There could be several reasons why your calla lilies are bending. One possibility is that your plant is experiencing a nutrient deficiency. Calla lilies need plenty of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in order to grow, and if it is lacking in any of these essential nutrients, it could cause the leaves to bend or curl as a symptom of stress.
Additionally, calla lilies also need adequate sunlight and water to thrive. If your calla lilies are not getting enough sunlight, or too much water, this can also cause them to bend. Finally, weak and overly mature stems can also cause the plant to bend, so make sure that you are pruning away any old growth regularly.
How do you keep calla lilies upright?
When keeping calla lilies upright, the most important thing to do is to provide adequate support for the stem. You can use a long-reaching stake or an A-frame plant support to firmly anchor the stem so that it won’t bend or lean.
If you don’t have those, you can use bamboo or similar stick and securely attach it to the stem and tie with a garden tie. When using this method, make sure the stick is tall enough that gravity won’t pull the flower down.
When planting your calla lilies outdoors, you can also plant them in an area with some type of support behind them, such as a wall, fence, or hedge. It’s also beneficial to make a soil mound around the stem as you’re planting to support and anchor it.
Additionally, you can use a wick system to help keep your calla lilies upright. This involves submerging the stem of your flower into a container of water and running a wick to the water. You can also design a U-shape form that encompasses the stem and hold it upright.
Finally, it’s essential to remember to provide calla lilies with adequate water and fertilization, as weak stems are more prone to bending or toppling.
Should I cut back my calla lilies?
Yes, it is recommended that you cut back your calla lilies. If they are beginning to look leggy or overly large, then it is time to give them a trim. Cut them back to about 8-10 inches in height, and make sure to remove the older leaves and stems as you do so.
It is important to use sharp garden shears or scissors that have been sterilized to avoid damaging the plant or transferring diseases. Once you have trimmed them back, you can also divide your calla lilies if it is necessary.
To do this, carefully dig them up and cut off any old foliage and discolored roots. Divide the rhizomes into smaller bunches (groups of 3-6 feet) and replant them in a mound about two inches deep. This will help to promote healthy growth and increase the number of calla lilies in your garden.
How long do calla lilies last in a vase?
Calla lilies usually last about 7-14 days in a vase. However, it is important to take proper care of the flowers in order to get the most out of them. One way to make them last longer is to cut about an inch off the stems every 3-4 days and change the water every other day.
Additionally, make sure the water is at room temperature or cooler and is free of any bacteria or microorganisms. Lastly, make sure the location you keep them in is not too warm or too cold, and away from any direct sunlight or drafts.
With proper care, calla lilies can last several weeks in a vase.
Do calla lilies do well in pots?
Yes, calla lilies do well in pots, as long as the growing conditions are ideal. While it’s true that you can grow calla lilies directly into your garden, they can also be planted in pots, as long as they are given plenty of light and well-draining soil.
It’s best to use a lightweight soil, such as a peat-based potting mix, so it can hold enough moisture without becoming overly saturated. When watering, make sure to not only wet the surface of the soil, but to also saturate the soil around the base of the plant until water is seen at the bottom of the pot.
Additionally, correctly timing the fertilization of your calla lilies is important, as they can become overwhelmed by too much nitrogen. Aim to fertilize once every two weeks from early spring until mid-summer.
Also, always make sure your pot is large enough for the rhizome of your calla lily, as well as for the roots to spread and the plant to grow.
What do you do with droopy calla lilies?
Droopy calla lilies typically need water to revive. First, inspect your calla lilies for any signs of wilting. If your calla lilies are wilted, start by cutting the stems diagonally an inch or two up the stem, and then submerge the stems in room temperature water for 30 minutes.
Once they have had time to absorb some water, re-cut the stems and place them in a vase of fresh, cool water. If the calla lilies don’t revive completely, you can also give them a slight trim to remove any excess foliage.
Be sure to avoid cutting away any tight buds or healthy leaves, as this may only damage the flowers further. Additionally, check to make sure your flowers are getting enough light and aren’t sitting too close to drafts or heat sources, like a heater.
Try changing the location of your vase and making sure it is not too warm or too cold and see if this revives your calla lilies.
When can you cut down calla lilies?
You can cut down calla lilies when they are blooming in late summer or early fall. The best time to cut down calla lilies is when the flower spike is beginning to turn slightly brown and dry. If you are planning on using the flowers for a dried arrangement, it can be beneficial to cut them slightly earlier than this, as long as the flowers appear to be mature, and the leaves are still in good condition.
When cutting the flower spike, use a sharp pair of scissors and cut about an inch down from the head of the flower. Be sure to leave some stem to attach to a surface for the drying process. After cutting down the flower, it is best to give the cut flower a day or two to allow the stem to seal before drying.
If you are not planning on drying the flower, you can put the flower in a vase with fresh water and enjoy it while it is still fresh.
What is wrong with my calla lily?
The first step in troubleshooting an issue with a calla lily is to inspect the plant and its immediate environment. Issues with the plant can be caused by cultural problems such as incorrect light, water and soil conditions, or by pests or diseases.
If the plant has been recently moved, it may also be going through transplant shock.
When examining the plant, look for signs of pests such as aphids, whiteflies and mites, which will appear as small, soft-bodied bugs on the leaves and flower buds. Check the crown of the plant at the base of the leaves and on the new emerging foliage.
If the plant has yellow, wilted or spotted foliage, this could be a sign of disease, a pest infestation or environmental stress.
Next, examine the soil. Calla lilies prefer medium-rich, moist soil that is well-draining. If the soil is dry or soggy, it could be resulting in root rot or other plant health issues. Additionally, check for proper drainage and root overcrowding.
Finally, inspect the light and water conditions. Calla lilies prefer bright, indirect light and moist soil, however, overwatering should be avoided. If not receiving enough light, the foliage may become pale or the buds may not open.
Overall, the key factor in troubleshooting an issue with a calla lily is to inspect the plant and environment for any potential signs of stress, pests or disease. If a problem is identified, take steps to correct the environmental conditions and treat the pests or disease as soon as possible.
Can a calla lily be a houseplant?
Yes, calla lilies can be houseplants. In fact, you can grow them indoors in a bright spot near a sunny window, or outdoors if the weather is warm and humid. When grown as a houseplant, these plants need moist soil and well-drained soil.
It’s best to use a commercial potting mix that has been amended with a slow-release fertilizer. Since calla lilies like to be somewhat pot-bound, choose a container just one size larger than the root ball.
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. You can fertilize your calla lilies once a month with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Don’t forget to deadhead the spent blooms to promote more flowering.
If you give your calla lily the proper care, it should be an easy-care houseplant that will last for several years.
