How to Grow & Care For Calla Lily Flowers

Calla lilies are among the most popular cut flowers for indoor and outdoor decorations, along with roses and carnations. Depending on the variety, calla lilies come in various colors ranging from white and faded pink to deep burgundy.

You can grow calla lilies in spring, and with the proper care, you will start enjoying beautiful blooms during summer. However, before you begin planting your own Callas, understanding their basic care is essential. Read on.

Types of Calla Lily Flowers

There are different varieties of colorful calla lilies. And here are some of the best species to grow at home;

Calla Lily ‘Acapulco Gold’

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This variety produces bright yellow flowers and dark green leaves on stems up to 3 feet tall. The flowers are 4 inches wide and provide a tropical look to any garden. This variety is heat and drought tolerant, making it perfect for growing in hotter climates.

Calla Lily ‘Black Star’

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The ‘Black Star’ variety produces dark purple flowers that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. These flowers have a sweet scent during the evening hours, making them a perfect choice for your balcony. They work well as cut flowers or as a border plant planted in thick rows. They grow healthy full sun but also tolerate partial shade.

White Calla Lily

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The most common color of calla lily is white. These popular flowers are pure and elegant, and they’re perfect for bridal bouquets and centerpieces. You can find them in both trumpet and mini varieties. They grow well with more watering but avoid overwatering them; water them frequently.

Calla Lily ‘Red Alert’

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The calla lily ‘Red Alert’ is a hybrid variety with deep red blooms. The formal flower shape and vibrant color make a dramatic statement in any garden space. They thrive well in moist soil rich in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Bring this flower indoors before fall arrives if you live in cold climate regions.

Pink Melody

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The Pink Melody calla lily is a popular variety because of its large blooms and dark green leaves. You can plant this variety in either pots or flower beds, and they look great when paired with other types of flowers. This variety of calla lily will be pink and yellow, but you can also find them in shades of white and orange.

Care and Maintenance of Calla Lilies

Calla lily plants are easy to grow as long as you provide them with the right conditions. Before planting them, amend your soil with compost or other organic matter. This treatment will improve drainage and help ensure that the soil retains moisture during hot weather.

Other caring tips include:

• Regular fertilizing encourage vigorous growth.
• Cutting off sents or damaged flowers to promote new growth.

Propagating Calla Lilies

Since calla lilies grow to form large clamps, an easier option to propagate them is through the division of their rhizomes. The right timing for divisions is in late summer or early fall. This is after their growing season when the foliage starts yellowing. Propagating calla lilies from rhizomes will quickly yield flowering plants than planting them from seeds.

Calla Lilies Growth Conditions

The best growing conditions for calla lilies include:

Light

Calla lilies love a warm environment that also has ample light. However, if your region is hot and humid during summer, they will appreciate partial shade settings.

Water

Calla lilies love moist soils but do not overwater them. Control your watering after propagating the rhizomes; only water when the soil is dry. Once they establish, water them regularly if it is hot or once a week during normal weather conditions.

Temperature

Calla lilies love warm environments. When the temperatures fall to below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they enter into dormancy.

Pests and Diseases

Common pests on calla lilies include slugs, spider mites, and aphids. You can combat these pests by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Calla lilies are susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases such as soft rot and botrytis. The latter can encourage mold growth around the petals, stems, and leaves. Control your watering and space the plants to control the diseases.

Conclusion

Calla lilies are easy to grow at home. Identify your favorite varieties above and introduce them to your garden. Remember to check their growing conditions for the best results. Subscribe to our blog for more gardening tips.