How To Split A Calla Lily (The Right Way)

Calla lilies, with their elegant blooms and striking foliage, can be a beautiful addition to any home or garden. But as they grow, you might notice them becoming a bit crowded in their pots, hinting that it's time to give them some personal space. Splitting calla lilies not only helps them thrive but also offers the opportunity to multiply your collection without spending a dime.

In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of splitting calla lilies the right way. You'll learn when it's time to divide them, the tools you'll need, and the steps to ensure a healthy split. Plus, we'll share some tips on caring for your newly divided plants to keep them flourishing year after year.

When to Split Your Calla Lilies

Timing is everything when it comes to splitting calla lilies. You want to choose the right moment to ensure the least stress on the plant and the greatest chance of success for the new divisions. But when exactly is the right time?

Generally, the best time to split calla lilies is in the fall, after the blooming period is over and the plant has had a chance to gather energy in its rhizomes. This typically means waiting until the foliage starts to die back naturally. Splitting them at this time allows the plant to focus its energy on root development during the dormant season.

If you're in a particularly warm climate where calla lilies don't die back completely, you might have a bit more flexibility. However, it's still a good idea to avoid the peak growing and flowering months. You want to avoid any unnecessary stress on the plant during its most active period.

Keep an eye on the weather, too. Try to plan your splitting session on a day when the conditions are mild. Extreme heat or cold can add stress to the process, so a cool, overcast day is ideal.

Gathering the Right Tools

Before you start digging up your calla lilies, make sure you've got the right tools for the job. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Garden fork or spade: A garden fork is great for gently lifting the plants out of the soil. If you don't have one, a spade will do the trick, but be careful not to damage the rhizomes.
• Sharp knife or pruners: A clean, sharp knife or a pair of pruners is essential for making clean cuts through the rhizomes.
• Garden gloves: Protect your hands with a sturdy pair of garden gloves. Calla lilies aren't particularly thorny, but it's always good to protect yourself from dirt and potential scratches.
• Pots and fresh soil: If you plan to pot up the divisions, have some pots and fresh potting soil ready. A well-draining mix is best for calla lilies.
• Watering can: You'll need to water the newly potted divisions, so have a watering can handy.

Once your tools are gathered, you're ready to get started. Having sharp tools is particularly important because clean cuts heal faster and reduce the risk of disease.

Preparing Your Calla Lilies for Division

Now that you know when to split your calla lilies and have your tools ready, it's time to prepare the plants themselves. This step is all about setting up your calla lilies for a successful division.

First, stop watering the plants a few days before you plan to divide them. This makes the soil easier to handle and reduces the risk of damaging the delicate rhizomes. If the soil is too dry, give it a light watering the day before to make digging easier.

Next, carefully remove any dead or dying foliage. This helps you see the plant's structure more clearly and reduces the risk of transferring any disease during the division process.

Take a close look at the plant's base. You're looking for signs of crowding, such as rhizomes pushing up from the soil or a noticeable lack of space in the pot. These are good indicators that your calla lilies are ready to be split.

Once your calla lilies are prepped, you're ready to move on to the actual division. Remember, the more gentle and deliberate you are during this process, the better your plants will respond.

Digging Up Your Calla Lilies

With your calla lilies prepared, it's time to dig them up. This might feel like the most daunting step, but with a little care and patience, you'll have them out of the ground in no time.

Start by gently inserting your garden fork or spade into the soil about 6 inches away from the base of the plant. This ensures that you don't accidentally cut into the rhizomes. Work your way around the plant, loosening the soil as you go.

Once you've worked your way around the plant, gently lift it from the soil. If it's in a pot, you may need to tip the pot to one side to help coax the plant out. Be gentle to avoid snapping any rhizomes.

Shake off any excess soil to get a clear view of the rhizomes. If the soil is particularly clingy, you can rinse the roots with water to make them more visible.

Take a moment to admire your calla lilies' root system. It's a marvel of nature and a testament to your care and attention!

Dividing the Rhizomes

Now comes the heart of the process: dividing the rhizomes. This is where your sharp knife or pruners come into play. With careful cuts, you'll separate the plant into healthy, independent sections.

First, identify the natural divisions in the rhizomes. These are usually easy to spot as they look like natural breaks or joints in the formation. Each division should have at least one or two healthy growth points, which are the small buds where new shoots will emerge.

Using your knife or pruners, make a clean cut through the rhizome at these natural divisions. Aim to keep as much of the root system intact for each section to give it the best start in its new home.

