Calla Lily
The Flower of
Elegance & Grace
Calla lilies are so elegant and they make such a sophisticated statement to the home. They have graceful, trumpet-shaped, velvety flowers with a yellow spadix centered inside. These blooms come in a wide variety of deep, vivid colors. Its sword-like, lush green foliage can also be freckled with fun white specks. For years the calla lily has enjoyed being one of the favorites of plant lovers all over the world and we couldn’t agree more!
Calla Lily Care Line Classification
Care Information
Light
Bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature
Calla lilies perform best at 50-70°F.
Water
Keep soil slightly moist at all times. Remove wrap or decor before watering. Drain off all excess water. Do not let plant stand in water.
The Calla Lily: Deep Dive
Season
Year-round
Care
Calla’s bloom best in bright, indirect sunlight. They should be kept away from heating and A/C vents. Check soil often and maintain consistent soil moisture (but take care to not make them soggy). Best to take off wrap/container and place in a sink before watering to allow it to drain from the bottom of the pot. Once pot has drained, replace to original spot. You can use liquid fertilizer once a month.
Home to Garden
After the bloom fades away, leave the pots in the sun and warm location, continuing to water and fertilize, until the existing foliage turns yellow and withers. After the leaves have died, cut the stems down to soil level, remove rhizomes from the soil, and put them in a paper bag. Store in a dark, cold location such as a basement or garage (40-45 degrees) or place in the refrigerator (free of fruit that release ethylene gas). Plant outdoors, usually in early spring through June. Water directly after planting but be careful not to water too heavily. Once the rhizomes are established, you can water the plants once a week, or more frequently if experiencing especially hot or drought-like conditions. True to their tropical nature, calla lilies thrive in a warm environment, which includes plenty of light. If you live in an area that boasts hot and humid summer weather, your calla lilies will probably do better in a spot that experiences partial shade, while calla lilies grown in a slightly more temperate summer climate can handle full sunlight. Flower stalks will begin to show in about 8 weeks!
Flower Meaning
Calla lilies have a storied history, including mentions in Greek and Roman mythology, where they were tied to both Hera, the goddess of marriage and birth, and Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. It also is said to symbolize purity, faith, and gratitude.
Fun Facts
Calla Lilies are native to South Africa and Malawi. They were first cataloged in the 18th century by a Swedish botanist who mistakenly named the species calla lily. In actuality, Calla lilies are not lilies at all. They are part of the Araceae family, along with the caladium and philodendron. Not long after, a German botanist realized the error and created the genus Zantedeschia, but it was too late. The name calla lily stuck. By the 20th century, calla lilies had also grown in popularity in the U.S. They became a popular fixture in American art, particularly through the work of Georgia O’Keeffe. She paint several famous paintings portraying close-ups of the flower.
