Question
Received a Grace Callas Lily Plant 8" from FTD,on Mother's Day. When it arrived many of the leaves were yellow and a lily just broke from the root. It was shipped to Houston, Texas, the weather is about 85+. It is now sitting by a window with in-direct light. The house temp. is 72-78*. I dampened the soil and removed the yellow leaves. Should I plant it outside or just move it outside?  The temp. will be 90 to 95* outside. What about fertilizer?  Thank-you for any suggestions you may have for me. I sure would like to save/keep the lily. Coming from FTD it was on the very pricey side. Again, thanks for being here and I will await your response.

Answer
Hello Barbara

Firstly, whichever of your children had this plant sent to you should contact the supplier and complain like mad - it should not have arrived in such a poor condition and they should replace it, in my opinion!!

OK - what can you do for the plant?  It has obviously been very stressed during transport. You did the right thing in removing the yellow leaves.  For the present leave the plant where you have put it - the temperature range is good.  Keep it damp and keep a watch for new growth.

When new growth begins to show you can then start feeding it with a balanced liquid fertilizer - about once a week and half strength to start with, so that you coax the new growth rather than force it.  Once it is growing away healthily you can increase the strength of the feed.

Calla lilies are plants for the pond or a boggy area on the margins.  If you have a water feature of this type, either plant your lily into an aquatic plant basket and plunge it into the pond, or plant directly into the boggy margin.  You wont have to give it much attention in this situation and it will eventually spread itself around nicely.

If you don't have a water feature you can still put it outside in a pot.  Callas usually like full sun, but if it gets really hot a little dappled shade would be good.  Make sure the compost is kept well damp at all times and feed as described above 2 or 3 times a month.

I do hope that you Calla revives - I hate it when a plant dies unnecessarily, but it is amazing what a little loving care can achieve - good luck.

Gill