“Post-Bloom Care for Calla Lilies: How to Keep Them Thriving”

Calla lilies are stunningly beautiful plants that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. They’re relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to help them thrive, especially after they’ve bloomed. In this post, we’ll go over the best practices for post-bloom care for calla lilies, covering everything from removing faded blooms to storing the bulbs.

Removing the Faded Blooms

Removing the faded blooms is an important part of post-bloom care for calla lilies. When calla lilies are done blooming, they enter a phase of growth where they redirect their energy towards growing stronger roots and foliage. Removing the spent blooms helps the plant focus on this growth, and it also makes the plant look better. Here are some tips for removing faded blooms:

• Use sharp and clean garden shears or scissors: To avoid damaging the plant, make sure to use clean and sharp garden shears or scissors when removing the faded blooms. Dull or dirty tools can harm the plant and leave it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
  • Cut the stem 1 inch above the base of the plant: When removing the faded blooms, make sure to cut the stem about 1 inch above the base of the plant, where the stem meets the foliage. This helps prevent the plant from using energy to maintain the spent blooms.
• Remove all the faded blooms: Be sure to remove all the faded blooms from the plant, as leaving any spent blooms behind can cause the plant to direct its energy towards producing seeds, rather than growing new roots and foliage.
  • Dispose of the spent blooms properly: Once you’ve removed the faded blooms, be sure to dispose of them properly. You can either compost them or discard them in the trash, depending on your composting preferences and local regulations.
• Don’t cut back the foliage: While removing faded blooms is essential, it’s important not to cut back the foliage too soon. The foliage is responsible for photosynthesis and helps the plant store energy for the next growing season. Wait until the foliage turns yellow or brown before removing it.
  • Use the opportunity to inspect the plant: When removing faded blooms, it’s a good opportunity to inspect the plant for any signs of pests or diseases. Look for any discoloration, spots, or damage to the leaves or stems. If you notice anything unusual, take action immediately to prevent the problem from spreading.

In addition to removing the faded blooms, proper watering and fertilization are also essential for post-bloom care for calla lilies. Calla lilies need plenty of water to thrive, but they don’t like to be waterlogged. Here are some tips for watering calla lilies:

• Water deeply once a week: Water your calla lilies deeply once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This helps the plant grow deep roots that can access water even during dry periods.
• Use well-draining soil: Calla lilies prefer well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away. If your soil doesn’t drain well, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage.
• Water in the morning or late afternoon: Watering in the morning or late afternoon helps prevent the water from evaporating too quickly in the heat of the day. Watering in the evening can also leave the plant vulnerable to fungal diseases.

Fertilization is also important for calla lilies, as it provides the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow strong roots and foliage. Here are some tips for fertilizing calla lilies:

• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer: Calla lilies prefer a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula. This provides the plant with the right amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks: Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, or according to the instructions on the package. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant and cause it to produce fewer blooms.

Overall, removing the faded blooms is an essential part of post-bloom care for calla lilies. By following these

Watering and Fertilizing

Watering and fertilizing are also critical parts of post-bloom care for calla lilies. Proper watering helps prevent the plant from becoming dehydrated or waterlogged, while the right fertilization helps provide nutrients to the plant. Here’s what you need to know about watering and fertilizing calla lilies after they’ve bloomed:

Watering

Watering is another essential aspect of post-bloom care for calla lilies. Proper watering ensures that the plant gets the right amount of moisture it needs to grow healthy and strong, and it also helps prevent the plant from becoming dehydrated or waterlogged. Here are some tips for watering calla lilies after they’ve bloomed:

