Question
I have a calla lily plant in my office at work. It was purchased about a month ago, and was thriving in my cool dry office with weekly watering. However when I came into work today, the plant looked sick and unwell- the leaves have changed to a speckled green, are wilty, and in some cases, have turned to jelly. The dirt appears to have mold in it, and has an odour that is intolerable. The flowers, however, are strong and vibrant. Does this plant need to be transplanted into my yard to survive, and if so, does it need shade or sun? Or can it stay in my office?

Answer
Lindsay,

It should only be planted in the ground in a sunny location if you are in an area that never freezes. Other wise set it outside on a sunny table on your deck or patio. It needs full sun to feed the bulbs and lots of fertilizer with a high 2nd number. In other words 10-30-10 or 20-50-20.

I would also spray it with Lysol spray especially the surface of the soil to get rid of the mold. ZOnly water it when the surface of the soil is dry. It is a bulb plant like a tulip so the blooms will not last forever. When the blooms fade keep it in a sunny location to feed the bulbs then when the leaves start to fade let it get totally dry and put it in a brown paper bag and stick it in a closet. After three months you need to check the pot weekly for singns of sprouting and whe you see new leaves set it back out in the sun. It should bloom again if you gave it plenty of fertilyzer along the way to feed those bulbs. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene