How do I bring my calla lily back to life?

As a gardening and landscaping expert, I understand how frustrating it can be when your calla lily stops blooming. However, I’m here to tell you that there is hope! You don’t have to throw out your potted calla lily; instead, you can bring it back to life by following a few simple steps.

First, it’s important to understand that calla lilies have a natural dormant period. This is a time when the plant rests and conserves energy. So, if your calla lily has stopped blooming, it may just be entering its dormant phase. Don’t panic!

To bring your calla lily back to life, you’ll need to let it go dormant and provide the right conditions for its rest period. Start by cutting back on watering and allowing the soil to dry out. Once the soil is dry, move the plant to a cool, dark place. This could be a basement, garage, or any area where the temperature remains consistently cool, around 50-55°F (10-13°C).

During this dormant period, it’s crucial to avoid watering the calla lily. The lack of water will signal to the plant that it’s time to rest and conserve energy. However, make sure to check the plant occasionally to ensure it doesn’t completely dry out. If the soil becomes too dry, you can lightly mist it with water to provide some moisture.

Keep the calla lily in its dormant state for about two months. This will give the plant enough time to rest and rejuvenate. During this period, you may notice the leaves turning yellow and withering. Don’t worry, this is a normal part of the dormancy process.

After the two-month period, it’s time to bring your calla lily back into the light. Move the plant to a bright location, preferably with indirect sunlight. Gradually increase the amount of light it receives over a few days to avoid shocking the plant.

Now that your calla lily is back in the light, it’s time to start watering again. Give the plant a good soak, making sure the water drains through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. From here on, water the calla lily regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated.

With proper care and patience, your calla lily should start to recover and eventually bloom again. Remember to fertilize the plant every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to provide it with the necessary nutrients.

Bringing your calla lily back to life requires understanding its natural dormant period and providing the right conditions for rest and rejuvenation. By allowing the plant to go dormant in a cool, dark place without water for a couple of months, and then gradually reintroducing it to light and regular watering, you can give your calla lily a chance to thrive once again. Good luck!

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Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.