That stunning calla lily sitting on your tabletop isn't just a plant; it's a living sculpture, bringing a touch of modern elegance to your space.
As you admire its graceful, trumpet-shaped flowers, it's natural to wonder about its longevity. The question of how long potted calla lilies last is one we hear often, and it really comes down to a deeper query: how long can you enjoy this incredible beauty?
You'll be delighted to know that the answer is likely much longer than you expect. Understanding how long potted calla lilies last indoors involves two wonderful timelines: a spectacular blooming season that lasts for weeks, and the life of the plant itself, which can thrive for years. We're here to share the simple secrets to ensure you get the most out of both.
The Short and Long Answer to Your Calla Lily's Lifespan
Let's get straight to it. When you ask, "How long do potted calla lilies last?", there are two parts to the answer, and both are great news.
- The Blooms: The elegant, colourful flowers themselves will typically brighten your home for two to six weeks.
- The Plant: With proper care through its natural cycles, the calla lily plant itself can live for many years, rewarding you with a fresh round of blooms each season.
The secret to this longevity lies beneath the soil in its rhizome—a hardy, bulb-like root that stores energy. By caring for the whole plant, you ensure the rhizome stays healthy and ready to put on a show time and time again.
First Steps for Your Calla Lily Bouquet

The moment a fresh bouquet from Windflower Florist arrives is always exciting. To ensure your calla lilies settle in beautifully and last as long as possible, these first few steps are the most important. Think of it as a bit of pampering after their journey to you.
- Prepare Their New Home: Before you even unwrap the flowers, select a vase and make sure it's sparkling clean. A quick wash with soap and warm water removes any lingering bacteria that could harm the fresh stems.
- Give Them a Fresh Cut: Using a sharp pair of scissors or a knife, trim about 2-3 cm from the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This fresh cut creates a wide surface for the stems to drink water from, ensuring they stay properly hydrated.
- Provide a Nourishing Drink: Fill your clean vase with cool tap water and stir in the flower food sachet we've included. This isn't just sugar water; it's a special formula that provides essential nutrients and helps keep the water clean, giving your bouquet everything it needs to thrive.
Secrets to a Longer Vase Life for Calla Lily
Once your calla lilies are happily settled in their vase, a simple daily routine can make a world of difference. These are the secrets we use in our shop to keep our flowers in perfect condition.
- Fresh Water is Key: This is the most effective secret to a long vase life. Every two days, replace the old water with fresh, cool water. This simple act prevents bacteria from building up, which can clog the stems and stop them from absorbing the hydration they need.
- Find the Perfect Spot: Where you place your bouquet matters immensely. Calla lilies prefer a cool spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or kitchen appliances. Here's a top tip: keep them far away from your fruit bowl. Ripening fruit releases a natural gas called ethylene, which encourages flowers to age much faster.
- Give Them Space: While it's tempting to group flowers tightly, calla lilies appreciate a bit of personal space. An overcrowded vase can restrict airflow and may lead to the delicate, trumpet-like blooms getting bruised or bent. A little room to breathe keeps them looking flawless.
For the Green Thumbs: Caring for Live Calla Lily Plants
If you've opted for a potted calla lily plant, you're in for a long-term treat! Unlike a bouquet, a live plant can grow and re-bloom for many years.
The care is straightforward: place it in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. The most interesting part of its lifecycle is the dormancy period. After the flowers have faded, don't worry if the leaves start to yellow. This is a sign that the plant is preparing for a well-deserved rest.
Simply reduce watering, let the leaves die back naturally, and store the pot in a cool, dark place for a couple of months. This "recharging" phase is essential for it to gather the energy needed to produce another stunning round of flowers for you next season.
Conclusion About The Lifespan Of Potted Calla Lilies
Your potted calla lily is so much more than a simple purchase; it's an investment in lasting elegance. By understanding its natural rhythm of blooming and rest, the answer to how long do potted calla lilies last becomes years of recurring joy, not just a few fleeting weeks.
It’s a rewarding experience to nurture a plant and be greeted by its familiar flowers time and time again. This simple cycle of care is all it takes to turn your home into a personal gallery, with your calla lily as the returning star of the show.
For beautiful blooms that arrive fresh and on schedule, explore the collection at Windflower Florist with same-day flower delivery in Singapore and 10% off your purchase, or else your order is free.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Lifespan Of Potted Calla Lilies
How Do I Know When My Calla Lily Is Going Dormant?
You'll know it's entering dormancy when the flowers have faded and the leaves start to turn yellow and wilt. This is a natural part of the plant's cycle, so don't worry that you've done something wrong.
Can I Keep My Potted Calla Lily Outside in Singapore?
While you can, it's often easier to control their environment indoors. The direct and intense afternoon sun in Singapore can be too harsh for them. If you do place them outside, ensure it's in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Should I Fertilise My Calla Lily?
Yes, but only during its growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks once you see new growth, and stop fertilising once the flowers have bloomed. Do not feed it during its dormant period.
What Are the Brown Tips on My Calla Lily Leaves?
Brown tips on the leaves are often a sign of either overwatering or low humidity. Check the soil moisture and ensure the pot has good drainage. You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles with water.
Why Is My Calla Lily Not Blooming Again?
The most common reason is an insufficient dormant period. Your calla lily needs a rest for at least two months in a cool, dark place to gather energy for the next blooming cycle. Not enough light during its growth phase can also be a reason.