Question
Good morning Jessica!

I received potted calla lillies last week and have no idea how to care for them.  I would like to keep them potted indefinitely.

Can you help?

Thank you.

M.  

Answer
Hi, Marie.

Callas really need a lot of light (full sun) while flowering, so they don't usually do all that well as houseplants unless you have a large, preferably west-facing window.  If you can move them outdoors after fear of frost is over, this is best.  You can leave them potted or plant them in the ground.  If you're hoping to keep the plant green year-round, bring the plant in when temperatures are expected to dip below the mid 60's.  Otherwise, rhizomes (which the plant grows from) are hardy to the 40's.

One other option to keep callas indoors would be to use a grow light.  Full spectrum lamps are available at most garden shops.

After flowering is through, you can usually keep callas as a foliage plants, as long as indoor temps are kept at about 70 degrees or better, and the plant is watered regularly.  OR, you can cut back all foliage and place it in a dark area until early spring.  Some people feel they get stronger and more numerous flowers by allowing the plant to undergo its natural dormant period.  Do not water during this time.  As spring approaches, place the pot again in full sun and begin watering.  It will bloom again in late spring to early summer.    

Your calla isn't likely to bloom again this year, though, since it was forced in a greenhouse to flower early.

Callas should be kept evenly moist.  They shouldn't dry out between waterings as much as most houseplants should, or they'll die quickly.  Water when the soil feels slightly moist.  However, don't allow the pot to sit in water.  This will usually result in rotting rhizomes and will kill the plant.

Callas, like all flowering plants, like to be kept in a relatively tight pot.  You should only transplant when the soil no longer holds adequate water.  You can separate rhizomes, if you wish, by splitting them with a sharp knife between chutes, and then plant them separately.

Some people recommend to fertilize the plants once a month or so.  Personally, I use Miracle Grow with every watering.