Calla lilies, with their elegant blooms and lush leaves, are a popular choice for gardens and indoor decor. But caring for these beauties does require some finesse, especially when it comes to watering. Understanding calla lily water needs is key to keeping them thriving.
Calla lilies (Zantedeschia species) are not true lilies but belong to the Araceae family along with anthurium, peace lily and philodendron This perennial plant is native to southern Africa and grows from rhizomes. The flowers, which are actually modified leaves called spathes, are the main attraction They come in white, pink, yellow, orange and red.
Calla lilies can grow 2-4 feet tall, depending on the variety The dark green leaves are heart-shaped and arrowhead-like Plants may be evergreen or die back in winter, depending on climate. They are hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Calla Lily Water Requirements
As marsh plants, calla lilies need consistently moist soil. Underwatering can cause leaves to droop, yellow and drop. Overwatering leads to root rot. Getting watering right is key!
Here are some tips:
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Check soil moisture daily by sticking your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. Water when the top inch is partly dry.
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Water until it runs from the drainage holes. Allow excess water to drain away.
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Increase watering frequency in hot, dry weather. Reduce watering in cool weather.
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Use rain or distilled water if possible. Callas dislike salty, hard water.
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Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry before night. Wet leaves invite disease.
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In dry climates, increase humidity around plants by misting or using a pebble tray.
How Often to Water Potted Calla Lilies
Potted callas need more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Pots heat up and dry out quickly. Check potting mix daily in warm weather. Water when the top half-inch is dry. Apply enough water so it runs from the drainage holes.
Always use containers with drainage holes and well-draining potting mixes, never garden soil. Repotting in fresh mix annually keeps roots healthy.
How Often to Water Calla Lilies Outdoors
Outdoor calla lilies prefer moist but not soggy soil. Check moisture every few days by digging in 1-2 inches. Water when the top 1-2 inches are partly dry. Apply water until it runs out the bottom of the root zone.
Increase frequency during hot, dry spells. Mature plants may need watering every 2-4 days. Newly planted callas need watering 2-3 times a week while establishing.
Mulch around plants to conserve moisture. Group plants to create a microclimate. Water early in the day.
How Often to Water Calla Lilies Indoors
Indoor calla lilies should be watered whenever the top half of the potting mix dries out. For 5-6 inch pots, this is usually every 5-7 days. Smaller pots may need watering 2-3 times a week.
Always apply enough water so it runs from the drainage holes. Remove any water in saucers after 30 minutes. Keep plants away from drafts and heating vents that can dry them out.
Signs Your Calla Lilies Need Water
Learn to read your plants’ signals! Drooping and yellow, curled leaves often indicate under watering. Brown leaf tips may signal overwatering.
Check soil moisture if you see:
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Leaves drooping or curling
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Leaves feeling soft and thinner
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Lower leaves yellowing
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New growth stunted
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Flowers smaller than usual
Consequences of Underwatering
If calla lilies don’t get enough water, growth will slow and leaves can shrivel, yellow and drop. Prolonged underwatering can kill the plant.
Dry soil also makes tubers and roots susceptible to rot fungi and bacterial soft rot. Damaged roots absorb less water, creating a vicious cycle.
Dangers of Overwatering
Too much moisture can be as damaging as too little. Soggy soil suffocates roots and promotes fungal and bacterial rots. Leaves may yellow, roots turn brown and mushy. As roots die, the plant is unable to absorb water and further declines.
Repot immediately if soil stays soggy after watering. If tubers are soft, remove the rotted parts and treat with a fungicide. Improve drainage before replanting.
Creating the Right Watering Schedule
There’s no single watering schedule that fits every situation. Plant size, pot vs. garden, climate and season all affect needs. Observation and experience over time will teach you your plants’ preferences.
Use these tips to develop a custom watering routine:
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Observe plants daily and feel soil to gauge moisture.
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Make notes each time you water. Track weather and plant response.
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Adjust timing and frequency based on plant condition and soil dryness.
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Increase watering in hot, dry stretches; reduce in cool, wet weather.
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Water lightly more often, rather than heavily at longer intervals.
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Set up pots on wicking mats or self-watering stakes to maintain even moisture.
With attentive care and proper watering, your calla lilies will repay you with their vivid blooms and abundant foliage. A little effort goes a long way with these beautiful water-lovers!
Taxonomy Scientific name
Calla Lily needs 0. 5 cups of water every seven days if it’s in a 5″ pot and doesn’t get direct sunlight.
You can use our water calculator to get personalized watering advice based on your area, or you can download Greg to get more detailed advice for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 7
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How to fertilize Calla Lily
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
It’s likely that your plant will need a bigger pot by the time it’s used up all the nutrients in its soil.
Repot your Calla Lily when it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. This will give the plant new nutrients.
Calla Lily is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!.
Calla Lily prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. You can use our water calculator to get personalized watering advice based on your area, or you can download Greg to get more detailed advice for all of your plants.
Calla Lily requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Just pick your area to see how the current weather there affects the placement in your home
Calla Lily is extremely dangerous if consumed. Poison Control (US 800-222-1222) or your vet should be called right away if you, a family member, or a pet has eaten any amount of plant material. Calla Lily is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.
Calla Lily prefers dry environments. Misting or adding extra humidity to your plant lets water stay on the leaves longer, which can make it a great place for harmful fungi to grow.
Calla Lily is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. Good soil will still drain well and have a lot of organic matter in it, like sphagnum moss or coco coir.
Calla Lily should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer as long as you change it every year. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!.
Calla Lily is native to southern Africa.
Yes, you may see your Calla Lily bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Calla Lily is a clumping plant, meaning new growth will emerge from the soil around the parent plant.
USDA Hardiness Zone Calla Lily can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Calla Lily can be propagated by division into new individual plants.
- Check to see if there is more than one plant. Sometimes they may still be below the ground’s surface. If you are sure, you can take the soil off to see if there are any baby plants below!
- If there are more than one plant growing, take the plant out of its pot and carefully pull the plants apart, being careful not to damage too many of the roots. They might be joined by big pieces of root that you’ll need to break to get the plantlet out.
- Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
- Repot the parent plant back into its original pot
It’s not always a bad sign when a plant has yellow leaves; it can be a normal part of its life cycle. Most likely, your plant is just getting rid of old leaves unless brand-new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once.
Since Calla Lilies don’t like it when the soil is too wet, overwatering and root rot are most likely to be to blame. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Change the wet soil to dry, new soil, and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets too much water again.
To fix a houseplant that looks sad, first look for signs of distress in its leaves, like yellowing, browning, or drooping ones. This could mean that the plant is getting too much water or not enough nutrients.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Check to see how much light the plant is getting. Too much or too little light can hurt the plant.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
How Often to Water Calla Lily?
FAQ
How do you know when a calla lily needs water?
Can you over water calla lilies?
How do you care for potted calla lilies?
Do calla lilies like full sun or shade?
Do calla lilies need a lot of water?
Calla lilies have bright green leaves and bright flowers, so they need plenty of water during their growth, and they need to be watered every 4-5 days during the growing season. They can be grown in pots or containers, but they are best grown outdoors in full sun. Do not let them sit in water for more than a few minutes.
How often should I water my calla lily?
So, depending on the humidity, you may need to water your indoor Calla Lily once or twice per week. If the soil feels extra dry, increase the watering. If the soil still feels moist, wait another day or two before adding more water.
How do you water calla lilies?
So, balance is key when it comes to watering your Calla Lilies. Check the soil’s moisture level before watering. Do this by sticking your finger down into the soil (about an inch deep). If it feels dry to the touch, you know you need to water. If it feels moist, wait another day and check again.