The calla plants are known for their beauty and striking appearance, but also for their robust growth habit. They can be grown in the garden in warm areas, but they are also successful indoors. The calla is one of the most popular houseplants because it does well in a pot and is easy to care for. It has long been considered a symbol of rebirth and resurrection and is closely linked to Easter. In addition to the pure white flowers of the traditional species, modern hybrids come in a wide range of colors. The flowers, also called spathias, bloom for weeks and will delight you with beautiful, breathtaking colors that will add a special touch of elegance to any room. You will be surprised at how easy it is to care for the calla lilies in the pot.
Grow the beautiful calla lily as a houseplant
The indoor calla lily is a fantastic addition to any interior, it is a beautiful flower that will bring an elegant feel to your home. This plant represents beauty and is therefore the perfect gift. To ensure you get the most out of your plant, follow the guide below to keep your plant thriving for a long time.
The right care for a calla lily in a pot
- Light and temperature:Like most tropical plants, calla lilies thrive in a warm environment that provides plenty of light. For abundant flowering, place your plant near bright windows but not in direct sun. Callas suffer from heat stress and cannot bloom at temperatures above 24°C. Excessive heat combined with too little light results in plants with short-lived flowers and stems that are too weak and long to support themselves.
- Pour:Always keep the calla potting soil moist, but not too wet, otherwise the flower bulb may rot. If it has bloomed and begins to die back, stop watering to allow the rhizomes to dry out and be stored until the next growing season.
- Earth:Rich, well-drained soil is best for getting indoor callas to bloom. They often thrive at the edge of ponds and can tolerate a moist location.
- Fertilize:Fertilizing regularly during the growing season with a low-nitrogen fertilizer will help promote flowering.
- Toxicity:Keep indoor calla lily away from small children and pets as it contains high levels of calcium oxalate, which if swallowed can cause severe burning, swelling and stomach upset.
How should you care for the plant after flowering?
Depending on the variety and growing conditions, callas bloom in pots for three to nine weeks. After the flowers darken and close, cut the stems at the base. Stop feeding and watering and allow the foliage to die back.
Dry the rhizome by placing it in a clean container and storing it in a cool place that is above freezing but no warmer than 50°F (10°C) for two to three months. The room should be dark and have as little humidity as possible. Water the rhizomes lightly once or twice during the dormant period to keep them from shriveling.
In spring,if the rhizomesOnce they begin to sprout, they can be planted again in the pot or outdoors. This process repeats itself year after year. You can grow calla lilies for many years if you follow their growth cycles.
Common problems when caring for calla lilies in pots
The calla lilies are easy to grow, but if their growth needs are not met, they can suffer.
- Hanging stems and flowers:Calla lily drooping can be caused by too little or too much watering. Too much nitrogen in fertilizer can also lead to drooping stems and flowers. If the plant does not have enough water, adding water can help it bloom again.
- Spider mites:If the leaves look gray, look for spider mites. The tiny mites feed on the plant, causing the leaves to gradually turn a yellowish-gray color. Luckily, these mites are fairly easy to remove. Take the plant outside and mist it with water. Repeat this process if the mites reappear.
- Aphidsare tiny, soft-bodied insects that usually occur in groups. Treat the plant with a mild insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil such as neem oilto combat these problems.
- Curling leaves with crispy brown edgesare a sign of too little water and possibly too much sunlight. Since indoor callas tend to have extensive root systems, consider transplanting to reduce the number of waterings with moister, fresh soil.
- If youStem rot or mosaic virusnotice, you should destroy the plant. These diseases can spread to other plants and there is no way to cure them once they arise. Put on gloves, remove the plant from the pot and dispose of it with the soil in the trash.
