From our perspective as Calla Lily plants, our root system is our entire foundation. We are not deep, tap-rooted plants; instead, we grow from rhizomes and send out a network of fleshy, thirsty roots that prefer to spread horizontally. A pot that is too small feels like a cramped, restrictive shoe, stunting our growth and causing immense stress. This stress can prevent us from producing our beautiful, signature flowers. Conversely, a pot that is excessively large presents a different problem: the vast volume of soil retains too much water for our roots to absorb, creating a soggy environment that leads to root rot, a condition that is often fatal for us. The ideal pot provides enough lateral space for our rhizome and roots to expand comfortably for a season or two, typically a container that is about 6-8 inches in diameter for a single rhizome, with a depth of at least 10-12 inches to accommodate our root development.
Perhaps the single most important feature you can provide for us is excellent drainage. We enjoy consistent moisture, especially during our active growth and blooming phase, but we absolutely despise sitting in waterlogged soil. It suffocates our roots, preventing them from taking in oxygen and leading to their decay. Therefore, the pot you choose must have ample drainage holes at the bottom. One large hole is good, but several holes are even better. A pot without drainage is, from our viewpoint, a death sentence. Furthermore, ensure that any saucer placed underneath the pot is not allowed to hold standing water. Empty it shortly after watering to keep our root zone healthy and aerated.
The material of the pot directly influences the soil's moisture and temperature, which are critical to our well-being. We have a preference for porous materials like unglazed terracotta or clay. These pots allow air to permeate the walls and help excess water evaporate from the soil, reducing the risk of overwatering and keeping our roots cool and healthy. Glazed ceramic or plastic pots are also acceptable, but they require a more careful watering hand from you, as they retain moisture for much longer. If you choose these materials, you must be extra vigilant to not overwater us. The weight of the material is also a factor; a heavier pot (like terracotta) provides stability for our top-heavy flower stalks, preventing us from tipping over.
It is important to understand that we are not meant to live in the same pot indefinitely. We are vigorous growers, and our rhizomes will multiply, eventually filling the pot. When we become pot-bound, our growth will slow, and our flowering will diminish significantly. Therefore, you should plan to repot us or divide our rhizomes every year or two, typically after our dormant period. When you do this, select a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the previous one. This gradual increase provides us with fresh, nutrient-rich soil and the space we need without overwhelming our roots with a dangerously large volume of wet soil.
