Arum Lily Care – Pruning and Problems

Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Derek

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Arum Lily Care – Pruning and Problems

Despite their misleading name, the arum lilies are not true lilies. The arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is a perennial plant that is native to South Africa. It is also known as the calla lily, although they are not technically the same. 

Zantedeschia pentlandii and Zantedeschia aethiopica are both flowering plants in the Araceae family. Z. pentlandii is a species of calla lily, while Z. aethiopica is a species of arum lily.

Arum lilies, like Lily of the Nile, another rhizome native to Africa, prefer warm climates and typically grow to a height of between 0.5 and 1.5 meters.

 It is a clump-forming Herbaceous/marginal plant with large, glossy, dark green leaves and bloom in the summer, producing white arum lily flowers that are borne on tall, slender flower stalks. 

Arum Lily Care - Pruning and Problems

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This Southern African plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is commonly used in cut flowers arrangement. It is also a popular choice for use in landscaping and is often planted in public parks and gardens.

Arum lilies, very closely related to calla lilies,  are a popular choice for gardens, thanks to their striking flowers and easy care requirements. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-10.

However, even the most low-maintenance plants can experience problems from time to time. Pruning is one way to help keep this tropical plant healthy and free from disease.

 Read on to learn more about arum lily care, including pruning and common problems.

Arum Lily care indoor planting

Looking to add a splash of color to your indoor space? Arum lilies (z. aethiopica) are beautiful plants that make a great addition to any indoor space.

The white spathes of the alum lily provide a beautiful contrast against the green of the leaves. The blooms are delicate and fragrant, and add a touch of elegance to any garden.

You should plant arum lily in late Winter to Spring, once the last frost has passed.

If you’re thinking of adding one to your home, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it thrives.

When it comes to light, arum lilies prefer bright, indirect sunlight and a dry place. So, a spot near a window that doesn’t get direct sun exposure is ideal. 

As for watering, allow the soil to dry out in between watering. And finally, fertilize your arum lily every few weeks during the growing season. 

Taking good care of calla lily rhizomes can ensure their longevity and ensure that they will be available to you the following year and many more years to come. With a little care, your arum lily will thrive and add a touch of beauty to your home.

Arum Lily care indoor planting

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Can arum lilies grow in full sun?

Arum lily is a rhizome that can tolerate full sun for some hours, but prefers a semi-shaded environment. The plant should be kept in a light, cool place at a temperature of 16 degree C by night and 18 degree C during the day

Choose a location that is sunny, like keeping them on a sunny window, but make sure the place doesn’t get too hot. Do not expose the plant to long hours of the scorching sun.

List some common Arum Lily problems

Arum lilies are a beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. However, they can also be a bit finicky, and sometimes problems can arise. Here are some of the most common Arum Lily problems:

  • Leaves turning yellow or brown: Spider mites be one reason, so check out for them. This is also usually caused by too much sun or wind exposure. Move your plant to partial shade and see if that helps. 
  • Flowers drooping: This is typically due to lack of water. Make sure to keep your plant well-watered, especially during hot summer days.
  • Mushy leaves: This is a sign of overwatering. Cut back on watering and make sure your plant has well-drained soil.

Why is my arum lily drooping?

Is your arum lily looking a little droopy? Here are a few possible reasons why:

– Overfertilizing with nitrogen can result in limp, drooping leaves, 

-Not enough water: Make sure you’re giving your lily enough water. They like to stay moist, so water them regularly.

-Too much sun: Lilies don’t like too much direct sunlight for long hours. If yours is in a spot that’s too sunny, try moving it to a shadier spot.

-Fungal diseases: If the leaves of your lily are browning or yellowing, it could be a sign of fungus. Try treating with an anti-fungal spray.

When to cut back Arum Lilies

Most varieties of arum lilies bloom in early spring, early summer, as well as late summer, but a few will bloom in early fall. After the blooms fade, the foliage dies back naturally. 

At this point, you can cut the foliage back to the ground if you wish.

