwards. The eyes are the small, white buds on the rhizome that will produce the leaves and flowers.
Water the soil gently but thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
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Growing Conditions
Calla lilies thrive in sunny to partially shaded sites with amended, well-draining soil. They're perfect for a bright, well-lit spot out of the strongest midday sun.
To give your calla lily the best chance to grow, choose a location with temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees F. This tropical plant prefers humid and moist conditions, but be sure to protect it from hot afternoon sun.
Here are the ideal growing conditions for calla lilies:
Hardiness zones for calla lilies range from 3 to 10, making them a great choice for gardeners in many areas. Just be sure to lift the rhizomes in fall in zones 3-8.
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Temperature and Humidity:
Calla lily plants prefer temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees F.
Temperatures below 50 degrees F can cause the plant to go dormant, and rhizomes should not freeze.
High temperatures can be detrimental to the plant, especially in dry or arid regions.
Calla lily flowers can tolerate high temperatures as long as humidity conditions are ideal.
Ideal humidity conditions will help maintain moisture levels for the plant.
Plants thrive in humid and moist conditions and may need protection from hot afternoon sun.
Soil:
Soil is a crucial element in growing healthy calla lilies. For this plant, it's essential to have well-drained clay, loamy, or sandy soils.
Calla lilies can thrive in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. This makes them a great choice for gardeners with different soil conditions.
To ensure optimal growth, the soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic. This is a key factor to consider when preparing the soil for your calla lilies.
Here's a quick rundown of the recommended soil characteristics for calla lilies:
Bloom?
Calla lilies can bloom for quite a while, lasting anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
The length of their bloom time depends on the specific variety and growing conditions.
With proper care, you can enjoy their beautiful flowers for an extended period.
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Companion
Calla lilies can be planted in mixed borders for a beautiful and exotic look.
To get the best results, choose plants that require the same type of soil as calla lilies. Calla lilies need well-draining soil, so plants like succulents or cacti would be great companions.
Planting calla lilies near water features can create a stunning tropical atmosphere.
Calla lilies also thrive in mass plantings along a hillside, where they can take advantage of the natural slope. This allows the soil to drain well and prevents waterlogged soil.
Choosing the right companion plants can make a big difference in the overall health and appearance of your calla lilies.
Plant Care
To keep your calla lily happy and thriving, make sure to water it when the soil is slightly dry, but avoid overwatering, as hybrids dislike soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
Watering is key, especially during dry periods, so you may need to water your calla lily once or twice a week. If it's growing in a container, you'll need to water it even more frequently.
To give your calla lily a boost, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks while it's blooming, following the instructions on the product label. Just be careful not to overfertilize, as too much nitrogen can cause the plant to produce more leaves at the expense of flowers.
You can also fertilize your calla lily throughout the growing season, but make sure to use a balanced fertilizer to avoid any negative effects.
Here are some general guidelines for watering your calla lily:
- Water when the soil is slightly dry
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
- Water more frequently during dry periods
- Water even more frequently if your calla lily is growing in a container
Exposure:
Exposure is a crucial aspect of plant care.
Full sun can be beneficial for plants, but it's not always ideal.
Bright, indirect light is often the sweet spot for many plants.
Dense shade can actually reduce bud count, which might be a concern for flowering plants.
Scorching midday summer sun can be just as damaging as dense shade.
Return Only Care
If you're planning to return a potted calla lily, make sure to follow these care tips to keep it healthy until you can plant it.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, to prevent root rot. This means checking the soil daily and watering when it's slightly dry.
Provide bright, indirect light to promote healthy growth. Avoid placing the calla lily near heating and A/C vents, as this can cause stress.
Apply liquid fertilizer monthly while the plant is in flower to promote blooming. You can also repot the calla lily annually before the growing season to give it fresh soil.

Here's a quick rundown of the care requirements for a potted calla lily:
During dormancy, reduce watering and allow the plant to rest in a cool, dark area. This will help the calla lily conserve energy and prepare for the next growing season.
