Question
Calla Lilly
Dear Donna,
My husband got me a light pink potted calla lilly. It was pink and it was in an easter facing window (We live in NY). I tried my hardest to water it and keep it moist. I was unaware of the fertilization, and I started to do that when I noticed it was starting to droop. In a panic I put it outside so that it could get more light all day long but it was now on the western part of the house.
I just recently read that some calla lillies go dormant. however, I don't know if mine is going dormant or I actually killed it!!! Help!!!
Diana
AnswerDear Diana,
Amazing! I have several pink calla lilies that I am even now bringing out of dormancy after a winter sleep!
Calla lilies definitely go into a period of dormancy. During that period of 搒leep?they get the energy to bloom again. By watering it, you are not allowing it to become dormant.
One question:
What was the lowest temperature it was exposed to?
If the calla was not exposed to freezing temperatures, it probably is just trying to take its seasonal nap.
This is my advice:
I actually force my callas into dormancy by withholding water in the fall, bringing them inside before the frost, and putting them in the basement. I don抰 even take them out of the pots. In early April, as the days get longer, they sense it (because my basement has windows) and start to grow. At which time I give them fresh soil and compost, some Osmocote, water them and put them in the light. I started out with two pots, but got so many bulbs that they are now in ten pots! Osmocote, as you probably know, is a time released fertilizer, but you can use diluted liquid fertilizer if you like.
So try this:
Withhold all water. Put the plant in the dark (a closet?) and let it completely dry out. After 90 days (I抦 guessing about the time) bring it into the light but do not water it yet. Look at it after a couple of weeks and see if the plant is starting to grow. When that happens, give it some compost, weak liquid fertilizer, warmth and lots of water.
Is this clear? Please feel free to ask more questions. If you are good to your calla, next year it will bring you blooming sized calla babies!
Donna
