The Calla Lily, originally a native of the marshlands in Southern Africa, has some pretty specific cravings when it comes to water. To get those stunning, iconic blooms, you’ve got to nail the timing. The secret? Keeping the soil consistently moist during its active growth phase and right before it flowers.
Finding the Balance: Wet vs. Dry Phases
The Calla (or *Zantedeschia*, if you want to get fancy) is naturally a marsh plant. In its South African home, the winters are wet and soggy, while the scorching summers dry those marshes out completely. That dry spell is actually when the plant takes a nap. To keep your potted Calla happy at home, you need to mimic this cycle with two distinct phases:
- A dry dormant phase
- A heavy watering phase during growth and blooming
Since our seasons are a bit different than the Southern Hemisphere, we usually flip the script: we give them a dry rest in the winter and keep them hydrated in the summer. During that winter dormancy, put the watering can away! The bulb needs to dry out completely so it can recharge and produce those gorgeous flowers next year.
Waking Up Your Calla After Winter
Once the calendar flips to January, your Calla is usually ready to wake up from its winter slumber. This is the perfect time to bring it out of storage and start watering again. My advice? Start slow. Give it just a little bit of water at first, then gradually increase the amount as the plant wakes up. Think of it like a gentle morning wake-up call rather than an ice-cold bucket of water!
Watering During Growth and Bloom Time
Before long, you’ll see those bright green shoots and flower buds popping up. During the blooming period, you really want to keep that soil nice and moist. Unlike many other houseplants that hate “wet feet,” the Calla doesn’t mind a little standing water in its saucer. It needs that extra hydration to fuel those big, dramatic flowers.
To really make your Calla feel at home, grab a spray bottle and mist it occasionally to boost the humidity. One pro tip: Callas are a bit picky about their water. They prefer “soft” water, so try using rainwater or letting your tap water sit out for a day before using it.
Prepping for the Big Sleep
Once the flowering season wraps up, it’s time to dial back. Stop watering and let the potting soil dry out completely to get your Calla ready for winter. You should also stop misting it at this point. Letting the plant go bone-dry is the signal it needs to head into dormancy and start prepping for its next big show!
