What can I do with potted calla lilies?

Potted Calla Lilies: Way More Than Just a Pretty Face (Let Me Tell You!)

Calla lilies. Aren’t they just gorgeous? Those elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green leaves always catch my eye. Turns out, these beauties, known scientifically as Zantedeschia (try saying that five times fast!), hail from sunny South Africa. You often see them as potted plants, especially around Easter time. But here’s the thing: most people have no clue how much potential these plants have beyond a quick seasonal show. I’m here to spill the beans on how to really make the most of your calla lilies, so you can enjoy their beauty for years to come.

Bringing the Outdoors In (and Making It Look Good!)

Calla lilies are fantastic for adding a touch of class to any indoor space. It’s not just that they’re pretty; they’re also surprisingly easy to care for and can last a good long while.

• Houseplant Hero: Yep, calla lilies can totally rock the houseplant thing. Just give them a bright spot, but keep them out of direct sunlight – think of it like they’re avoiding a sunburn.
• Temperature and Humidity? No Problem: These tropical plants like it comfy, somewhere between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. And they’re big fans of humidity. If your place is dry, try misting them now and then, or even get a humidifier. They’ll thank you for it!
• Watering 101: Keep the soil nicely moist, like a well-wrung-out sponge. Water when the top inch or so feels dry. And make sure that pot has good drainage! Soggy roots are a calla lily’s worst enemy. Brown tips on the leaves? That’s usually a sign you’re overdoing the watering.
• Feeding Time: Give them a little boost with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month when they’re blooming. But once the flowers are done, lay off the fertilizer.
• Clean Air, Happy Home: Fun fact: calla lilies can actually help clean your indoor air! They suck up carbon dioxide and pump out oxygen, plus they can even absorb some nasty toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Talk about a win-win!

From Pot to Plot: Taking It Outside

Want to take your calla lilies to the great outdoors? You totally can! They’re more versatile than you might think.

• Climate Check: If you live in USDA zones 8-10, you’re in luck! Calla lilies will happily grow as perennials. Colder zones? No worries, you can treat them as annuals or bring them inside for the winter.
• Planting Time: Wait until spring, after the last frost, and when the soil’s warmed up a bit (at least 65°F). Then, find a spot with plenty of sun or a bit of shade.
• Garden Design Magic: Get creative! Mass plantings look amazing, or try mixing them with other plants in your borders. They’re also great near ponds or streams. I’ve even seen them used on slopes to add color and help prevent erosion.
• Plant BFFs: Dahlias and gladiolus make great cutting garden companions. Or, for a cool contrast in textures, try pairing them with creeping Jenny, New Guinea impatiens, ferns, and astilbes.
• Critter-Proofing: Good news for gardeners plagued by deer and rabbits: calla lilies are generally left alone by these hungry critters.

Making More: Propagation Power!

Want more calla lilies? You can propagate them! It’s easier than you think.

• Rhizome Division: The Easy Way: This is the most common method, and it’s pretty straightforward. In the fall, after the leaves have died back, gently dig up the rhizome (that’s the underground stem). Use a clean knife or shears to cut it into sections, making sure each section has at least one “eye” (that’s a bud). Let the cut pieces dry for a day or two to form a callus before replanting.
• From Seed? A Little More Patience Required: You can also grow calla lilies from seed, but it takes longer – sometimes up to three years before you see flowers. Just scatter the seeds in a shallow tray with moist starter soil, keep it warm and damp, and wait.
• Planting Those Rhizomes: Plant the rhizomes about 4 inches deep in well-draining soil, with the growing tips pointing up. Space them about a foot apart in the garden, or closer if you’re planting them in containers.

Sleepy Time: Dormancy and Overwintering

Calla lilies usually take a nap in the fall. Knowing what to do during this dormancy period is key to keeping them happy and healthy.

• Spotting the Signs: The plant will slow down, and the leaves will start to turn yellow and droop. When you see this happening, gradually cut back on the watering.
• Wintering in Pots: Once the leaves have yellowed, cut them back to the ground and bring the pots inside to a cool, dry place.
• Rhizome Hibernation: If you live in a colder climate (below zone 8), dig up the rhizomes before the first frost hits. Remove the leaves, cut the stems to an inch or two, and let them cure in a warm, dry spot for about three days. Then, store them in a box filled with slightly damp peat moss or sawdust, in a dark place where the temperature stays around 50-60°F.
• Spring Awakening: In the spring, replant the rhizomes in fresh potting mix, start watering them again, and watch them come back to life!

Beyond the Vase: Unexpected Uses

Calla lilies aren’t just for show!

• Cut Flower Champions: These make fantastic cut flowers, and they can last up to two weeks in a vase. Cut them in the morning or evening when it’s cool.
• Floral Arrangement Stars: Use them in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, corsages – you name it! They look amazing with roses, peonies, hydrangeas, eucalyptus, and ivy.
• Symbolism Alert: Calla lilies symbolize purity, rebirth, and new beginnings, which makes them perfect for weddings, funerals, and other important events. Plus, different colors have different meanings!
• Traditional Medicine (Handle with Care!): In South Africa, the underground stem has been used to treat wounds. But please, don’t try this at home without professional guidance! The plant is toxic.

A Little Warning: Toxicity

Speaking of toxic, it’s important to remember that all parts of the calla lily are poisonous. They contain calcium oxalates, which can cause a nasty burning sensation if ingested. So, keep them away from kids and pets, and wear gloves when handling them to avoid skin irritation.

Color Me Impressed: Varieties Galore!

There are so many different calla lily varieties out there, with all sorts of colors and sizes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Zantedeschia aethiopica: The classic white beauty.
• Zantedeschia rehmannii: The one with the pretty pink flowers.
• Zantedeschia elliotiana: The sunny yellow charmer.
• Acapulco Gold: Another gorgeous yellow option.
• Night Life and Night Cap: For those who love deep, dark purples.
• California Red: A stunning reddish-pink.
• Pink Melody: A triple-threat flower that goes from green to white to pink!
• Crystal Blush: White with just a hint of pink.
• Fire Dancer: A real showstopper with gold and red.
• Captain Safari: Vibrant orange with hints of red and yellow.
• Garnet Glow: Deep pink to burgundy – so elegant!
• Green Goddess: Creamy white that turns green – super cool!

The Bottom Line

Potted calla lilies are so much more than just pretty decorations. They’re versatile plants that can brighten up your home and garden. With a little know-how, you can enjoy these beauties for years to come. So go ahead, get yourself a calla lily (or two!), and let their elegance shine! You won’t regret it.