How to Revive Calla Lily

Are you struggling to keep your calla lily alive? Don't worry, you're not alone! With proper care and attention, it's possible to revive a dying calla lily. In this article, we'll take you through the steps to nurse your calla lily back to health and provide you with valuable tips to prevent future problems.

Identifying the Problem

Before you can start reviving your calla lily, it's essential to identify the underlying problem. Check your plant for signs of disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. Look for yellowing or droopy leaves, soft or mushy stems, and a lack of new growth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to address the issue promptly.

Watering and Humidity

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes that can lead to a dying calla lily. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. Water your calla lily thoroughly, making sure the pot drains well to prevent waterlogged soil. Aim to provide 1-2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.

Calla lilies prefer high humidity, typically above 50%. You can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles or using a humidifier. This will help prevent dry air from causing further stress to your plant.

Light and Temperature

Calla lilies require bright, indirect light to photosynthesize and grow. Place your plant near an east- or west-facing window, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause leaf scorch. If you can't provide natural light, consider using grow lights.

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Calla lilies prefer temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). Avoid placing your plant near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause stress.

Fertilization

Fertilize your calla lily with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) once a month. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent burning your plant's roots. You can also use a fertilizer specifically formulated for flowering plants, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Pruning and Grooming

Remove any dead or dying leaves and stems to prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth. Cut back the flower stem to the base of the plant after it finishes blooming to direct the plant's energy towards producing new flowers.

Regularly groom your calla lily by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. This will help improve photosynthesis and prevent pests from settling on the plant.

Pest Control

Check your calla lily regularly for signs of pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. If you notice any pests, treat your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions.

Repotting

If your calla lily is pot-bound or showing signs of nutrient deficiency, it may be time to repot. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, and use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for tropical plants. Gently remove the plant from its pot, taking care not to damage the roots. Trim away any dead or damaged roots before repotting.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are some common problems you may encounter when growing calla lilies, along with their solutions:

• Yellowing leaves: Overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer to address nutrient deficiencies.
• Soft or mushy stems: Overwatering or root rot. Reduce watering and improve drainage to prevent waterlogged soil. Consider repotting your plant in a well-draining potting mix.
• Lack of new growth: Insufficient light or inadequate fertilization. Move your plant to a brighter location or consider using grow lights. Fertilize your plant regularly to promote healthy growth.

Conclusion

Reviving a dying calla lily requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. By identifying the underlying problem, adjusting your care routine, and providing your plant with the right conditions, you can nurse your calla lily back to health. Remember to monitor your plant's progress, and with time and care, you'll be rewarded with beautiful blooms and lush foliage.

At Botanic Beam, we're committed to providing you with the best and most in-depth information on plant care. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us. Happy planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common reasons why my Calla Lily is dying?

Calla Lilies can be finicky, and there are several reasons why they may be dying. Overwatering, underwatering, root bound, lack of light, temperature fluctuations, pests, and diseases are some of the most common reasons. Identifying the root cause is crucial to revive your Calla Lily.

How often should I water my Calla Lily?

Calla Lilies prefer moist soil, but they don't like to be waterlogged. Check the soil daily, and water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

What kind of soil is best for Calla Lilies?

Calla Lilies thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix specifically designed for bulbs or a general-purpose potting soil with added compost will provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.

How much sunlight does my Calla Lily need?

Calla Lilies require bright, indirect sunlight to produce healthy growth and blooms. East- or west-facing windows are ideal, but avoid direct sunlight, which can cause scorching.

What is the ideal temperature for Calla Lilies?

Calla Lilies prefer temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C) during the day and no lower than 55°F (13°C) at night. Avoid placing them near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces, or drafty windows.

How do I fertilize my Calla Lily?

Feed your Calla Lily with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.

Why are the leaves on my Calla Lily turning yellow?

Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or root bound. Check the soil moisture, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If the problem persists, consider repotting your Calla Lily in fresh soil.

How do I propagate Calla Lilies?

Calla Lilies can be propagated through division or seed. Divide the rhizome in the spring or summer, making sure each section has at least one growing eye. Plant the sections in fresh soil, and keep them moist. Sow seeds in the spring, and keep the soil warm and humid.

Can I grow Calla Lilies outdoors?

Yes, Calla Lilies can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. Plant the rhizome in the spring, after the last frost, in a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

How do I care for my Calla Lily during the winter?

Calla Lilies require a period of dormancy during the winter. Reduce watering, and stop fertilizing. Keep the plant in a cool, dark location (around 50°F/10°C) until new growth appears in the spring.

Why is my Calla Lily not blooming?

Lack of light, inadequate fertilization, or insufficient water can cause Calla Lilies to fail to bloom. Ensure your plant is receiving sufficient light, and adjust your fertilization and watering schedule accordingly.

How do I deadhead Calla Lilies?

Remove the spent blooms to encourage your Calla Lily to produce more flowers. Cut the flower stem at the base, just above a leaf node, to promote new growth.

Can I grow Calla Lilies in a pot?

Yes, Calla Lilies can thrive in pots. Choose a container that is at least 6-8 inches deep, and has good drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, and repot your Calla Lily every 2-3 years.

How do I prune Calla Lilies?

Prune your Calla Lily in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, and cut back the flower stem to the base. This will promote new growth and encourage blooming.

Are Calla Lilies toxic to pets?

Yes, Calla Lilies are toxic to pets. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation, and other symptoms in pets. Keep your Calla Lily out of reach of pets and children.

How do I treat pests on my Calla Lily?

Check your plant regularly for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Isolate the infected plant, and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions.

What are the common diseases that affect Calla Lilies?

Calla Lilies are susceptible to diseases like root rot, leaf spot, and crown rot. These diseases are often caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, or contaminated soil. Improve air circulation, and treat fungal infections with a fungicide.

How do I repot my Calla Lily?

Repot your Calla Lily in the spring or summer, when it becomes pot-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, and use fresh, well-draining potting mix. Handle the roots gently, and water well after repotting.

Can I grow Calla Lilies from seed?

Yes, Calla Lilies can be grown from seed, but it may take several years for the plant to mature. Sow the seeds in the spring, and keep the soil warm and humid. Transplant the seedlings to individual pots once they have two sets of leaves.

How long does it take for a Calla Lily to bloom?

Calla Lilies typically take 3-6 months to bloom after planting. However, this can vary depending on factors like light, temperature, and fertilization.

Can I force my Calla Lily to bloom?

Yes, you can force your Calla Lily to bloom by providing it with the right conditions. Increase the light and temperature, and fertilize regularly. This may encourage the plant to produce blooms earlier than usual.

Why are the flowers on my Calla Lily not white?

Calla Lilies are available in a range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and bi-colored. If your Calla Lily is not producing white flowers, it may be due to the specific variety or growing conditions.

How do I store Calla Lily bulbs?

Store Calla Lily bulbs in a cool, dark place (around 50°F/10°C) in a paper bag or breathable container. Keep the bulbs dry, and check on them periodically to ensure they are not rotting.

Can I grow Calla Lilies in a greenhouse?

Yes, Calla Lilies can thrive in a greenhouse. Provide them with bright, indirect light, and maintain a temperature between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). Ensure good air circulation, and water carefully to avoid overwatering.

Get The Botanic Beam App Today!

With just a snap, unveil the mysteries of your green companions. Discover their secrets, learn their names, and embrace the magic of expert care tips and hidden tricks for lush, thriving growth.