Calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are tropical plants prized for their gorgeous trumpet-shaped blooms. They are often featured in bouquets and grown in home gardens as perennials or annuals, depending on the climate.
Generally, calla lilies are considered low maintenance and easy to grow, whether you’re cultivating them in pots or the garden. However, there’s one care need that these plants are specific about: watering.
As semi-aquatic plants known for growing naturally on the banks of bogs and swamps, calla lilies enjoy consistent moisture. However, they are susceptible to overwatering, so striking the right balance with your watering schedule is essential.
According to a gardening pro, here’s everything you need to know about how often to water calla lilies.
Peggy Anne Montgomery is a horticulturist with over 30 years of experience representing Flowerbulb.eu.
Calla lilies, with their elegant trumpet-shaped blooms atop deep green foliage, are a classic floral favorite While they make jaw-dropping cut flowers and stunning focal points in gardens and containers, proper care is essential to keep these beauties looking their best In particular, watering calla lilies correctly is key. Underwatering can lead to dry, crispy foliage and failed blooms. But overwatering is even worse, quickly causing root rot that can kill the plant.
So how often should you water calla lilies? The frequency depends on whether they are grown indoors or outdoors. But in all cases, the soil should be kept moist but never soggy. Learning to identify when your lilies need water versus having too much water prevents problems. With the right watering schedule for your conditions, you’ll be rewarded with abundant blooms and vibrant leaves on healthy plants.
Watering Frequency for Indoor Calla Lilies
For calla lilies in pots indoors, water when the top inch or so of soil becomes dry The frequency will vary based on factors like sunlight, temperature, humidity, airflow, and container size. But on average, indoor calla lilies need watering about once per week
During summer’s heat, you may need to water 2-3 times per week as the soil dries out more rapidly In winter’s cool temps, you may get by with watering every 10-14 days Closely monitor the soil moisture and leaf appearance to determine when your plant needs water.
Wilting, drooping leaves are a sign your calla lily is thirsty. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom drainage holes. The plant should perk back up within a few hours once rehydrated.
Outdoor Calla Lily Water Requirements
For calla lilies planted in garden beds, rainfall may provide sufficient moisture in some climates. But supplemental watering is often needed, especially in hot and dry regions. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Potted calla lilies outdoors need the most diligent watering regime. Wind, sun exposure, and limited soil moisture mean containers dry out much faster than in-ground plantings. Daily water needs are higher in hot, sunny locales versus cool, coastal climates. Adjust watering frequency based on your environment’s impact.
Ensure outdoor calla lilies get 1-2 inches of water per week if rainfall is insufficient. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to target the soil and avoid wetting foliage, which can cause disease. Water early in the morning so leaves dry quickly.
Identifying When to Water Calla Lilies
Besides checking soil dryness, the plant’s foliage provides visual cues on its water needs. Look for these signs your calla lily wants water:
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Leaves feeling soft and limp instead of firm
- Leaves browning or yellowing at tips/edges
- Dry, crispy foliage
Conversely, you may have overwatered if you notice:
- Standing water in the container
- Soil staying soggy for days after watering
- Mushy or translucent foliage
- Yellow leaves
- Rotted roots or stems
Adjust your watering habits if you observe any distress signs. Providing adequate moisture while avoiding saturation encourages healthy growth.
Watering Tips for Happy, Hydrated Calla Lilies
Follow these best practices for watering calla lilies correctly:
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For container plants, use pots with bottom drainage holes and well-draining soil/potting mixes. This prevents soggy conditions.
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Water container plants until water flows from drainage holes. This ensures thorough, deep watering.
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Allow excess moisture to drain away after watering, and never let pots sit in water.
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For in-ground plants, amend dense, clay soils with compost to improve drainage.
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Prioritize early morning watering so foliage dries quickly, reducing disease risk.
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Reduce watering frequency and amounts during cooler weather when plants are less active.
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Check moisture at the root level rather than just surface soil, which dries out faster.
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Mist calla lily foliage occasionally for extra humidity.
By learning your specific growing conditions and how that impacts soil moisture, you can hone in on the optimal watering frequency. Aim for moist soil while avoiding extremes of too wet or too dry. With proper irrigation, your calla lily will produce abundant blooms and vibrant foliage throughout the growing season.
How to Water Potted Calla Lilies
There’s a science behind watering potted plants correctly, and ensuring you do it right will make all the difference in your plants health. First, calla lilies grown in pots should always be planted in a container with a drainage hole. This will ensure excess water can drain from the pot and not remain trapped in the soil.
Next, when its time to water, ensure you water the plant deeply, fully saturating the soil until water streams from the pot’s drainage hole. This is usually best done over a sink or catch tray.
Although this may seem counterintuitive, given that saturated soil is a big no-no, it’s important to note that consistently saturated soil is the problem. As long as your plant isn’t sitting in wet soil for more than a few hours, it will be fine.
This method is preferable to frequently giving small bursts of water since it mimics the experience of rainfall in nature. It can also accurately indicate how quickly the soil is drying out.
Watering Calla Lilies Planted Outdoors
Calla lilies planted outdoors usually require less frequent monitoring, given their access to rain; however, this will depend on your location and how you grow them. These tropical plants should be grown in a full to partial sun location, in soil that is well-draining but consistently moist.
If your plant grows in a container, you’ll likely need to provide some supplemental watering, while those grown directly in the ground might be fine with rainfall alone.
The light the plant receives will also determine whether it needs extra water. For example, calla lilies grown in a full-sun location will need more water than those grown in a partial-sun location, especially if your area is particularly hot or experiencing drought-like conditions.
It’s important to get a feel for how your specific environmental conditions influence your calla lily’s watering needs. The most important thing to remember is that the soil should never dry out completely.
How Often to Water Calla Lily?
FAQ
How often do you need to water a calla lily?
Calla lilies growing indoors as houseplants should be watered once the top half of the soil is dry to the touch. On average, you can water your calla lily approximately once a week, although this will likely change throughout the year.
Can you over water calla lilies?
Calla lilies are particularly sensitive to excess moisture, which can lead to the development of fungal infections like Phytophthora or Pythium.
How do you care for potted calla lilies?
Potted calla lilies thrive with consistent moisture, bright indirect light, and monthly fertilization during their growing season. Proper watering, avoiding soggy soil, and providing adequate drainage are crucial.
How do you keep calla lilies blooming all summer?
To encourage calla lilies to bloom continuously through the summer, provide them with consistent moisture, regular fertilization, and proper light and temperature conditions. Deadheading faded blooms, providing adequate sunlight (bright, indirect light indoors or 6+ hours of sunlight outdoors), and maintaining consistent moisture without overwatering are key practices.
Do calla lilies need a lot of water?
Calla lilies have bright green leaves and bright flowers, so they need plenty of water during their growth, and they need to be watered every 4-5 days during the growing season. They can be grown in pots or containers, but they are best grown outdoors in full sun. Do not let them sit in water for more than a few minutes.
How often should I water my calla lily?
So, depending on the humidity, you may need to water your indoor Calla Lily once or twice per week. If the soil feels extra dry, increase the watering. If the soil still feels moist, wait another day or two before adding more water.
How do you water calla lilies?
So, balance is key when it comes to watering your Calla Lilies. Check the soil’s moisture level before watering. Do this by sticking your finger down into the soil (about an inch deep). If it feels dry to the touch, you know you need to water. If it feels moist, wait another day and check again.