How do you get calla lilies to bloom again?

Getting Your Calla Lilies to Bloom Again: It’s Easier Than You Think!

Calla lilies! Aren’t they just stunning? Those elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green leaves can really bring a touch of class to any garden or brighten up an indoor space. But let’s be honest, sometimes getting them to bloom again feels like a bit of a mystery. Don’t worry, it’s totally doable! The secret is understanding what makes them tick and giving them a little TLC.

The Great Calla Lily Nap: Understanding Dormancy

Think of calla lilies as plants that enjoy a good, long nap. They’re perennials, which means they come back year after year, but they need a rest period to recharge. After they’ve finished blooming, you’ll notice their leaves starting to turn yellow and wither. That’s their way of saying, “Time for bed!” This dormancy period is super important because it’s when the plant stores up all the energy it needs to put on a great show of flowers next season.

Here’s how to help them get their beauty sleep:

• Cut Back on the Water: As fall rolls around, ease up on the watering. Let those leaves die back naturally.
• Give ’em a Trim: Once the leaves are completely brown and crispy, go ahead and snip them off at soil level.
• Find a Cool, Dark Hideaway: Now, this is key. You need to give your calla lily a cool, dark spot where it can snooze for a couple of months. Think temperatures between 40-60°F (4-15°C). A garage, basement, or even a shed can work wonders.
• A Little Sip Now and Then (If They’re in Pots): If you’re storing the bulb in its pot, give it just a tiny bit of water every few weeks to keep the soil from completely drying out. But be careful! Too much water is a no-no – you don’t want the bulb to rot. Alternatively, store the rhizomes bare in lightly dampened peat moss.
• Spring Awakening! After a couple of months of rest, bring your calla lily back into the light and start watering regularly again. It’s like waking up from a long winter’s sleep!

The Magic Formula: Essential Growing Conditions

Okay, so they’ve had their nap. Now it’s time to create the perfect environment for them to rebloom. Here’s what they need:

• Light, Light, Light! Calla lilies are sun-lovers, but they don’t like being baked. Bright, indirect light is their sweet spot. A south-facing window is perfect for indoor plants. If you’re growing them outside in a hot climate, make sure they get some afternoon shade to prevent sunburn.
• Happy Soil, Happy Plant: Use a good quality, rich soil that drains well. For pots, a high-quality potting mix is the way to go. I like to mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to give them an extra boost of nutrients.
• Watering Just Right: During the growing season, keep the soil consistently moist. Not soaking wet, just nicely damp. Make sure your pot has drainage holes so the roots don’t sit in water. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Food, Glorious Food! A little fertilizer can go a long way. In the spring, when you’re replanting, add a slow-release granular fertilizer. Steer clear of anything with too much nitrogen, as that’ll just give you lots of leaves and not many flowers. A balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, is perfect. If they are in containers, a diluted water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks works wonders. Hold off on fertilizing once they start blooming to prolong the flowering period. And here’s a little secret: calla lilies love coffee grounds! Sprinkle some around the base of the plant to encourage growth.
• Temperature and Humidity: These guys like it warm and a little humid. Think temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). If you live in a dry climate, misting them occasionally or putting them near a humidifier can make them feel right at home.

Extra Tips for Flower Power

• Deadhead Like a Pro: As the flowers fade, don’t just leave them there! Gently pull off the spent flower heads to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
• Give Them Some Space: If your calla lilies start to look overcrowded, it’s time to divide them. In early spring, carefully dig up the rhizomes and separate them. Then, replant them in separate pots or locations.
• Keep an Eye Out for Trouble: Pests like aphids and spider mites can sometimes be a problem. Also, watch out for root rot, which is usually caused by overwatering.
• Calcium Boost: Don’t forget about calcium. Add some gypsum or lime to the soil before planting for an extra boost.

Troubleshooting Time: What’s Wrong?

• Lots of Leaves, No Flowers? This usually means they’re not getting enough light, there’s too much nitrogen in the soil, or they didn’t get a proper dormancy period.
• Yellow Leaves? Could be overwatering, root rot, or just the natural dormancy process kicking in.
• Forced Bulbs Refusing to Rebloom? These can be tricky. Give them a full winter dormancy, plenty of sunlight, regular watering, and monthly fertilizer.

With a little bit of know-how and some tender loving care, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of calla lily blooms year after year! Happy gardening!