AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.
Experience I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.
Question I got my first calla lilly this spring, and it looked gorgeous all summer! Now, the roots are exposed and i am wondering if that means it needs to be re-potted. i have no idea how to re-pot one. can you please advise?
Answer Hi Katrina,
Thanx for your question. If the roots to you calla lily are exposed, cover them with a couple inches of soil. Calla lilies will go dormant for a few months after they finish blooming and growing. The plant will eventually wilt and disappear. This is a resting period. Place the pot in a cool, dry, dark place for about 60 days and water it enough to keep it from drying out. After 60 days or so, new growth will begin to emerge. At this time, increase watering so the soil is moist but not soggy. Feed with a 12-12-12 balanced fertilizer and a sprinkle of bone meal. I hope this helps.
Tom
