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Calla lily care - houseplant

Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
in Plants
A friend who visited last week gave me a Calla Lily.
I read that it likes damp but not wet compost so have maintained that.
But almost from the day it was given to me, whole stems are falling off almost daily - as on the little table. There were 6 or 7 flowers when I got it, now there's only one.
It's in a bright position but gets no full sun on it.

Is that what they're supposed to do or is it something else?
Thanks



Billericay - Essex

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Posts

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    If it has been happening since you received it, sounds like it was an issue with where it was purchased.  Maybe it stayed waterlogged for too long in the weeks previous?  Sounds like you are doing all things correct.  I've only grown them outdoors as an annual, not as a house plant.  
    Utah, USA.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited June 2023
    Thanks @Blue Onion
    How annoying.
    It did come with the remains of an ASDA label on it, so it's probably down to the care it had in the supermarket.
    I'm not that keen on them tbh which is why I've never bought one. I don't know why, but when I see them I think of funerals..
    It looks as if I'm going to have to buy another as when he comes to visit again in a few weeks he'll ask how it's doing - just hope he doesn't tun up with another dodgy plant!
    Last time I got a potted 'rose' which was just 8 stems with blooms stuck into compost - that lasted about 2 weeks then died. The roots were about 1" long.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    edited June 2023
    Sorry Pete,it knows you dislike it 😂. I actually do,I grow them as perennials, they are just coming up now,in dappled sun under a pear tree....in a north facing garden, which often gets waterlogged in winter. Oh, well, maybe it will be it's own funeral. I've never seen one at a funeral,you wouldn't like My garden,then, I have masses of the white arum lillies as well.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    🤣Yes @Nanny Beach I think you must be right.
    It's a plant that I should like because it's a bit unusual and really very beautiful.
    I think it was my Mum who put me off them - I think most lillies reminded her of funerals (except lily of the valley, which she loved), so maybe it's in my DNA :)

    I grew the huge white lilies years ago with a very powerful scent and Mum said she didn't like to the look of them and really disliked the scent - because (she said) you always see them at funerals. I've not been to many funerals (but at my age that's likely to change in the not too distant future :)) and I can't recall seeing huge bouquets of lilies at funerals I have attended.
    I've seen much bigger ones at the supermarket for £10, so maybe I'll get one and my friend will think the one he gave me is thriving and I'll try and condition myself to get to like them.

    I'd read that they are similar to dahlias, so I'll pop the dodgy one in the garden and see what happens.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • ErgatesErgates Posts: 2,953
    I’ve never grown them myself, but our next door neighbour has a outdoor pot with a magnificent display of calla lilies in it. The original plant had been a gift from a relative, popped in a pot outside to do its own thing, and looks truly wonderful. Maybe you could put it outside?
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Ergates said:
    I’ve never grown them myself, but our next door neighbour has a outdoor pot with a magnificent display of calla lilies in it. The original plant had been a gift from a relative, popped in a pot outside to do its own thing, and looks truly wonderful. Maybe you could put it outside?
    An even better idea - saves digging a hole :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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