How to grow Arum Lily in pots

Arum lilies are typically grown in pots using a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. 

Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize monthly during the growing season.

Why are the leaves on my arum lilies going yellow?

Yellowing leaves, also known as chlorosis, can be caused by a nutritional deficiency in the soil, most commonly zinc, iron, nitrogen, or some other trace elements. 

Either your soil is deficient in this trace element, or something in the roots is preventing nutrients from being absorbed.

The basics of Arum Lily pruning

Pruning arum lilies is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. First, cut off any dead or dying leaves and stems using a sharp knife or pruning shears. 

Next, cut back any leggy or overgrown leaves and flower stems to promote new growth. Finally, cut back the main stem of the plant by a few inches to encourage bushier growth. 

If you ensure to cut them short before the first frost spells, it can do a lot for your plant. With just a little bit of pruning, you can keep your arum lilies looking their best all season long!

What do you do with arum lilies after they bloom?

After they bloom, you need to deadhead the plant. Deadheading is the technique of removing old flowers and buds from plants.

If you don’t, old flowers and buds might die and obstruct new ones from growing, causing the plant to become stunted and finally die.

This is, therefore, an important part of care for your arum lilies after they have flowered, and is required to ensure that they can bloom again in the future.

Arum Lilies Blooming

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Is Arum Lily poisonous?

The arum lily is a poisonous plant that contains calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause burning and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. 

If ingested, the crystals can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Arum lily indoor – problems and solutions

One of the most common problems with growing arum lilies indoors is that they often don’t bloom. There are a few things that can be done to encourage blooming, such as providing the plant with plenty of bright indirect light and fertilizer high in phosphorus.

A monthly dose of all-purpose liquid fertilizer can also be applied to the plant during the growing season to achieve gorgeous flower displays.

However, ensure you do not fertilize the plant in the dormant period.

Leaves wilting: Another common problem is that the leaves of indoor arum lilies can yellow and wilt. This is usually due to too much water or too little light. 

Adjusting the watering schedule and providing more light should help to solve this problem.

Fungal diseases such as collar rot and root rot can affect it, as well as pests like mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Insecticidal soap solution should be used once a month to combat pests.

Dangers of frost: When the temperature outside starts to dip, the frost can form and cause damage to your arum lily. 

The frost will cause the leaves and flowers to turn brown and wilt. In extreme cases, the frost can kill the plant. To protect arum lily from the danger of frost, it is best to plant the bulbs in pots and keep them indoors during the colder months. 

If you live in an area with very cold winters, it is also advisable to mulch the bulbs with straw or similar materials to insulate them from the cold.

FAQ relating to Arum Lily Care

Should you cut back arum lilies?

Arum lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) are typically grown as annuals, although they are actually tender perennials. They should be cut back after flowering to encourage new growth.

Why are my lily leaves falling off?

There are several reasons why the leaves of arum lilies may fall off. The most common reason is that the plant is not getting enough water. 

Arum lilies are native to wetland areas and need moist and humus-rich soil to thrive. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will begin to droop and eventually fall off. 

Another reason for leaf drop may be too much fertilizer. Arum lilies are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization to produce healthy growth. However, if the plant is getting too much fertilizer, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off. 

Finally, leaf drop may be caused by a fungal disease such as powdery mildew or leaf spot.

Should I remove yellow leaves from calla lily?

If the yellow leaves are healthy and green at the base, then there is no need to remove them. If the leaves are unhealthy and brown at the base, then they should be removed.

How do I keep my lilies from falling over?

You can keep your lilies from falling over by staking them.

Key Takeaway Points

1. Arum lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) are herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials that are native to southern Africa.

2. Arum lilies are grown for their large, showy flowers that are borne on leafless stems.

3. Arum lillies prefer warm weather but should not be kept in direct sun for long hours

4. Arum lilies propagate readily from rhizomes, and can become invasive if not carefully managed.

5. Arum lilies are susceptible to a number of diseases, including fungal leaf spot and root rot.

Derek
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