Download Instructions: Caring for Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)

Wedgewood Gardens
1890 N. Middletown Road (Route 352)
Glen Mills, PA 19342
Phone: 610-459-3116
Fax:
610-558-4605
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wedgewoodgardens.com
Instructions: Caring for Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
The beautiful blooms of the Calla lily are a popular cut flower, but the plant can be kept inside as an
indoor houseplant in northern climates. Calla lily's shiny green, lance shaped leaves surround long
blooming funnel shaped flowers come in a variety of colors. The blooms are technically a flower bract
surrounding a central spike that is tightly covered with the plant's true, tiny flowers. Calla lilies are not
true lilies, they are bulbous members of the Arum family.
Light – Bright indirect light is ideal, some direct indoor light is acceptable as well. If placed outside during
the summer, maintain bright light but avoid direct sunlight.
Water – Calla lilies like to be kept evenly moist, but not sitting in water, as the bulbs could rot. Once the
blooms fade and the leaves begin to yellow, discontinue watering and let the plant go dry. This will allow
the bulbs to go dormant so it will be ready for the next season's growth.
Fertilizer – During the growth period before blooming, fertilize monthly with an acidic fertilizer like. No
fertilization is needed when in bloom.
Notes – After the blooms have faded and been removed, the leaves will start to yellow, stop watering
and store the plant in a cool, dry area. Come mid-December, check to make sure that the bulbs are firm
and healthy. If they are, remove them and replant them in a soil mix of 4 parts sand, 1 part peat moss.
Water well, and place in bright light, fertilizing monthly until new blooms appear. Make sure that you
don't over water, or leave the bulbs sitting in water, as they are prone to rot. Always provide good
drainage.