• Water deeply and infrequently: Calla lilies prefer deep watering that penetrates the soil and reaches the roots. Watering the plant too often and too shallow can result in waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other problems. Aim to water the plant deeply once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Use well-draining soil: Calla lilies need well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away. If the soil doesn’t drain well, the plant may become waterlogged, which can harm its roots and foliage. If you have heavy clay soil, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage.
• Water in the morning or late afternoon: Watering in the morning or late afternoon is best for calla lilies because it allows the water to soak in before the sun becomes too intense. Watering during the hottest part of the day can result in the water evaporating before the plant can absorb it, and watering in the evening can leave the plant vulnerable to fungal diseases.
  • Use a watering can or a drip irrigation system: When watering calla lilies, it’s best to use a watering can or a drip irrigation system to avoid getting water on the foliage. Wet foliage can promote the growth of fungal diseases and increase the risk of sunburn.
• Avoid getting water on the flowers: When watering calla lilies, make sure to avoid getting water on the flowers, as this can cause them to rot. If water does get on the flowers, gently shake them to remove the excess moisture.
  • Be mindful of weather conditions: During hot and dry weather, calla lilies may require more frequent watering to stay hydrated. If you notice that the plant’s leaves are wilting or yellowing, it may be a sign that the plant needs more water.

By following these tips for watering calla lilies after they’ve bloomed, you can help ensure that the plant gets the right amount of moisture it needs to grow strong and healthy. Remember to water deeply and infrequently, use well-draining soil, water in the morning or late afternoon, and be mindful of weather conditions. With proper watering and other post-bloom care practices, your calla lilies can thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing is an important aspect of post-bloom care for calla lilies. Proper fertilization provides the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong, and it can also help promote new growth and blooms. Here’s a step-by-step guide for fertilizing calla lilies after they’ve bloomed:

1. Choose the right type of fertilizer: Calla lilies prefer a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula. This provides the plant with the right amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for healthy growth.
2. Read the instructions on the fertilizer package: Before applying fertilizer to your calla lilies, make sure to read the instructions on the package carefully. This will tell you how much fertilizer to use and how often to apply it.
3. Water the plant: Before fertilizing your calla lilies, water the plant thoroughly to ensure that the soil is moist. This will help prevent the fertilizer from burning the roots.
4. Apply the fertilizer: Mix the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package, and apply it around the base of the plant. Make sure not to get any fertilizer on the foliage, as this can cause the leaves to burn.
5. Water the plant again: After applying the fertilizer, water the plant again to help the fertilizer soak into the soil and reach the roots.
6. Repeat as needed: Repeat the fertilization process every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, or according to the instructions on the package. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant and cause it to produce fewer blooms.

By following this step-by-step guide for fertilizing calla lilies after they’ve bloomed, you can help ensure that the plant gets the nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong. Remember to choose the right type of fertilizer, read the instructions on the package, water the plant before and after fertilizing, and repeat the process as needed. With proper fertilization and other post-bloom care practices, your calla lilies can thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year.

Pruning and Dividing

Pruning and dividing are crucial for the health of calla lilies, as they help promote new growth and prevent overcrowding. Here’s what you need to know about pruning and dividing calla lilies:

Pruning

Pruning is another essential aspect of post-bloom care for calla lilies. Pruning helps remove dead or damaged foliage and promotes new growth, which can help the plant produce more blooms. Here’s a step-by-step guide for pruning calla lilies after they’ve bloomed:

1. Wait until the foliage turns yellow or brown: Calla lilies need their foliage to absorb sunlight and store energy for the next growing season. Wait until the foliage turns yellow or brown before pruning it. This is usually several weeks after the plant has finished blooming.
2. Use sharp and clean garden shears: To avoid damaging the plant, make sure to use sharp and clean garden shears when pruning calla lilies. Dull or dirty tools can harm the plant and leave it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
3. Cut the stems about 1 inch above the soil line: When pruning calla lilies, cut the stems about 1 inch above the soil line, which is where the stems emerge from the rhizome. This helps the plant focus on growing new roots and foliage, which can promote new growth and blooms.
4. Remove any dead or damaged leaves: As you prune the stems, remove any dead or damaged leaves. This can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases and promote new growth.
5. Dispose of the pruned material: Once you’ve finished pruning, dispose of the pruned material properly. You can either compost it or discard it in the trash, depending on your composting preferences and local regulations.
6. Be careful not to damage the rhizome: When pruning calla lilies, be careful not to damage the rhizome, which is the thick, fleshy root that the plant grows from. Damaging the rhizome can harm the plant and make it vulnerable to pests and diseases.

