Discover the Secret to How to Grow Calla Lily Bulbs Indoors: Expert Advice for Thriving Plants
What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow calla lily bulbs indoors, ensuring a vibrant display of color in your home.
- The size of the bulb will determine the size of the flower, so opt for larger bulbs for larger blooms.
- Once the leaves have completely died back, you can carefully remove the bulbs from the pot and store them in a cool, dry place.
Calla lilies, with their elegant trumpet-shaped flowers and striking foliage, are a popular choice for indoor gardeners. But did you know you can grow these beauties from bulbs? This guide will walk you through the process of how to grow calla lily bulbs indoors, ensuring a vibrant display of color in your home.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Bulbs and Pot
The first step to growing calla lilies indoors is selecting the right bulbs. Choose firm, plump bulbs with no signs of damage or rot. The size of the bulb will determine the size of the flower, so opt for larger bulbs for larger blooms.
When selecting a pot, consider the size of the bulbs. Calla lilies prefer pots that are slightly larger than the bulb. A pot with drainage holes is crucial to prevent overwatering and root rot.
The Perfect Soil for Calla Lily Success
Calla lilies thrive in well-draining, fertile soil. A good potting mix for calla lilies should contain a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost. You can also add a small amount of fertilizer to the soil for added nutrients.
Planting Your Calla Lily Bulbs: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the pot: Fill the pot with your chosen potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
2. Position the bulb: Place the bulb in the center of the pot, with the pointed end facing upwards.
3. Cover the bulb: Gently cover the bulb with soil, leaving the top of the bulb exposed.
4. Water thoroughly: Water the soil until it is moist but not soggy.
The Right Environment: Light, Temperature, and Humidity
Calla lilies need plenty of bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain is ideal.
The ideal temperature for growing calla lilies indoors is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing them near drafts or heat sources.
Calla lilies prefer moderate humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water or by grouping plants together.
Watering and Feeding Your Calla Lilies
Water your calla lilies regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilize your calla lilies every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. During the dormant period (usually in winter), reduce watering and fertilization.
Enjoying the Blooms: Calla Lily Care During Flowering
Calla lilies typically bloom in late winter or early spring. Once the flowers appear, continue to water and fertilize as usual.
When the flowers fade, you can cut them off to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
After the Blooms: Dormant Period and Bulb Storage
After flowering, calla lilies enter a dormant period. During this time, the leaves will yellow and die back. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing.
Once the leaves have completely died back, you can carefully remove the bulbs from the pot and store them in a cool, dry place. This is the best way to ensure they will bloom again the following year.
A New Season, New Growth: Repotting and Restarting the Cycle
In late summer or early fall, you can repot your calla lily bulbs to start the cycle anew. Choose a fresh pot and potting mix, following the same steps as the initial planting.
With proper care, your calla lily bulbs will continue to thrive and produce beautiful blooms for years to come.
A Farewell to Your Indoor Garden:
Growing calla lilies indoors is a rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can enjoy their vibrant blooms and elegant foliage for many seasons. Remember, the key to success is providing the right conditions for growth and maintaining a consistent care routine.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I grow calla lilies from seed?
A: While it is possible to grow calla lilies from seeds, it is a much more time-consuming process. Bulbs are a much easier and faster way to get started.
Q: What should I do if my calla lily bulbs have soft spots?
A: Soft spots on calla lily bulbs indicate rot. Discard any bulbs with soft spots, as they are unlikely to produce flowers.
Q: Are calla lilies poisonous to pets?
A: Yes, calla lilies are toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach of pets and children.
Q: How long do calla lily bulbs last?
A: When properly cared for, calla lily bulbs can last for several years.
Q: Can I plant calla lily bulbs outdoors?
A: Yes, calla lilies can be planted outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. However, in colder climates, they are best grown indoors or as potted plants that can be moved outside during the summer months.