The exotic Zantedeschia is not hardy. After a life in the lap of luxury on the balcony, terrace or window sill, the indoor calla lily would like to hibernate in peace. Read these winter tips to find out how.

The Zandeschia must spend the winter in the warmth

Zantedeschia hibernate bright, cool and dry

The elegant Zantedeschia aethiopica comes from South Africa. On this side of the globe, the climate is determined by the regular alternation between rainy and dry seasons. A sweltering summer is followed by a cool, frost-free winter. The successful overwintering of a Calla simulates this cycle:

  • Set aside as a patio plant: from temperatures of 12° to 15° Celsius
  • Relocate as a houseplant: from October on
  • light: winter bright with at least 1000 lux light supply without direct sun
  • winter temperature: hibernate cool, ideally at a constant 10° Celsius (optionally 12° to 15° Celsius)
  • winter care: water very sparingly and do not fertilize

You should prescribe a change of location to the bright, cool winter quarters for all indoor calla lilies. If you expect your Zantedeschia to grow indoors all year round at temperatures of around 25° Celsius, you will look in vain for the picturesque flowers.

Winter out at the end of December - this is how it works

The most beautiful Zantedeschia varieties bloom from January to May. So that the noble blossom festival can start on time, the hibernation ends shortly after Christmas, when most of the other potted plants are still dormant. How to wake indoor calla from hibernation for a lavish flowering season:

  • At the end of December the temperature will increase to 18° to 20° Celsius
  • Repot Zantedeschia in fresh, peat-free substrate over a drainage made of lava granules
  • Brush off the rhizome, cut off dead shoots and leaves
  • In parallel with the beginning of the flowering period, water more often with soft water
  • Fertilize weekly from January to May

From mid-April to autumn, the Zantedeschia will be happy to keep you company on the balcony or terrace. In a sunny to semi-shady location, the South African flower beauty gathers fresh strength for the next winter.

tips

The new Zantedeschia variety Crowsborough inspires as the first hardy garden calla with a summer flowering period from June to August. With the right winter protection, the frost-resistant tubers can hibernate in the bed and cannot be dug up like cold-sensitive dahlia tubers. A thick layer of leaves and needle brushwood protects the rhizomes from the freezing cold and wet. Before that, stop the water and nutrient supply in late summer.

Category:

Vegetable garden