How Often Should You Water a Calla Lily?
Achieve consistent calla lily health by moving beyond a fixed schedule. Learn to assess its needs based on its environment and growth cycle.
Calla lilies are a popular choice for gardens and indoor pots. These plants have specific moisture requirements that are important for their health and blooming, making proper watering a key part of their care.
Determining When to Water
The most reliable way to determine if your calla lily needs water is to check the soil manually. Instead of a rigid schedule, feel the top layer of the growing medium. A good guideline is to water when the top one to two inches of soil have become dry to the touch. This might mean watering about once a week, but this frequency changes based on the plant’s environment.
Several environmental factors influence how quickly the soil dries out. Plants exposed to bright, indirect light have higher water demands than those in lower light. While direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, sufficient brightness encourages growth, which uses up water more rapidly.
Temperature and humidity play a significant role in hydration needs. These plants thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In hotter and drier conditions, moisture evaporates from the soil and leaves at a faster rate, increasing the plant’s need for water. In cooler, more humid environments, the plant retains moisture longer, requiring less frequent watering.
The type of soil and its container directly impact watering frequency. Calla lilies require a well-draining soil mix to prevent their rhizomes from sitting in water, which can lead to rot. This type of soil does not hold onto moisture as long as heavier soils and may need to be watered more often. Plants grown in containers, especially smaller ones, tend to dry out much faster than those planted in the ground.
A calla lily’s water needs change with its growth cycle. During the active growing and blooming seasons of spring and summer, the plant produces foliage and flowers, demanding consistent moisture. During this period, you may need to water more than once a week to keep the soil from drying out.
Signs of Improper Watering
Observing your calla lily is a practical way to identify watering issues. Overwatering is a common problem with clear symptoms, like lower leaves turning yellow or the base of the stems feeling soft and mushy. These are indicators of root rot, where roots suffocate in waterlogged soil, which can also produce a foul smell.
An underwatered calla lily will also show distinct signs of stress. The leaves and flower stems may wilt or droop, and the edges of the leaves might become brown and crispy. A lack of sufficient water can also cause the flowers to fade quickly or fail to open properly as the plant conserves resources.
Adjusting for Seasonal Changes
Calla lilies undergo a natural dormancy period, requiring a shift in watering. After the plant finishes blooming in late summer or fall, its leaves will start to turn yellow and wither. This signals the plant is preparing to rest and is not a sign of poor health.
As the foliage begins to die back, gradually reduce the amount of water you provide. The goal is to allow the soil to dry out more than usual, which helps prevent the rhizome from rotting during its rest period. This dormant phase mimics its natural cycle and prepares it for future growth.
Once the plant is fully dormant, it requires very little water. For potted calla lilies, keep the soil mostly dry until new shoots emerge in the spring. At that point, you can resume a regular watering schedule to support the new growth.