Fertilizer
Calla lilies don't require much fertilization if they're growing in fertile soil.
You can give them a boost by applying a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks while they're blooming, following the instructions on the label.
Don't overdo it, though - too much nitrogen will cause the plants to produce more leaves instead of flowers.
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Propagation and Maintenance
To propagate calla lilies, most gardeners prefer to divide established plants every 3-5 years, resulting in flowers identical to the parent plant. This process should be done in the fall while each plant is dormant.
To do this, carefully lift rhizomes from the soil and cut apart the roots, making sure each new division has at least one healthy, viable growing eye. You can also wait a week for the cut to cure, which is a good idea to ensure the plant heals properly.
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In late winter, you can divide calla lily rhizomes before replanting. Plant the rhizome a few inches deep in a well-draining soil mix and place it in bright, indirect light. Water moderately and make sure the soil doesn't get too wet.
Here's a quick summary of the propagation process:
- Divide established calla lily plants every 3-5 years.
- Wait a week for the cut to cure.
- Plant the rhizome a few inches deep in a well-draining soil mix.
- Provide bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
Propagation and Maintenance
To propagate and maintain your calla lily, you'll want to repot it every 1-2 years. This allows for division and replanting into new or larger containers, giving the plant room to grow.
Repot your calla lily in the fall, when the plant is dormant, to minimize stress. Water the plant sparingly until it's established in its new home.
To start calla lily rhizomes in containers, begin by filling a pot with fresh container potting mix that drains easily. Plant the rhizomes with their growing tips up, spacing them about 4 inches apart.
Water lightly at first, and then increase watering to ensure the plants don't dry out. Feed the plants monthly with a liquid fertilizer, following the label directions.
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If you live in Zones 8 to 10, you can overwinter your potted calla lily outdoors, but bring it inside before freezing weather arrives. In colder zones, dig up the rhizomes and store them indoors.
To propagate your calla lily, divide the rhizomes in late winter, before replanting. This will give the new plants a head start on the growing season.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps to propagate and maintain your calla lily:
- Repot every 1-2 years in the fall
- Start rhizomes in containers in the spring
- Water and fertilize regularly
- Overwinter in Zones 8-10, or dig up and store in colder zones
- Divide rhizomes in late winter for propagation
Propagation
Propagation is a great way to share your calla lily plants with friends and family, or to multiply your collection. Most gardeners prefer to divide established plants rather than growing them from seed.
You can divide calla lily plants every 3-5 years in the fall while they're dormant. This will result in flowers that are identical to the parent plant. To do this, carefully lift rhizomes from the soil and cut them apart, making sure each new division has at least one healthy growing eye.

It's best to divide rhizomes in the fall, but you can also do it in late winter before replanting. This will give your new divisions a head start on the growing season. Just be sure to wait a week for the cut to cure before planting.
To propagate calla lilies, you'll need to separate a rhizome from the plant's root ball using sharp garden shears. Then, plant the rhizome a few inches deep in a well-draining soil mix and provide bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps:
- Separate a rhizome from the plant's root ball
- Wait a week for the cut to cure
- Plant the rhizome a few inches deep in a well-draining soil mix
- Provide bright, indirect light and moderate watering
By following these simple steps, you can successfully propagate your calla lilies and enjoy more of these beautiful flowers in your garden.
Health and Problems
Growing calla lilies is relatively easy, but like any plant, they can be susceptible to some problems.
Aphids can be a problem, particularly on plants growing indoors. Inspect the undersides of the leaves regularly and look out for a sticky substance called honeydew, which is produced by aphids and other pests.
Hand-squashing is often all that's necessary to get rid of aphids if you spot them early.
Excess moisture can lead to diseases like rot, powdery mildew, and various kinds of wilt.
Slugs and Japanese beetles are the most problematic pests that target calla lily plants.
