How often should you water calla lilies – Have you ever cared about that?
The tropical marshes of South Africa and Malawi are home to the calla lily. We may deduce from this that this is a water-loving plant that will grow in warm climates.
Despite its original habitat of wetlands and humid climates such as the tropics, the calla lily may thrive in temperate climates. They are mainly appropriate for indoor cultivation. And especially this flower takes a little time to take care of but blooms beautifully.
This flower does not necessitate complicated care, but it should be noted how to water. So, how do you water the plants so that they have enough water to grow?
Continue reading to get answers to these and other concerns about the water management techniques for garden or potted lilies.
How often should you water calla lilies?
The majority of people think of a Calla lily as a plant with a huge white blossom. There are, however, multicolored calla lily blossoms.
And different plants have distinct requirements for growth. As a result, depending on your climate, your houseplant may require more water.
Even though the calla lily is a tropical plant, it cannot live in direct sunlight throughout the summer. It’s best if you keep the plant in the shade. However, it cannot withstand frost, and if you do not bring it indoors, it will die.
The watering requirements of calla lilies vary depending on whether they are cultivated in the garden or in containers. You should also consider your existing growing conditions, such as the amount of sunshine or soil type.
Outdoor calla lilies should be watered on a regular basis, with enough water to keep the soil evenly moist. Add compost or other organic elements to the soil if it doesn’t drain well.
Watering calla lilies in pots on a regular basis will maintain the potting mix evenly moist but not soggy. Use a potting mix that drains effectively. Although calla lilies prefer moist conditions, they do not thrive in soggy, poorly drained soil.
Drainage can be achieved with a soilless mix comprising coarse materials such as pine bark, mulch, or sand. Keep in mind that calla lilies in pots will dry out considerably faster than calla lilies in the ground.
Over-watering must be avoided when caring for calla lilies. Excessively dry soil conditions caused by under-watering, on the other hand, would result in the same outcome: sickly calla lilies.
So, how often should you water your calla lilies to maintain optimal growth and, as a result, stunning blooms? The problem is linked to two watering variables: when to water them and how much water they need.
When should you water your calla lilies?
The ideal time to water them, like other plants, is first thing in the morning. If your schedule prevents you from doing it in the morning, late afternoon is the next best time.
What is the best way to water a calla lily?
When the soil is dry, water the plants. Water gently and deeply to avoid multiple waterings during the day, especially in the afternoon, so that the water sinks to the desired depth in the soil.
Keep in mind that depending on the weather, you may need to water more than once a day if the top 1–2 inches of soil get dry. On hot, windy days, for example, you should check the soil frequently, especially for outdoor calla lilies, to ensure it is not dry.
Stick your finger up to 2 inches into the soil to check the moisture level. You don’t need to water it if it feels wet or moist. If your finger comes out dry, it’s time to water it again.
Potted calla lilies can dry up faster than garden lilies due to a combination of drainage holes and a smaller pot size. So don’t be surprised if you have to water your potted plants more frequently than your yard plants.
A few small notes
Here are a few pointers on how to properly care for Calla Lilies. Please read the information carefully and apply!
1. Time to stop watering plants
It’s worth noting that different care is required at different times of the year. Once a year, calla lilies go dormant.
It is extremely advised that when the calla lilies cease flowering, you stop watering them and let the flowers and plants die naturally. The bulb or rhizome dries out as a result of the absence of water, making it easy to store. When the following growing season arrives, you can resume your regular service.
To keep the dormant bulbs alive, store them in the container in a dark, cool, dry location and water them gently every few weeks. After at least 8 weeks, you can remove the pot and continue your normal watering schedule.
2. Do not overwater
While it is essential that you have a constant watering schedule to keep the soil moist, damp soil caused by overwatering can lead to root rot. You want to avoid this because if your calla lily gets out of control, it will die.
The stem and bulb are both affected by root rot. Two prominent indications of the disease are a foul-smelling bulb and soft, mushy stems. The stem will be unable to support the foliage’s weight and will eventually collapse.
When this happens, the best thing to do is to throw out the plant and dirt in the pot. Soak the pot in a decent disinfectant for about half an hour before using it again. After cleaning, allow it to dry before adding fresh potting soil.
You’ll have to figure out what works best for you because there are various elements that influence how often you water calla lilies. When it comes to finding the right balance between keeping the soil constantly moist and over-watering, there is usually a short learning curve. However, remember to check the soil moisture levels with your finger on a regular basis.
3. Drainage issues
Soggy soil can also be caused by a lack of effective soil drainage. This is usually linked to clay or heavy soils in the case of garden calla lilies. Compost or other approved soil amendment components are commonly used to solve this problem.
A lack of drainage holes and inadequate potting soil induce inappropriate drainage in calla lilies planted in pots. As a result, before planting, make sure the container or pots have drainage holes.
Use coir mixed with soil to ensure that excess water drains out of the pot properly.
Remember to use a coffee filter to line the bottom of the pot or planter so the dirt doesn’t wash away with the extra water.
4. Stagnant water in excess
Indoor calla lilies are typically cultivated in pots with saucers at the bottom to catch any extra water that drains. However, if the water in the saucer is left in the saucer for too long, it can be reabsorbed by the soil. This can result in damp soil-related issues such as root rot.
As a result, emptying the drained water from the saucer should be part of the watering regimen. Do this every time you water the calla lilies in pots.
Final thoughts
There are no precise watering guidelines for calla lilies. The watering schedule is determined by a variety of elements, including weather conditions, soil type, and whether the plants are cultivated in pots or in the garden. Examine the soil and test it for the correct level of moisture for your calla lily. I hope you found this essay useful.