Do calla lilies multiply? Experts reveal how to grow more of these elegant flowers for free
Calla lilies are some of the most sophisticated flowers to grow in your yard. Here's how you can get more of them without buying new bulbs
One thing I find most fascinating about plants is their ability to multiply. Whether its through propagations from cuttings or growing offsets, there is a real joy in seeing more plants appear. Plus, it's a sign that you're doing a good job at keeping the parent plant happy and healthy.
Calla lilies are one of the best summer bulbs that will gift you with more plants by multiplying. Although they're considered one of the most difficult perennials to grow, it can actually be quite easy to encourage a thriving calla lily to multiply and produce more plants.
I've spoken to experts to find out more about calla lilies multiplying - they revealed how this process happens and how to encourage it to take place.
Do calla lilies multiply?
Native to southern parts of Africa, calla lilies are a popular plant for a touch of class. They grow best in US hardiness zone 8 to zone 10 and will keep blooming for a couple of months at a time if you provide them with optimal care.
Calla lilies will indeed multiply when they are happy - here's what experts say about getting them to do so.
How do calla lilies multiply?
There are many ways to get more plants from plants, whether its taking cuttings to propagate, dividing them or growing new plants from offsets. Each plant will multiply in a different way - for calla lilies, it all happens beneath ground level.
'Calla lilies multiply when they grow new buds on the rhizomes, which are underground stems from which the plants grow,' says Julie Bawden-Davis, plant expert at Healthy Houseplants.
If you grow calla lilies, you may notice new plants spread across your yard. New bulbs are grown beneath the ground, causing more of these beautiful plants to pop up.
If you're pleased to have more calla lilies but aren't happy with their location, you can divide the bulbs and replant them - just ensure you plant bulbs deep enough for successful growth and to protect them from any frosts during colder seasons.
Use this bulb planter tool for easier and quicker bulb planting. It includes a depth marker so you can plant bulbs as deeply as needed.
Julie Bawden-Davis is a garden author and University of California Certified Master Gardener, who has written several gardening books, including Indoor Gardening The Organic Way. In addition to running HealthyHouseplants.com, she shares indoor gardening advice on her YouTube channel @HealthyHouseplants.
How do you encourage calla lilies to multiply?
Although healthy calla lilies will multiply on their own, you can encourage multiplying by continuing to provide the best care for your plants.
'The best way to encourage multiplying is to keep the plants happy by making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy, provide full sun and fertilize spring through summer,' says Julie.
You can water your plants correctly by using this moisture meter from Amazon to monitor moisture levels in the soil.
Calla lilies also do best in a sunny position, so they're a perfect option for a south-facing garden or wall. Use a balanced fertilizer, like this all purpose plant food from Amazon, to encourage longer blooming during its active growth season.
It can also be wise to cut back calla lilies after flowering and before frost to encourage returning blooms in spring and summer.
FAQs
What time of year do calla lilies multiply?
New calla lily plants are produced around early spring, when the parent plant has produced new buds on rhizomes beneath the ground. This is a good time to divide calla lily bulbs, right before active growth sets in. You can then plant up the new bulbs and give them optimal care to encourage new plants to grow.
Can I propagate calla lilies from cuttings?
As with other bulbs, it's unlikely propagation from cuttings will be successful. The best way to propagate calla lilies is by dividing bulbs where the parent plant has produced new ones beneath the ground. Take care to divide bulbs when the calla lily isn't actively growing in early spring, so that you don't disrupt the parent plant's growth.
Adding a touch of sophistication to your backyard landscape, calla lilies will reward your space with more and more plants. Continue providing optimal care for these plants and you'll have new calla lilies for free.
If you want to get more plants for free, make sure you know which plants to never divide so that you don't risk losing the plants you already have.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Tenielle is a News Writer in the Gardens team at Homes & Gardens with over five years of journalistic experience. She studied BA Journalism, Media and English Literature and MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. Before coming to Homes & Gardens, Tenielle was in the editorial department at the Royal Horticultural Society and worked on The Garden magazine. Tenielle writes on a range of gardening topics, from 'how to' guides to solutions for houseplant problems and inspiring garden projects, as well as the latest gardening news.
She is passionate about sustainable living and the role gardening has to play in tackling the effects of climate change. Tenielle is also a houseplant lover who is slowly running out of room for her ever-growing collection. When she isn't writing, Tenielle can be found propagating her indoor plants, helping others overcome common houseplant pests and diseases, and volunteering at a local gardening club.
-
Did you know this home heating habit could be ruining your couch? The 3 risks in the mix this winter, and what to do instead
Avoid damage, mold, and potential fire hazards, experts warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
Johnny Galecki's bedroom demonstrates one of the most daring pattern combinations I've ever seen – it reminds me of a historic English manor
When it came to clashing patterns, I needed convincing – but Galecki's space has made the minimalist in me recant
By Megan Slack Published
-
How to plant imperial fritillaries in November – expert bulb planting advice for brilliant blooms next year
Taking the time to plant your fritillary bulbs correctly in the fall will pay dividends next spring
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Perennials you should never plant together – avoid these pairings for flourishing flower beds
Knowing the conditions your plants prefer will help them to thrive
By Jacky Parker Published
-
Best native irises to plant in fall – 5 species to grow with dramatic and colorful flowers next year
Growing native irises will prove to be a hit with pollinators in the spring and summer months
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
7 perennials to not cut back in November to keep a garden nature-friendly and add winter interest
Cutting back some perennials also leaves them at the mercy of winter - see our selection of plants to hold off cutting back till spring
By Drew Swainston Published
-
Outdated backyard trends and what's replacing them in 2025 – 8 expert suggestions to refresh your outdoor space
If your backyard is lacking in wow factor find out how to fix it with some of the hottest new trends for 2025
By Sarah Wilson Published
-
Bulbs to never plant in pots – 6 flowering bulbs to keep out of your container displays
Many spring or summer flowering bulbs can be too large or tall to grow well in pots
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
Growing hummingbird mint from seed in the fall – lessons from my time as a professional gardener
Enjoy masses of blooms (and pollinators) next summer by learning how to grow hummingbird mint from seed
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
How to grow witch hazel in pots – for long-lasting aromatic flowers during the winter months
With spider-like scented blooms, witch hazel will brighten even the darkest December and January days
By Thomas Rutter Published