The so-called Zantedeschien are sold in various subspecies in potted form as indoor calla lilies. Since these plants are originally swamp plants, the location requirements of an indoor calla are generally similar to those of the dragon tree, which is also very popular.
How do I properly care for an indoor calla lily?
Caring for an indoor calla includes regular watering during the flowering period, annual repotting, occasional fertilizing and protection from pests. During the resting phase after flowering, watering should be reduced and fertilization should not be carried out. Waterlogging and direct proximity to heating systems should be avoided.
How often should a calla lily be watered?
As a houseplant, an indoor calla is not really subject to the climatic changes of the seasons. The water and nutrient requirements therefore depend more on the flowering period of the plant. During the flowering period, a calla lily in the room should always be watered regularly and kept evenly moist. The same applies to the time after flowering: Then the water supply should be reduced to such an extent that a dry season is simulated and a certain rest period is induced in the plants.
What should you consider when repotting a calla lily?
In order to avoid accumulation of certain nutrients in the substrate, a calla lily should be repotted once a year at the end of its “resting phase” and provided with new planting substrate. The required soil can be mixed from nutrient-rich humus and ordinary sand. The pot only needs to be larger if the indoor calla lily has really grown significantly. In any case, it is advantageous to add a drainage layer to the lower part of the pot to protect against waterlogging at the roots, as is the case with the princess flower.
How to cut the indoor calla lily correctly?
This plant doesn't actually need to be cut, only dead plant parts are regularly disposed of. If an indoor calla becomes too large for its pot over time, it can also be divided for propagation purposes.
How can the indoor calla lily be protected from pests?
Occasionally a calla lily is attacked by aphids and spider mites. The latter can be prevented by ensuring high humidity in the room or by occasionally spraying the leaves of the calla with low-lime water.
What can you do about diseases of the indoor calla lilies?
Viruses, bacteria and fungal diseases only very rarely play a role in an indoor calla lily. Signs of rot on the leaves or roots are usually directly related to care errors such as waterlogging of the substrate.
How often and with what should a calla lily be fertilized?
After flowering, the indoor calla should not only be kept fairly dry during a rest period of about eight weeks, but should also not be fertilized. When the new flowering period begins, you can fertilize it every 14 days, later weekly, with a suitable plant fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon). But be careful not to over-fertilize the plant in the pot.
Does an indoor calla lily need special care in winter?
In general, indoor callas, similar to the dragon tree, should not be placed directly above a radiator, otherwise their roots can dry out. During the rest period, which usually occurs over the winter, the plants should ideally be placed in a cooler room with a room temperature of around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Tip
As a precaution, wear gloves when caring for an indoor calla lily, as the houseplant, which is dangerous for children and pets due to its toxic content, can sometimes cause skin irritation after just touching it.