How do you take care of a yellow calla lily?

The Real Dirt on Yellow Calla Lilies: How to Keep ‘Em Happy

Okay, so you’ve got a Yellow Calla Lily, huh? Good choice! With their sunshine-y blooms and those cool, speckled leaves, they can really brighten up a place. But let’s be real, they’re not exactly the easiest plants to figure out. Don’t worry, though, I’m here to help you keep yours thriving.

First things first, despite the name, these beauties aren’t true lilies. They’re actually part of the Araceae family and grow from these funky things called rhizomes. Think of them as underground stems. Native to Southern Africa, they’re all about good vibes, symbolizing gratitude, joy, and friendship. I mean, who wouldn’t want that in their living room?

Now, where can you grow these guys? Well, if you live in a warmish place (zones 8-10, if you’re into that sort of thing), you can plant them right in the ground. Lucky you! But if you’re like me and live somewhere a bit chillier, don’t sweat it. They do just fine in pots, either indoors or in a greenhouse. You can even treat them like annuals, enjoying them for the season and then saying “see ya later.”

They usually bloom in spring or summer, which is awesome because who doesn’t love a splash of color after a long winter? They get to be about 1 to 3 feet tall, so they’re not exactly giants, and they spread out a bit, too. Perfect for a container or a little spot in the garden.

Let’s talk light. These guys are sun-lovers, but not too much. Think bright, indirect sunlight. Indoors, they need a good six to eight hours of sunshine a day. Outdoors, especially if you live somewhere hot, you’ll want to protect them from that harsh, direct sun. Nobody wants burnt leaves! If your lily isn’t blooming, try moving it to a sunnier spot. It might just need a little extra juice. As for temperature, they like it comfy, between 50°F and 75°F.

Watering is key, but you don’t want to drown them. Think Goldilocks: not too wet, not too dry. The soil should drain well, so those roots don’t rot. During the spring and summer, give them a drink regularly, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. In the winter, when they’re chilling out, cut back on the water. Also, use filtered water or let tap water sit out for a day to get rid of some of those chemicals. They’ll thank you for it. Humidity-wise, they’re not too picky. Average humidity is fine, but if your house is super dry, pop the pot on a pebble tray with some water. It’s like a mini-spa for your lily.

When it comes to soil, drainage is the name of the game. A good potting mix with some perlite mixed in is perfect. Avoid heavy clay soils like the plague. When you plant the rhizomes, lay them sideways with the little “eyes” facing up. In the garden, mix in some compost to help with drainage, especially if you have clay soil.

Now, for the food. During the growing season, give them a little fertilizer every few weeks. A balanced one, like 10-10-10, is a good bet. Or, you can use a liquid fertilizer made for flowering bulbs. Stop fertilizing when it starts flowering.

Don’t forget to prune! Snip off those dead blooms to encourage new ones. And after the first frost, cut back any yellowing leaves. If the leaves turn yellow during the growing season, it could be a sign of too much or too little water. Check the soil before you water, and you’ll figure it out.

Here’s a big one: dormancy. These lilies need a rest to get ready for the next season. After they flower, let the leaves die back naturally. Reduce watering and let the plant chill in a cool, dry place. If you live in a cold zone, dig up the rhizomes after the first frost, leaving an inch of stem. Store them in a dry place around 50°F-60°F until spring.

Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites. If you see any, hit them with some insecticidal soap or neem oil. Diseases like root rot and powdery mildew can also be a problem. Make sure there’s good air flow and don’t overwater. If you see any affected parts, snip them off and toss them.

If you live somewhere cold, you can either treat your calla lilies as annuals or overwinter the rhizomes indoors. Before the first frost, cut off the leaves and dig up the rhizomes. Put them in a box with peat moss or sawdust and store them in a cool, dark place around 50°F. Mist them every now and then to keep them from drying out completely. If they’re in pots, you can just let them go dormant in a cool room.

Got yellowing leaves? Could be too much or too little water, not enough nutrients, cold temperatures, or not enough light. Adjust accordingly! No blooms? Probably not enough light or not a good enough dormancy. Give it more light and make sure it gets a good rest in the winter. Root rot? You’re overwatering! Improve drainage and lay off the water. Pests? You know the drill: insecticidal soap or neem oil.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to keep your Yellow Calla Lily happy and healthy. With a little love and attention, these beauties will bring joy to your home or garden for years to come. Happy growing!