Calla lilies are good container plants: plant the rhizomes 3 to 4 inches deep with the growing tips up, keep the soil moist without letting it dry out or turn soggy, and give them morning sun. NC State says they make good container plants and can be grown indoors. Clemson suggests patio, deck or porch containers. A pot also solves the winter problem, because you can carry it indoors. This guide is part of our calla lily care guide.
Why grow calla lilies in containers?
Two reasons come out of our sources. First, hardiness: Clemson gives zones 8 to 10, and NC State says the white calla is hardy to zone 8, or 7 if protected, “otherwise, they may need to overwinter indoors”. A pot lets you move the plant. Second, display: Clemson says containers suit a patio, deck or porch.
How to plant calla lily rhizomes in a pot
- Wait for warm weather. Clemson says to plant rhizomes after the danger of frost has passed, when daytime temperatures stay above 70°F (21°C).
- Choose a pot with drainage. Clemson says calla lilies prefer moist, well-drained soil, and warns rhizomes kept too wet get root rot. A drainage hole is our practical requirement. Our sources give no pot size.
- Fill with organically rich mix. Clemson says they prefer organically rich soil. NC State suggests leaf mold, rotted manure and humus.
- Set the rhizome 3 to 4 inches deep, eyes up. Penn State says to plant the rhizomes 3 to 4 inches (8–10 cm) deep with the eyes or growing tips facing upward. Clemson says to plant no deeper than 3 to 4 inches. NC State’s genus page says 2 inches, so the shallow end of the range is acceptable.
- Space them if you plant several. Clemson and Penn State give 12 to 18 inches (30–45 cm) apart for garden planting. Our sources do not give a spacing for pots.
What to expect and when
Clemson says calla lilies bloom in late spring or early summer, about 60 to 90 days after planting. NC State says the white calla blooms from June to July. If you plant a pot in spring after frost, expect flowers a couple of months later. Penn State says to cut the flower stems as the blooms fade to prevent seed set and conserve energy for next year’s flowers, and the same applies to a pot.
Watering potted calla lilies
The sources pull in opposite directions here, so the answer is a balance. Penn State says that if you plant in containers, be careful not to let the soil dry out. Clemson says that if rhizomes are kept too wet they develop root rot. NC State’s genus page says calla lilies do well in boggy areas, which sits uneasily next to Clemson’s advice; we have followed Clemson’s well-drained approach for pots.
Our sources give no watering interval in days or amount in inches. Check the soil: moist is the goal.
Light and temperature
| Climate | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hot summers | Full morning sun with filtered shade in the afternoon | Clemson |
| Hotter climates | Partial shade to avoid leaf and flower scorch; flowering may suffer | NC State (Z. aethiopica) |
| General | Full sun to 25 percent shade | NC State (genus) |
A container makes it easy to move the plant to the right spot as the season changes, which is a practical advantage over planting in the ground.
Winter care for potted calla lilies
NC State says calla lilies can be grown indoors, and that Z. aethiopica may need to overwinter indoors in colder zones. You have two choices: bring the pot inside, or dig the rhizomes and store them. Penn State’s method for digging is to wait until the leaves have died back or after the first frost, trim the foliage to an inch or two of stem, dry the rhizomes in a warm area for several days and store them in a cool place. Our overwintering guide covers both routes and the zone conflict. If you are clearing windowsill space for a pot, our flowering houseplants collection compares the light needs of indoor plants such as the Christmas cactus and moth orchids. The fall bulb planting guide sets the dig-or-carry decision beside the tulip planting jobs.
What our sources do not tell you
They do not give a pot size or material, a potting mix recipe beyond “organically rich”, a fertilizer schedule, a repotting interval or the light levels needed indoors. We have not guessed any of these.
Frequently asked questions
Can calla lilies live in pots?
Yes. NC State says they make good container plants and can be grown indoors. Clemson suggests patio, deck or porch containers.
How often should I water a potted calla lily?
Penn State says not to let the soil in a container dry out. Clemson warns that rhizomes kept too wet develop root rot. Our sources give no watering interval, so keep the soil moist but never soggy.
Where should I put a potted calla lily?
Clemson recommends full morning sun with filtered shade in the afternoon in hot climates. NC State says partial shade is preferred in hot climates to avoid leaf and flower scorch, though flowering may suffer.
Sources
- Zantedeschia (calla lily), NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Zantedeschia aethiopica (white calla), NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Calla Lily, Clemson Home & Garden Information Center
- Summer and Fall Blooming Bulbs, Penn State Extension