What is the Best Fertilizer for Calla Lilies?

Calla lilies are elegant, tropical blooms that can add drama and vibrancy to any garden. But beyond their good looks, they do require some special care, particularly when it comes to fertilization. Using the right type of fertilizer at the proper time is crucial for getting the most out of these striking plants So what exactly is the best fertilizer to use for calla lilies? Let’s break it down

Focus on Balanced Fertilizer for Optimal Results

The key for fertilizing calla lilies is to use a balanced fertilizer that provides equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). This gives the plants the complete nutrition they need for lush foliage growth, vigorous roots, and of course, breathtaking blooms.

Look for fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This indicates equal parts of the three essential macronutrients. While you can certainly find fertilizers tailored specifically for bulbs or blooming plants, any balanced all-purpose fertilizer will work well for calla lilies.

An organic balanced fertilizer or chemical synthetic fertilizer can both be effective options. Organic fertilizers provide a slow, steady release of nutrients Chemical fertilizers give an immediate nutrient boost but don’t last as long Either way, choose a balanced formula for the best results.

Fertilize Monthly During the Growing Season

When it comes to actually applying fertilizer, timing is key. Calla lilies only need to be fertilized when they are in an active growth and flowering phase. This is usually spring through fall. During the winter dormancy period fertilizing is not necessary and can even do more harm than good.

A monthly fertilizing routine works well for calla lilies in the ground during peak growing season. For potted plants, you may need to step it up to every 2-3 weeks. Container plants have less access to nutrients than in-ground plants, so they benefit from more frequent dilute feedings.

Just be sure not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and leaves. It’s better to under-fertilize calla lilies than to risk fertilizer burn. Slow and steady nutrient delivery is the name of the game.

Watch for Signs of Deficiency

In addition to routine fertilization, keep an eye out for any signs your calla lilies are hungry for nutrients. Slow growth, pale leaves, or lackluster blooms can all be indicators that your plants need a fertilizer boost.

If you notice these deficiency symptoms, go ahead and treat your calla lilies to some fertilizer, even if it’s not your usual monthly feeding time. This quick pick-me-up will get them back on track.

Use Lower Nitrogen in Fall

As summer winds down, calla lilies start preparing for dormancy. Their needs change, so fertilizer should too.

High nitrogen fertilizers encourage leafy growth, which is not what you want going into dormancy. Instead, switch to a low nitrogen formula, something like 5-10-10. This provides some phosphorus for blooming but reduces foliage growth. Let those leaves slow down while still feeding the roots and tubers.

By late fall, discontinue fertilizer completely and let the plant rest. Resume monthly feedings when you see new growth emerging in spring.

Add Bone Meal for Extra Phosphorus

If you really want to maximize blooms on your calla lilies, consider supplementing with some bone meal worked into the soil. Bone meal is an excellent source of phosphorus, the nutrient most vital for abundant flowering.

Use bone meal sparingly, as too much can burn plant roots. But a little sprinkled around the base of each calla lily can give them the phosphorus pop they need for a spectacular floral display.

Use Caution with Fertilizer Around Pets

One important caution with fertilizing calla lilies – be very careful keeping fertilizer away from pets. Calla lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. Cats are especially prone to nibbling on houseplants.

So make sure to water in any fertilizer applications thoroughly. Never apply fertilizer onto wet foliage, as this can allow the chemicals to stick and pose a toxicity risk to curious pets. Store unused fertilizer out of paws’ reach.

Monitor Soil Quality

In addition to providing supplemental fertilizer, also pay attention to building a high quality growing medium for your calla lilies. These plants love rich, humus-filled soil with plenty of organic matter.

Mix in compost, aged manure, leaf mold and other organic materials to create the ideal loamy, nutrient-rich soil calla lilies thrive in. Proper soil goes hand in hand with fertilizer for growing strong, vigorous calla lily plants.

Fertilizing Calla Lilies in Pots

Container gardening comes with its own unique fertilizing needs. As mentioned earlier, potted calla lilies require more frequent feeding than in-ground plantings, generally every 2-3 weeks.

The confined soil volume and frequent watering of containers leach nutrients more quickly than garden beds. A constant replenishment of fertilizer is needed.

Use a diluted liquid fertilizer for potted calla lilies, about half the recommended strength. Liquid fertilizers are fast-acting and the lower concentration prevents buildup in the potting mix.

And be diligent about watering potted calla lilies. These thirsty plants rely on you to provide their moisture since they can’t access groundwater. Letting containers dry out too much can quickly lead to disastrous wilting.

Special Considerations for Indoor Calla Lilies

Calla lilies grown as houseplants have similar fertilizer requirements as outdoor container plants. The main difference is that indoor calla lilies need year-round feeding.

Since they are kept actively growing inside, indoor calla lilies don’t go through the same winter dormancy that outdoor plants do. Be sure to continue monthly fertilizing, though at a reduced rate, through the winter months.

Indoor calla lilies should also be potted in a super fast-draining potting mix. Dense garden soil will lead to root rot very quickly on these moisture-loving plants. An indoor potting mix with added perlite gives the quick drainage calla lilies need.

Best Practices for Fertilizing Calla Lilies

To summarize the keys for fertilizing calla lilies:

• Use a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer

• Fertilize monthly in the growing season, April-September

• For potted plants, fertilize every 2-3 weeks at half strength

• Watch for nutrient deficiencies like yellow leaves or slow growth

• Use lower nitrogen formulas in fall to reduce leaf growth

• Supplement with bone meal for extra phosphorus

• Keep fertilizer away from pets to avoid toxicity

• Build soil health with compost and organic matter

• Use diluted liquid fertilizer more frequently for containers

• Indoor plants need year-round light fertilizing

Follow these best practices, and your calla lilies will reward you with vigorous growth, abundant blooms, and endless elegance in the garden. The right fertilizer is truly the secret ingredient to getting the most out of these stunning flowers.