It's okay if some roots break during this process—plants are resilient and will often recover from minor damage. Focus on keeping the main parts of the rhizomes healthy and intact.

Once you've divided the rhizomes, inspect each section. Remove any parts that look damaged or diseased. It’s better to start with a smaller, healthy plant than to risk spreading any issues to the new divisions.

Replanting the Divisions

With your calla lily divisions ready, it's time to give them a new home. Whether you're planting them back into the ground or into pots, the process is pretty straightforward.

Start by preparing the soil. Calla lilies prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. If you're using pots, make sure they have drainage holes and fill them with a quality potting mix.

Plant each division with the rhizome just below the soil surface. The growth points should be slightly above ground level to encourage new shoots. Space them out to allow room for growth—about 12 inches apart should suffice if you're planting in a garden bed.

Once planted, water the divisions thoroughly. This helps settle the soil around the roots and gives the plants a good start. Be careful not to overwater, as calla lilies don't like to sit in soggy soil.

Place the pots or garden bed in a spot where they'll get partial to full sunlight, depending on your climate. Calla lilies can handle some shade, but they bloom best with good light exposure.

Caring for Your Newly Divided Calla Lilies

After the effort of dividing and replanting, you'll want to make sure your calla lilies get off to a strong start. Here's how to care for them in their new setup.

Watering is crucial during the first few weeks. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. As the roots establish, you can reduce the frequency, especially during rainy periods.

Watch for signs of stress, like wilting or yellowing leaves. These can indicate that the plant isn't getting enough water or is getting too much sun. Adjust your care routine as needed.

It's also a good idea to add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the soil after a few weeks. This will provide the nutrients your calla lilies need to grow and bloom.

Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or snails, which can sometimes target young plants. A gentle spray of soapy water or a natural insecticide can help keep these nuisances at bay.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Splitting calla lilies isn't overly complicated, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Knowing these can save you a headache and keep your plants healthy.

One mistake is dividing the rhizomes too small. Each division should have enough size and at least one growth point to thrive. Tiny pieces without sufficient roots may struggle to establish.

Another issue is planting the rhizomes too deeply. If they're buried too far, they may not sprout, or they might rot. Remember to keep them just below the soil surface with the growth points exposed.

Be mindful of your watering habits. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially if the soil doesn't drain well. On the flip side, underwatering can stress the plants, especially in hot weather.

Finally, don't rush the process. Take your time to ensure clean cuts and careful handling. The more attention you give to each step, the better your results will be.

Benefits of Splitting Calla Lilies

Beyond just making more room, there are several advantages to splitting your calla lilies. Understanding these benefits can motivate you to keep up with this important gardening task.

First and foremost, splitting rejuvenates the plant. It can lead to more vigorous growth and better blooming as the plant has more resources and less competition for nutrients.

It also helps control the size of your plant collection. If your calla lilies are taking over your garden or pots, division can keep them manageable and tidy.

Plus, who doesn't love free plants? By splitting, you can expand your garden or share the love with friends and family by giving them a calla lily division of their own.

Finally, regular division can prevent overcrowding, which reduces the risk of diseases that thrive in tightly packed foliage. This proactive approach keeps your plants healthier in the long run.

How to Tell If Your Calla Lilies Need Splitting

Not sure if your calla lilies are ready for a split? There are a few signs to look for that can help you decide.

One of the most obvious signs is overcrowding. If you notice the pot is full of rhizomes with little room for soil, it's time to divide. Similarly, if the plant is pushing out of the pot or you're seeing roots coming out of the drainage holes, it's due for a split.

Another indicator is a decline in blooming. If your calla lilies aren't flowering as much as they used to, overcrowding might be the culprit. Dividing them can reinvigorate their blooming cycle.

If the foliage looks unhealthy despite sufficient care, it might be a sign that the plant is struggling in its current setup. Splitting and repotting can give it a fresh start.

By keeping an eye on these signs, you can keep your calla lilies looking their best year after year.

Final Thoughts

Splitting calla lilies might seem like a challenge, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding task that benefits both your plants and your garden. Remember, timing is key, and using the right tools can make the process much smoother. By following the steps outlined here, you're well on your way to enjoying a healthy, thriving collection of calla lilies.

At Cafe Planta, we're all about helping you care for your plant babies. Whether you're looking for new additions to your collection or need advice on plant care, we're here for you. Feel free to email us or send a message on Instagram. Let's grow beautiful spaces together!