Growing Calla Lilies Indoors: A Guide to Nurturing Your Tropical Indoor Blooms
Calla lilies, native to Africa and known scientifically as Zantedeschia aethiopica, make beautiful and elegant additions to any home. These plants can thrive as indoor houseplants, providing a touch of the exotic to your living space. Here's a guide on how to care for calla lilies to ensure healthy growth and blooms.
Lighting
Place your calla lily in a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, so it's best to avoid direct exposure. If natural light is insufficient indoors, consider using a grow light.
Watering
Water your calla lily when about 50% of the soil is dry, typically once a week. Ensure that you water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out, and discard any water in the saucer to prevent root rot. The soil should remain consistently moist but not soggy, especially during active growth.
Temperature
Calla lilies prefer temperatures between 60–80°F (15–27°C). Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F.
Humidity
These plants like higher humidity. Use a humidifier, group plants together, or place the pot on a pebble tray with water (without the pot bottom touching water) to raise humidity around the plant.
Soil
Use rich, loose, well-draining soil with organic matter. The soil should retain moisture but not stay soggy. A pot with drainage holes is essential.
Fertilizing
Feed your calla lily monthly during spring and summer using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply fertilizer to damp soil only to avoid root damage.
Pruning
Remove spent flowers promptly to encourage new bloom. After the flowering season, let foliage die back naturally and provide a 6-week rest period during winter with reduced watering and lower temperature to induce dormancy.
Propagation
Propagate your calla lily by dividing rhizomes after the resting period or when repotting. Ensure divisions have some roots and growth points.
Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound, preferably at the start of the growing season. Use fresh soil and a slightly larger pot with drainage.
Indoor Variety Recommendation
The Classic White Calla Lily is a popular indoor choice due to its elegant appearance and manageable size (~17 inches tall). It thrives under the above care conditions and adds a delicate touch to indoor spaces.
Remember, calla lilies require bright indirect light, consistently moist but well-draining soil, moderate temperatures, higher humidity, monthly diluted fertilization during growth, and a seasonal rest period. Careful watering and gentle pruning support healthy blooms indoors.
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- Transforming your home-and-garden lifestyle, the Classic White Calla Lily, an exquisite indoor plant, adds an elegant touch to any living space while thriving under proper care.
- To create a serene and striking home-and-garden ambiance, consider adding calla lilies to your gardening collection, ensuring they receive the right lighting, soil, water, and temperature conditions.
