Back in the day, Callas were mostly seen in funeral arrangements. But times have changed! Today, these elegant blooms are stars in high-end wedding bouquets and vibrant gift arrangements. If you want to keep your Calla lilies looking fresh and fabulous for as long as possible, just follow these simple tips.
How to make your Calla bouquet last
As a cut flower, the Calla lily is incredibly hardy if you treat it right. In fact, these blooms can stay beautiful in a vase for up to three weeks! To get that kind of longevity, you just need to keep a few things in mind:
- Pick the perfect time to cut them
- Use a straight cut on the stems
- Keep the water crystal clear
- Find the ideal spot in your home
Mastering the cut
Knowing how to properly cut your flowers is the secret sauce to long-lasting blooms. This is especially important if you’re growing Callas in your own garden or on your windowsill and want to bring them inside. Pro tip: Give your plants a good soaking the evening before you plan to cut them so the stems are fully hydrated.
The next morning, grab a sharp knife and get to work. Cut the stems as far down as possible using a straight, clean cut. To prevent the ends from curling up, here’s a handy hack: wrap a small piece of clear tape around the base of the stem. If you’ve bought your Callas from a florist, make sure to unwrap them immediately and give the stems a fresh trim before they go into the vase.
The vase and the perfect location
Before you fill your vase, give it a good scrub. You want to get rid of any lingering bacteria that could cause rot. Use a bit of detergent and make sure to rinse it out thoroughly with clean water.
Once your flowers are tucked in, it’s all about location, location, location. Cut Callas are a bit picky—they don’t like too much light, but they don’t want to be in the dark either. Keep them away from heat sources like radiators or electronics, and definitely avoid drafty spots, which can cause the blooms to wilt prematurely. The sweet spot? A table against a wall in a bright room where they get plenty of light but no direct, scorching sun.