Caring of Calla Lilies

A healthy, flowering calla lily.

A member of the Arum family, the calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is an herbaceous, tuberous rooted plant characterized by lush, waxy, green leaves and crisp, funnel-shaped flowers that may be white or burgundy depending on the cultivar. Commonly grown both indoors and outdoors, calla lilies are low-maintenance plants that thrive with a little care.

1. Location

   • Calla lilies grow naturally throughout Southern and Eastern Africa, thriving in wetlands and alongside lakes. Calla lilies do best when grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 10. Plant the flower in a bright, sunny location in cooler climates and in an area with light or shifting shade in hotter climates. Plants grown in partially shaded or shaded locations produce fewer or no flowers. Indoor plants prefer a windowsill with bright sun.

   Care

   • Calla lilies thrive in moist conditions, with some species even preferring shallow water. Grow calla lilies in a rich, deep soil consistently moist to the touch. Enhance the soil with organic matter, such as leaf mold, rotted manure or humus. Fertilize the plant annually in the spring after planting with a using 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 fertilizer. Water the soil before applying fertilizer to keep from burning the tuber.

   Storage

   • Dig up and store calla lilies through the winter, for replanting the following spring. After the first frosts have killed the plant's foliage, dig up the plant's tubers and place them in a ventilated bag or box with peat moss, vermiculite or perlite. Store in a dry, well-ventilated place and check to ensure the tubers have not shriveled or dried up. Reduce watering for indoor plants.

   Problems

   • Calla lilies are mostly pest and disease free. Use caution when handling the plant, as contact with the plant's sticky sap causes skin irritation. The plant is poisonous if ingested and should be kept away from children and pets. Swiftly treat aphid infestations, as aphids may carry untreatable viruses. Remove aphids with pesticides or a strong stream of water.