The indoor calla likes nutrient-rich soil and needs additional fertilization during the growing season. But there shouldn't be too much fertilizer either, because the plant cannot tolerate too high a concentration of nutrients.
How often and with what should you fertilize a calla lily?
The indoor calla should be fertilized every two weeks before flowering and once a week during flowering with simple flower fertilizer from the hardware store. In winter, however, the plant must not be fertilized. Follow the dosage according to the packaging instructions and use less fertilizer to avoid damage.
Which fertilizer is suitable?
A simple flower fertilizer (€12.00 on Amazon) from the hardware store is enough. When dosing, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. The old saying “A lot helps a lot” is not true when it comes to fertilizing calla lilies. It is better to use less fertilizer than too much.
If you fertilize too much or too often, the calla may not produce flowers or even die completely.
Fertilize depending on the growth phase
The nutrient requirements of the indoor calla depend on the three phases of growth:
- Before flowering
- During flowering
- In winter
Before flowering, the plant needs less fertilizer than during flowering. In winter you are not allowed to fertilize at all.
Fertilize calla properly before flowering
The growth phase begins immediately after winter rest. If you have just planted the calla in brand new soil, you do not need to add any fertilizer at first.
If it continues to grow in the current pot, start fertilizing as soon as the first green tips appear.
During this time, fertilize the plant every two weeks.
Fertilize calla lilies during the flowering period
The nutrient requirements of houseplants are particularly high during the flowering period. Once buds have formed, add fertilizer to the irrigation water once a week.
Fertilize calla lilies in winter
After the flowering period, the calla goes into hibernation in the pot. During this time she needs neither water nor nutrients.
Under no circumstances should you provide the plant with fertilizer during the rest period. You can't even water them so the soil dries out completely.
If you overwinter the indoor calla as a flower bulb without any soil, the question of fertilizing naturally doesn't arise.
Tips & Tricks
Calla does not need any special potting soil. Regular potting soil or garden soil will do. The only important thing is that the soil is fresh and free of fungal spores and other diseases. If in doubt, it's better to buy new soil.
