Calla Lily

Caring for your calla lilies

Calla stems are fleshy and smooth rather than woody, and they bruise if handled roughly. Cut them cleanly at an angle with a sharp knife or sharp scissors, and never crush or split the ends the way you would a woody stem.

Use shallow water, around two to three inches. A calla stem standing in deep water softens and goes slimy at the bottom, which is what usually ends them early.

Change the water every two days and recut a small amount off each stem when you do. Keep them out of direct sun.

The stems will curve gently over the days in the vase. This is normal and, to most eyes, an improvement.

Callas are toxic if eaten, so keep them away from pets and small children.