Rescuing a Repotted Blooming Calla Lily

Repotting a blooming calla lily shocks the plant—energy diverts from flowers to root repair. Here's damage control.

Immediate Care

• Stop overwatering. Soil should be barely moist, not wet.
• Bright, indirect light only. No direct sun—it stresses the compromised roots.
• Accept bloom loss. Flowers will likely wilt and drop. Remove them at the base.

Saving the Rhizome

1. After blooms finish, cut foliage back to 2".
2. Let pot dry slightly; remove rhizome, brush off soil.
3. Air-dry 3–5 days in shade.
4. Store in peat/vermiculite in a paper bag at 45–50°F for 8+ weeks (dormancy).
5. Repot in spring; water, light, fertilize.

Golden Rule

Never transplant while in bloom. Divide/repot only after flowering, before dormancy.