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Growing Tips and Advice
Growing calla lilies is a breeze as long as you provide them with the right conditions. They're relatively low maintenance and don't require much attention.
To ensure your calla lilies thrive, make sure to give them frost-free conditions. This means growing them on a well-lit windowsill, in a conservatory, or a heated greenhouse.
A bright, well-lit spot is ideal for calla lilies, but avoid full shade as it can harm the plants. They will tolerate partial shade, though, so don't worry if your spot isn't perfect.
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Tips
Growing plants can be a breeze if you know the right techniques. Calla lilies, for example, are easy to grow and don't usually require much attention if they have the right conditions.
To ensure your plants thrive, it's essential to understand their specific needs. Calla lilies are relatively low maintenance, but they do need well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
With the right conditions, calla lilies can grow and bloom beautifully, adding a touch of elegance to any space. Their elegant white blooms are a sight to behold, and they're relatively easy to care for.
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Keep in mind that calla lilies don't usually require much attention, but they do need some TLC to stay healthy. Regular watering and fertilization can go a long way in keeping them happy and thriving.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the beauty of calla lilies in your home or garden.
Advice on Buying
When you're in the market for some new plants, it's essential to choose healthy ones. Check the plants over to make sure they look healthy and have no signs of damage or disease.
If you're looking for a calla lily, consider the hardiness of the plant. White calla lily is a good option if you live in a mild region, as it can be grown outside.
Here are some types of calla lilies to consider:
- Hybrid calla lilies with different colored flowers
- White calla lily, which is hardier and can be grown outside in mild regions
Plant Growth and Appearance
Calla lilies are herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials grown from rhizomes, which makes them relatively low-maintenance.
They come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, green, and even black. You can find calla lilies in a variety of hues to suit your garden or indoor decor.
The height and spread of calla lilies vary, but most species grow between 12 to 36 inches tall and 9 to 24 inches wide. This makes them a great choice for containers or small gardens.
Some varieties, like 'PICASSO', have a unique bicolor appearance with a deep violet throat and cream edges. This adds an extra layer of elegance to their already striking appearance.
Height/Spread:
The height and spread of a plant can vary significantly depending on the type. A White Calla Lily, for example, can grow to be quite tall, between 12 to 36 inches.
Some plants have a more upright habit, like the White Calla Lily, which can spread out to about 9 to 24 inches wide.
Color and Characteristics:
Calla lily flowers come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, green, and even black.
Calla lily plants are grown from rhizomes, which is a type of underground stem.
Tall elegant stems rise above broad solid green or speckled leaves, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
The leaves of a calla lily plant are either solid green or speckled, providing a nice contrast to the colorful flowers.
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Pictures

The pictures of calla lilies are truly stunning. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a great choice for adding visual interest to your garden or indoor space.
The hot pink calla lily, for example, can persist for up to 12 weeks, offering long-lasting color in containers or beds. This makes it a great choice for adding a pop of color to your outdoor space.
Velvety deep crimson spathes lend understated elegance to borders, pots, and indoor decor. They're also long-lasting in cut bouquets, making them a great choice for floral arrangements.
The fiery orange calla lily is another great option for adding a bold splash of color to your space. It's perfect for borders, mass plantings, and home decor.
The black calla lily creates a dramatic statement in beds, borders, or containers. It's perfect for making a statement in your garden or indoor space.
The 'Picasso' calla lily is a unique bicolor that sports a deep violet throat with cream edges. It adds elegance to borders and containers, making it a great choice for adding a touch of sophistication to your space.
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The 'Mozart' calla lily has glowing peach trumpet-shaped flowers that blend with shades of pink for sophisticated summer color. It's perfect for using as a focal point in pots or combining with complementary colors of purple and burgundy.
The 'Captain Reno' calla lily has elegant chalice-shaped flowers in shades of deep burgundy that contrast with broad speckled foliage. It creates excitement in the landscape, making it a great choice for adding a touch of drama to your garden or indoor space.
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