Q&A for How to Grow Calla Lilies

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  • Question
    Inside one of my calla lilies is something that looks like a cluster of small bulbs. Could you tell me what this is?
    Community Answer
    If it's inside what looks like the leaf or petalm then they're seed pods. They're ready when they're a bran/cream color. Let them dry out and you can take seeds out of the pods.
  • Question
    Why did my calla lily wilt and die?
    Community Answer
    Any number of factors could have caused this, including lack of water, too much water, inhospitable temperatures, not enough sunlight, unsuitable soil, etc.
  • Question
    Are calla lilies dangerous to pets?
    Community Answer
    Yes, calla lilies are poisonous. You should take step to keep them away from children and pets, including dogs, cats, and other animals. Ingestion of a calla lily can cause burning and swelling of the mouth and throat, as well as stomach upset.
  • Question
    Why would my lily stop blooming?
    Community Answer
    Calla lilies planted in the ground tend to bloom without too many problems. When they fail to bloom, it is because of one of three reasons: too much nitrogen, lack of water or lack of sun.
  • Question
    If I live in North Carolina, can I plant my calla lily outdoors?
    Community Answer
    I do and mine have come back for 3 years now. I just mulch really well in the fall.
  • Question
    Are callas as poisonous to cats as other lilies?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they are. Though the highest level of insoluble calcium oxalates is located in the bulbs, calla leaves also contain these toxic crystals.
  • Question
    Why did the stems bend in half?
    Community Answer
    Something likely broke them... maybe a cat or kids might have trodden on them.
  • Question
    How come the bulbs turned to white mush? The plants died back and the bulbs were rotten. These were in a garden center.
    Community Answer
    Too much water. Make sure you have better drainage by adding some sand to your potting mix and/or gravel in the bottom of the pot. Make sure your pots have drainage holes, and only water every 5 days.
  • Question
    Why does my lily have leaves but no flowers?
    Community Answer
    It might be too little sun, the wrong fertilizer, or it could be the bulb. Some varieties fall asleep during summer and wake up in fall due to reverse seasons of their South African home. Some bulbs aren't mature enough to produce blooms.
  • Question
    Why did my pink-leaved lily turn brown after I planted it outside?
    Community Answer
    It's showing signs of shock from extreme environmental changes, i.e. a sudden change in temperature or light. Flowers and colored leaves are the first victims of shock, while other parts live on.
  • Question
    Should I cut flowers that have turned green off my calla lilies?
    Community Answer
    If they are old, yes. Those are dying and going to seed. If they are new flowers, do not cut them.
  • Question
    Are the seed heads of any use?
    Community Answer
    Unless you're into growing callas from seeds or using them in arrangements, then no.
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