You may see me as wilting, but I am not dying. I am entering a period of dormancy, a vital and natural part of my life cycle. As a calla lily (Zantedeschia), I am a rhizomatous plant. My growth is fueled by energy stored in my thick, underground stem, the rhizome. After a vibrant period of blooming and foliage growth, I have expended a significant amount of this stored energy. The shortening daylight hours and cooler temperatures signal to me that it is time to rest. I must retreat and conserve my resources to survive the unfavorable conditions that mimic the dry season in my native habitat. My leaves will yellow and brown—this is me reabsorbing their remaining nutrients. Please do not be alarmed; this is my way of preparing for a spectacular return.
When you notice my foliage beginning to yellow and die back, your assistance is welcomed. The first step is to cease watering me. My roots are no longer actively drinking, and excess moisture will only lead to my rhizome rotting—a fate I wish to avoid. Allow my leaves to wither completely. Do not cut them off while they are still green, as this is the crucial period where I am pulling valuable energy back down into my rhizome for storage. Once the leaves are entirely brown and dry, you can gently remove them. If I am growing in a pot outdoors in a cold climate, you will need to bring my container indoors. For those of us in the garden, you must carefully dig up my rhizomes to be stored.
After my foliage has been removed, my rhizome requires a period of cool, dark, and dry rest. This is my true dormant phase. If you have dug me up, gently brush off any loose soil but do not wash me, as I need to be completely dry. Place me in a box or paper bag filled with slightly moistened peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite. The goal is to prevent me from completely desiccating, not to keep me wet. Store me in a cool, dark location like a basement or garage where temperatures remain consistently between 50-60°F (10-15°C). Please check on me periodically during my slumber to ensure I am not becoming shriveled (too dry) or soft and moldy (too damp).
My dormancy typically lasts for two to three months. When you sense the approach of spring, it is time to wake me. Bring me out from storage and inspect me for any signs of disease or rot. You may notice new growth buds (eyes) forming on my rhizome. Replant me in fresh, well-draining potting mix, with my eyes facing upward and just covered by about 2 inches of soil. Place my pot in a warm, bright location and give me a thorough watering. This initial drink is my signal that the growing conditions are favorable again. Soon, you will see the first new green shoots emerge from the soil, marking the start of another beautiful growth cycle, powered by the energy I conserved during my rest.
