Calla lilies, with their elegant and striking blooms, are popular choices for gardens, bouquets, and indoor decorations. Their beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green leaves can bring a touch of sophistication to any setting. However, once these exquisite plants have finished their blooming period, many gardeners are left wondering what to do next. Proper post-flowering care is essential to ensure that calla lilies thrive and bloom again in subsequent seasons. This comprehensive guide will explore the necessary steps and best practices for caring for calla lilies after they have flowered.
Understanding the Calla Lily Growth Cycle
Before diving into post-flowering care, it’s important to understand the growth cycle of calla lilies. These plants typically go through a few distinct phases:
Dormancy: During this period, the plant conserves energy. It usually occurs in the winter months.
Growth: In the spring, the calla lily begins to grow leaves and shoots.
Blooming: The plant produces flowers, generally in the late spring to early summer.
Post-Flowering: After the blooms fade, the plant prepares to enter dormancy again.
Each phase requires different care practices to ensure the health and vitality of the plant.
Removing Spent Blooms
One of the first steps after your calla lily has finished flowering is to remove the spent blooms. This process, known as deadheading, helps the plant conserve energy that would otherwise go into seed production.
Identify Spent Blooms: Look for flowers that have wilted or turned brown.
Use Clean Tools: Ensure you use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease.
Cut at the Base: Snip off the spent blooms at the base of the flower stem, close to where it emerges from the main plant.
By removing these old flowers, you encourage the plant to direct its energy towards foliage growth and tuber development, rather than producing seeds.
Fertilizing and Watering
After the flowering period, calla lilies still require nutrients and water to maintain their foliage and prepare for the next growth cycle.
Continue Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Calla lilies prefer well-drained soil that remains slightly damp.
Fertilize Appropriately: Use a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) every four weeks during the growing season. Reduce fertilization as the plant approaches dormancy.
Proper watering and fertilization are crucial to ensure the plant builds up sufficient energy reserves for the next blooming cycle.
Pruning and Cutting Back Foliage
Once the blooms have faded and the plant’s leaves begin to yellow, it’s time to prune and cut back the foliage.
Allow Natural Yellowing: Let the leaves turn yellow naturally, as this indicates the plant is withdrawing nutrients from the foliage back into the tubers.
Cut Back: Once the leaves are mostly yellow or brown, cut them back to the base of the plant.
Dispose of Pruned Material: Remove and dispose of the cut foliage to prevent any potential disease or pest issues.
Pruning the foliage helps the plant transition into dormancy and reduces the risk of disease.
Preparing for Dormancy
Calla lilies go through a dormancy period, which is essential for their long-term health and subsequent blooming cycles.
Reduce Watering: Gradually reduce the amount of water as the leaves die back, allowing the soil to dry out slightly.
Stop Fertilizing: Cease fertilization as the plant enters dormancy.
Maintain Temperature: Keep the plant in a cool, dark place if grown in pots. For garden calla lilies, ensure they are in a location that remains relatively dry during the dormant period.
Properly managing dormancy ensures the plant can rest and store energy for future growth.
Dividing Tubers
Over time, calla lilies can become overcrowded, which can impact their ability to flower. Dividing the tubers every few years can promote healthier growth and more prolific blooming.
Timing: The best time to divide calla lily tubers is during the dormant period, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Digging Up Tubers: Carefully dig up the tubers from the soil, being mindful not to damage them.
Separating Tubers: Gently separate the tubers, ensuring each division has at least one growth point or “eye.”
Replanting: Replant the tubers in well-draining soil, spaced adequately to allow for future growth.
Dividing tubers not only rejuvenates the plant but also gives you the opportunity to expand your garden or share plants with friends.
Pest and Disease Management
Post-flowering is a good time to inspect calla lilies for any signs of pests or diseases. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent them from affecting future growth.
Inspect for Pests: Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Look for signs such as discolored leaves, holes in foliage, or visible insects.
Treat Diseases: Fungal diseases like botrytis or root rot can be problematic. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent these issues.
Apply Treatments: Use appropriate insecticides or fungicides if necessary, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regular monitoring and prompt treatment can keep your calla lilies healthy and vigorous.
Storage for Non-Hardy Varieties
In colder climates where calla lilies are not hardy, you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers to protect them from frost.
Dig Up Tubers: After the foliage has died back, carefully dig up the tubers.
Clean and Dry: Clean off any soil and allow the tubers to dry for a few days in a cool, dry place.
Store Properly: Store the tubers in a cool, dry location with good air circulation. You can place them in paper bags or boxes filled with peat moss or sawdust.
Check Periodically: Occasionally check the stored tubers for signs of rot or disease.
Proper storage ensures that the tubers remain viable and ready to be replanted in the spring.
SEE ALSO: The Symbolism of the Lily Flower: Unveiling its Meanings
Replanting in Spring
When the dormancy period ends and the growing season approaches, it’s time to replant your calla lilies.
Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil.
Prepare the Soil: Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to provide a nutrient-rich environment.
Planting Depth: Plant the tubers about 4 inches deep, with the growing points facing upwards.
Spacing: Space the tubers about 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
Replanting at the right time and in the right conditions sets the stage for a successful growing season.
Indoor Calla Lilies
For calla lilies grown indoors, the post-flowering care is slightly different but follows similar principles.
Reduce Watering: After flowering, gradually reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy.
Provide Adequate Light: Ensure the plant receives enough indirect sunlight during the growing season.
Repotting: If the plant has outgrown its pot, consider repotting it in fresh soil during the dormant period.
Indoor calla lilies benefit from regular monitoring and adjustments to their growing conditions.
Conclusion
Caring for calla lilies after flowering involves a series of steps designed to ensure the plant’s health and readiness for future blooming seasons. By removing spent blooms, managing watering and fertilization, pruning foliage, preparing for dormancy, dividing tubers, and addressing pest and disease issues, you can maintain vibrant and healthy calla lilies year after year. Whether you grow them in the garden or indoors, proper post-flowering care is essential for the longevity and beauty of these elegant plants.