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House Plants/Indoor calla lily blooms won't open

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Expert: Diana Hamilton - 6/20/2009


Question

Calla lily's
Hi,

3 weeks ago, I purchased a calla lily plant in a 6" pot as an indoor plant.  It came with 2 large and 2 smaller 'buds', but none have opened yet to date. How long do the buds typically take to open?

All the buds were pink-tinged but the larger ones have turned a darker pink/red on the inside and outer edges.  In fact, instead of opening, the larger ones seem to be getting tighter as they get bigger.   The plant sits afront a large west-facing window gets a fair amount out of light throughout the day.  I'm watering 1-2 times a week to keep the soil moist but not wet, but have not fertilized yet.  Apart from the flowers not opening, the plant seems to be doing well.  

I've attached a pic in hopes it will help - the bud on the left is the younger one.  Am I doing anything wrong or am I just impatient?  :)

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Jeanne,

There are so many different types of calla lilies that it is impossible to be specific for one variety.  Some calla lilies e.g. the arum lily really open up but perhaps yours is a variety that does not, and looking at the spathe on the right hand side of your photo it doesn't look as if it has any intention of opening even a little bit.

Your plant will appreciate bright light with some sun, a daily soaking when the plant is in full leaf and fertiliser twice a month.  After it has stopped flowering you should reduce watering gradually and altogether when the foliage turns yellow.  Repotting should be done in the autumn.

Did you buy your plant from a garden centre?  If so I would go back to them and ask for some information on the variety you purchased, take it with you to show them.

I am sorry I cannot give you more information - I have never grown calla lilies myself - funnily enough I am going to a garden centre this afternoon and will see what information I can glean from the staff there who, unfortunately, can hardly tell the difference between a palm and a rose!  But I might be lucky and find someone who knows something!  I will be in touch again.

Diana

Hello again Jeanne,

Just back from garden centre - there were lots of peace lilies, anthuriums, arum lilies and just one calla lily very similar in colour to yours.  All the flowers were tightly furles so I found one of the assistants and asked him "How long does it take for the flowers to open" and he replied "They don't on this variety".  So it seems we have our answer!

Do let me know if you find out any information.

Diana  

Diana Hamilton

Expertise

I can answer questions related to flowering and non-flowering house plants, and herbs. I do not know very much about cactus, orchids and bonsai

Experience

For 20 years I owned a florist where I sold cut flowers and all types of house plants and accessories and gave advice to my customers.

Publications
I have not had any writings published but I have presented gardening programmes on television, showing viewers how to care for their plants, giving them ideas on suitable plants, discussed problems with experts in different fields and given practical demonstrations on growing seeds, planting tubs and hanging baskets, watering, feeding, pruning etc.

Education/Credentials
I am completely self-taught

Awards and Honors
I have exhibited plants and flower arrangements in many Flower Shows winning many prizes.

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