Can I Plant My Indoor Calla Lily Outside? Expert Tips Revealed!

The graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms of Calla lilies add a touch of elegance to any indoor space. But what if you want to bring that same elegance to your outdoor garden? Can you plant your indoor Calla lily outside? The answer, thankfully, is yes, but with a few caveats. This guide will walk you through the process of transitioning your indoor Calla lily to an outdoor environment, ensuring a smooth move for your beloved bloom.

Understanding Calla Lily Varieties

Before you start planning your outdoor Calla lily paradise, it’s crucial to understand the different varieties. There are two main types:

1. Indoor Calla Lilies: These are often called “arum lilies” or “Zantedeschia aethiopica” and are the most common varieties found in homes. They prefer warm, humid environments and thrive indoors.

2. Hardy Calla Lilies: These are known as “Zantedeschia hybrids” and are bred for outdoor resilience. They can tolerate colder temperatures and are suitable for planting in gardens.

The Key Difference: The main distinction lies in their cold tolerance. Indoor Calla lilies are sensitive to frost and will likely perish if exposed to freezing temperatures. Hardy Calla lilies, on the other hand, can withstand colder conditions and even survive the winter in some climates.

Can I Plant My Indoor Calla Lily Outside?

The short answer is: it depends.

If you have an indoor Calla lily, you can try planting it outdoors, but only if your climate is warm and frost-free. You’ll need to gradually acclimate the plant to the outdoors to avoid shock.

If you have a hardy Calla lily, you can confidently plant it outdoors. These varieties are designed to thrive in garden settings.

Acclimating Your Indoor Calla Lily to Outdoor Life

If you’re determined to give your indoor Calla lily a chance to flourish outdoors, follow these steps for a smooth transition:

1. Start Slowly: Begin by placing your Calla lily in a sheltered spot outdoors for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the time spent outdoors, allowing the plant to adjust to the sun, wind, and temperature changes.

2. Choose the Right Location: Select a spot that receives dappled sunlight or partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaves.

3. Monitor for Stress: Keep a close eye on your Calla lily for any signs of stress, such as wilting, leaf discoloration, or stunted growth. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately move the plant back indoors to a more protected location.

4. Protect from Frost: If you live in a region with frost, you’ll need to bring your Calla lily indoors during the winter months. Alternatively, you can dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.

Planting Your Calla Lily Outdoors

Once you’ve acclimated your Calla lily to the outdoors, it’s time to plant it in your garden. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Soil: Calla lilies prefer well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Amend your garden soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.

2. Dig a Hole: Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the Calla lily’s root ball and about the same depth.

3. Plant the Calla Lily: Gently remove the plant from its container, being careful not to disturb the roots. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.

4. Water Thoroughly: Water the newly planted Calla lily deeply to settle the soil and encourage root growth.

Caring for Your Outdoor Calla Lily

Once your Calla lily is planted, it needs regular care to thrive:

1. Water Consistently: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water deeply, allowing the water to drain away.

2. Fertilize Regularly: Feed your Calla lily with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.

3. Deadhead Spent Blooms: Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production.

4. Mulch Around the Plant: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

When and How to Divide Calla Lilies

Calla lilies can become overcrowded over time, leading to smaller blooms and reduced vigor. To rejuvenate your plants and encourage healthy growth, you can divide them every few years. Here’s how:

1. Choose the Right Time: The best time to divide Calla lilies is in spring or early summer, after the flowering season has ended.

2. Dig Up the Plant: Carefully dig up the Calla lily, making sure to get as much of the root ball as possible.

3. Separate the Bulbs: Gently separate the bulbs by hand, ensuring each division has healthy roots and at least one growth bud.

4. Replant the Divisions: Plant the divisions in separate pots or in your garden, following the same planting instructions outlined above.

Enjoying Your Outdoor Calla Lily Blooms

With proper care and attention, your Calla lily will reward you with stunning blooms that will brighten up your outdoor space. Remember to:

• Protect from Pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Treat any infestations promptly to prevent damage to your plant.
• Monitor for Diseases: Be aware of common Calla lily diseases, such as leaf spot and root rot. Take appropriate measures to prevent and treat any infections.
• Enjoy the Beauty: Sit back and admire the elegant blooms of your outdoor Calla lily, a testament to your dedication and care.

The Final Chapter: A Farewell to Your Outdoor Calla Lily

As the seasons change, your Calla lily‘s journey may come to an end. Depending on your climate and the variety of Calla lily you have, you may need to take specific steps to ensure its survival.

For Hardy Calla Lilies: In colder climates, hardy Calla lilies will go dormant in winter. They may die back to the ground, but their bulbs will survive underground. You can leave them in the ground over winter, or you can dig them up and store them in a cool, dry place.

For Indoor Calla Lilies: If you’ve successfully transitioned your indoor Calla lily to the outdoors, you’ll need to bring it back indoors before winter. You can treat it as a houseplant again, or you can dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant a Calla lily from a grocery store in my garden?

Yes, you can! Calla lilies sold at grocery stores are usually the indoor variety. However, it’s important to acclimate them to the outdoors gradually and choose a frost-free climate.

2. How long does it take for a Calla lily to bloom outdoors?

It typically takes 4-6 weeks for a Calla lily to bloom after planting. However, this can vary depending on the variety, climate, and growing conditions.

3. How can I tell if my Calla lily is dying?

Signs of a dying Calla lily include wilting leaves, yellowing foliage, and a lack of new growth. If you notice any of these symptoms, check the soil moisture and consider repotting or providing additional care.

4. Can I grow Calla lilies in pots?

Absolutely! Calla lilies can be grown successfully in pots, especially if you live in an area with harsh winters. Choose a pot with drainage holes and use a potting mix that’s well-draining.

5. Are Calla lilies poisonous to pets?

Yes, Calla lilies are poisonous to cats, dogs, and other animals. Keep them out of reach of pets and supervise children around the plants.