Question
Calla lily's
Hi,
3 weeks ago, I purchased a calla lily plant in a 6" pot as an indoor plant. It came with 2 large and 2 smaller 'buds', but none have opened yet to date. How long do the buds typically take to open?
All the buds were pink-tinged but the larger ones have turned a darker pink/red on the inside and outer edges. In fact, instead of opening, the larger ones seem to be getting tighter as they get bigger. The plant sits afront a large west-facing window gets a fair amount out of light throughout the day. I'm watering 1-2 times a week to keep the soil moist but not wet, but have not fertilized yet. Apart from the flowers not opening, the plant seems to be doing well.
I've attached a pic in hopes it will help - the bud on the left is the younger one. Am I doing anything wrong or am I just impatient? :)
Thank you!
AnswerDear Jeanne,
There are so many different types of calla lilies that it is impossible to be specific for one variety. Some calla lilies e.g. the arum lily really open up but perhaps yours is a variety that does not, and looking at the spathe on the right hand side of your photo it doesn't look as if it has any intention of opening even a little bit.
Your plant will appreciate bright light with some sun, a daily soaking when the plant is in full leaf and fertiliser twice a month. After it has stopped flowering you should reduce watering gradually and altogether when the foliage turns yellow. Repotting should be done in the autumn.
Did you buy your plant from a garden centre? If so I would go back to them and ask for some information on the variety you purchased, take it with you to show them.
I am sorry I cannot give you more information - I have never grown calla lilies myself - funnily enough I am going to a garden centre this afternoon and will see what information I can glean from the staff there who, unfortunately, can hardly tell the difference between a palm and a rose! But I might be lucky and find someone who knows something! I will be in touch again.
Diana
Hello again Jeanne,
Just back from garden centre - there were lots of peace lilies, anthuriums, arum lilies and just one calla lily very similar in colour to yours. All the flowers were tightly furles so I found one of the assistants and asked him "How long does it take for the flowers to open" and he replied "They don't on this variety". So it seems we have our answer!
Do let me know if you find out any information.
Diana
