Calla Lily

Zantedeschia

AKA: Arum Lily

medium medium water medium, bright_indirect Pet caution

Calla lilies are elegant flowering plants grown from rhizomes. Indoors, they require bright indirect light, consistent moisture, and a defined rest period after blooming.

Calla lily with elegant white flowers growing indoors

Care snapshot

☀️ Light
Medium, Bright Indirect
💧 Water
Medium
💨 Humidity
Medium
📈 Growth
Moderate

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Calla Lily Care at a Glance

Calla lilies are graceful flowering plants prized for their sculptural blooms and lush green foliage.

Best For

  • Bright rooms
  • Indoor flowering displays
  • Seasonal color
  • Decorative plant lovers

Not Great For

  • Low light rooms
  • Homes with pets
  • Those wanting year-round foliage

Light Requirements

Bright indirect light is essential for flowering. Too little light results in foliage growth without blooms.

How to Water a Calla Lily

Water regularly during growth to keep soil evenly moist. Once flowering finishes and leaves yellow, gradually reduce watering.

Watering Tips

  • Never allow the pot to sit in water.
  • Reduce watering during dormancy.
  • Resume watering when new shoots appear.

Dormancy Explained

After flowering, calla lilies naturally enter dormancy. Leaves yellow and die back—this is normal and necessary for reblooming.

Flowering Tips

Cool nights, bright light, and regular feeding encourage strong blooms. Avoid excess nitrogen.

How to Propagate Calla Lily

  1. Remove plant from pot after dormancy.
  2. Gently separate rhizomes with visible growth points.
  3. Allow cuts to dry briefly.
  4. Replant in fresh soil and resume watering when growth begins.

Calla Lily Problems (Fast Fix Guide)

No flowers

Cause: Low light or lack of dormancy

Fix: Increase light and allow a rest period

Yellow leaves

Cause: Dormancy or overwatering

Fix: Reduce watering and allow natural dieback

Soft rhizomes

Cause: Root rot

Fix: Remove rot and repot in dry, fresh soil

Pet Safety Warning

  • Calla lilies are toxic to cats and dogs.
  • Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Pet warning

Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

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