Managing Basal Rot on a Potted Calla Lily: Support and Selective Pruning

Calla Lily with Mushy Base

Basal rot (soft, mushy crown) is usually fatal. However, you can try to salvage the corm:

• Stake the plant to keep foliage upright.
• Do not cut the main stalk until after flowering (it feeds the corm).
• After bloom, cut back to 6 inches.
• Reduce watering; let soil dry between waterings.

If the corm firms up, it may survive. If rot spreads, discard.