By following this step-by-step guide for pruning calla lilies after they’ve bloomed, you can help promote new growth and encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Remember to wait until the foliage turns yellow or brown, use sharp and clean garden shears, cut the stems about 1 inch above the soil line, remove any dead or damaged leaves, dispose of the pruned material properly, and be careful not to damage the rhizome. With proper pruning and other post-bloom care practices, your calla lilies can thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year.

Dividing

Dividing calla lilies is an important part of post-bloom care, as it can help promote new growth and prevent overcrowding. Here’s a step-by-step guide for dividing calla lilies after they’ve bloomed:

1. Wait until the plant has finished blooming: Calla lilies need their foliage to absorb sunlight and store energy for the next growing season. Wait until the plant has finished blooming and the foliage has turned yellow or brown before dividing it. This is usually several weeks after the plant has finished blooming.
2. Dig up the rhizomes: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the rhizomes. Be careful not to damage the roots or the rhizomes.
3. Separate the rhizomes: Once you’ve dug up the rhizomes, separate them by gently pulling them apart. Each rhizome should have at least one growing point, which is where the stem emerges from the rhizome.
4. Cut off any damaged or dead portions: As you separate the rhizomes, cut off any damaged or dead portions. This can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases and promote new growth.
5. Replant the rhizomes: Choose a new location for each rhizome, and replant them in well-draining soil. Make sure to plant them at the same depth as they were originally planted.
6. Water the plants: After replanting the rhizomes, water the plants thoroughly. This will help settle the soil and provide the plants with the moisture they need to grow.

By following this step-by-step guide for dividing calla lilies after they’ve bloomed, you can help promote new growth and prevent overcrowding. Remember to wait until the plant has finished blooming, dig up the rhizomes carefully, separate the rhizomes and cut off any damaged or dead portions, replant the rhizomes in well-draining soil, and water the plants thoroughly. With proper dividing and other post-bloom care practices, your calla lilies can thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year.

Storing Calla Lilies

Storing calla lilies is an important part of post-bloom care, especially if you live in a colder climate where the temperature drops below freezing. Storing the plant properly can help protect it from the cold and ensure that it survives until the next growing season. Here’s a step-by-step guide for storing calla lilies:

1. Wait until the foliage turns yellow or brown: Calla lilies need their foliage to absorb sunlight and store energy for the next growing season. Wait until the foliage turns yellow or brown before storing the plant. This is usually several weeks after the plant has finished blooming.
2. Cut off the foliage: Once the foliage has turned yellow or brown, cut it off at the base of the plant. This will help the plant conserve energy and prepare for storage.
3. Dig up the rhizomes: Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully dig up the rhizomes. Be careful not to damage the roots or the rhizomes.
4. Clean the rhizomes: Gently clean the rhizomes by removing any excess soil and debris. Do not wash the rhizomes with water, as this can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
5. Dry the rhizomes: Allow the rhizomes to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. This can take several days.
6. Store the rhizomes in a cool, dry place: Once the rhizomes are dry, store them in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage. The temperature should be between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You can store the rhizomes in paper bags or cardboard boxes with holes for ventilation. Do not store the rhizomes in plastic bags, as this can cause them to rot.
7. Check on the rhizomes periodically: Check on the rhizomes periodically during the winter to make sure they are not rotting or developing mold. If you notice any signs of decay, discard the affected rhizomes.
8. Replant the rhizomes in the spring: Once the danger of frost has passed, replant the rhizomes in well-draining soil. Make sure to plant them at the same depth as they were originally planted.

By following this step-by-step guide for storing calla lilies, you can help protect the plant from the cold and ensure that it survives until the next growing season. Remember to wait until the foliage turns yellow or brown, cut off the foliage, dig up the rhizomes carefully, clean and dry the rhizomes, store them in a cool, dry place, check on them periodically, and replant them in the spring. With proper storage and other post-bloom care practices, your calla lilies can thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year.

Conclusion

Calla lilies are a wonderful addition to any garden, but they do require some post-bloom care to keep them thriving. By following these best practices for post-bloom care, you can help your calla lilies grow strong roots, foliage, and blooms, year after year. With proper care, your calla lilies can be the centerpiece of your garden for seasons to come.