Calla lilies, with their graceful curves and exquisite beauty, are a popular choice for floral arrangements and bouquets. They're a top choice for bridal works. Whether you receive them as a gift or treat yourself to their elegance, learning how to care for calla lilies as cut flowers will ensure that their charm lasts as long as possible.
From proper cutting techniques to vase placement and water maintenance, here's a basic guide to help you keep your zantedeschias looking fresh and vibrant.
The Basics When It Comes to Calla Lily Care
If you are the one that gets callas from their own garden, then it is important to know that timing for cutting is crucial. To begin with, you should wait until a majority of the blooms have fully opened but aren't yet showing signs of wilting. This usually means cutting them early in the morning when the flowers are well-hydrated. This timing allows you to enjoy the blossoms at their peak and increases the chances of them lasting longer in the vase.
What cutting techniques should you consider when dealing with calla lilies? Make sure to use a sharp, clean pair of gardening shears or floral scissors to cut the calla lilies. Ensure the tools are sterilized to prevent the introduction of bacteria. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle to maximize water absorption and prevent the ends from sitting flat at the vase's bottom. Trim any excess leaves that might be submerged in the water, as these can promote bacterial growth and water contamination.
How to Place Calla Lilies in Your Favorite Vase
No matter if you are a gardener and have picked your own zantedeschias, or if you have bought your callas in the store; placing them properly in water is the next step for everyone. Mind that callas are as beautiful as they are vulnerable with their soft stem tissue. This means the word 'CLEAN' must be the first thing to think of in this stage.
The consequence of contaminated water is a quick loss of quality, causing the stems to get slimy and collapse. This slime, or mucus, is often caused by bacteria. With a disinfectant, bacterial growth is inhibited and the risk of slime formation is therefore reduced. It is advisable to place the flowers on a chlorine pill or a bulb flower food with little water to prevent the stems from becoming slimy. Saturated stems will slime much faster. Drain well and cut well before placing it in the vase. Fill the vase with fresh, room-temperature water. Use as little water as possible to avoid the build-up of slime on the stems.
Be careful not to damage or knock the bracts. Always pick up the flower by the stem. Gently hold the calla lily stem under running water and make a fresh cut at a 45-degree angle. This helps to prevent air bubbles from forming in the stem, which can block water uptake. Place the calla lilies in the vase immediately after cutting to minimize air exposure. Arrange the stems to ensure they have enough space between them, preventing overcrowding that can lead to bruising and wilting.
So, when it comes to the vase you'll be placing your beautiful callas in, CLEAN is key. Regular interim cutting and changing the water will improve the vase life. A quality calla should be able to stand for 7 to 14 days.
Every two days, remove the calla lilies from the vase, discard the old water, and refill the vase with not too much fresh, room-temperature water. Clean the vase's interior to remove any accumulated bacteria or debris. Additionally, recut the stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them back in the vase. This process promotes water absorption and helps maintain the flowers' vitality.
Remove slime stems immediately as they are very contagious!
Location Matters
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for your vase a bit of advice might help. According to Simply Calla, where you place your calla lilies can significantly affect their lifespan. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. Sunlight and heat can accelerate wilting, while drafts can cause rapid moisture loss. Ideally, display your calla lilies in a cool room with indirect light to ensure their longevity.
Ethylene gas, which is naturally produced by fruits, can lead to the premature wilting of cut flowers, including calla lilies. Keep your calla lilies away from ripening fruits, such as bananas and apples, to prevent ethylene exposure. Storing them in a separate room or using a flower refrigerator can help mitigate this issue.
As you have learned, caring for cut flower callas requires attention to detail and a few simple yet effective steps. By cutting them at the right time, placing them in a clean vase with fresh water, and providing proper maintenance, you can enjoy the stunning elegance of calla lilies for up to 14 days. Knowing the beauty of this romantic flower, that's definitely worth all your good care.
Header image by Simply Calla and featured image by @masterflorists.
