From my perspective as a Calla Lily, my rhizome (the bulb-like structure from which I grow) has specific needs. I don't require an excessively deep pot, but I do need room to stretch my roots horizontally. A container that is about 10 to 12 inches in diameter is ideal for one of my rhizomes, giving me space to grow without being overwhelmed. The most critical feature is drainage. My roots absolutely despise sitting in soggy soil, which will cause me to rot. Please ensure my new home has several drainage holes at the bottom. Material matters too; a porous terracotta pot will help my soil breathe and dry out more evenly than a plastic one, which is a comfort I greatly appreciate.
Just as you need a balanced diet, I require a specific soil mix to thrive. A standard, high-quality potting mix is a good start, but I would be so grateful if you amended it. I love a mix that is rich yet well-draining. Consider blending the potting mix with a handful of perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration. I also enjoy a little extra organic matter, like well-rotted compost, which provides a gentle, steady release of nutrients. This creates a fluffy, luxurious bed for my rhizome to settle into, offering both support and the food I need to produce those stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers you admire so much.
Now for the main event! Please fill my container with the prepared soil mix until it is about two-thirds full. Gently place my rhizome on top of the soil. Here is a crucial detail: look for the growing points, or "eyes"—they look a bit like small bumps. These need to face upwards, towards the sky. Once I'm positioned correctly, cover me with about 2 inches of soil. Do not bury me too deeply, as this can suffocate my growing points. After covering, give me a gentle, thorough drink of water. This initial watering helps settle the soil around me and eliminates large air pockets. Please place my container in a location where I will receive bright, indirect light; direct, harsh afternoon sun can be a bit too intense for my leaves at first.
After planting, my needs are simple but consistent. Keep my soil lightly moist, but never waterlogged. I will signal my need for water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. As I begin to grow and develop my first spear-like leaves, you can start a feeding regimen. A liquid fertilizer formulated for blooming plants, applied every two to three weeks, will give me the strength to produce strong stems and large, vibrant flowers. I am a tender plant, so if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), please bring my container indoors to a sunny spot. Once my magnificent blooms appear, you can deadhead the spent flowers by snipping them off at the base of the stem. This encourages me to put my energy into maintaining my beautiful foliage and potentially producing more flowers, rather than into seed production.
