🌡 What Temperature Does My Calla Lily Need?

Zantedeschia aethiopica

By the Greg Editorial Team

Jun 08, 20246 min read

This article was created with the help of AI so we can cover more plants for you. May contain errors. See one? Report it here.

Calla lily
  1. 65°F to 75°F ideal for Calla Lilies, avoid below 55°F or above 75°F.
  2. 🌡️ Use heaters, fans, shade to maintain temperature; avoid drafts and direct AC/heat.
  3. Signs of stress: wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth; adjust temperature accordingly.

Ideal Temperature Range for Calla Lily

Calla Lilies are not drama queens when it comes to temperature, but they do have preferences. Indoors, they're happiest lounging in a moderate climate, between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). Think of it as their comfort zone, where they can kick back and grow without a care in the world.

🌡️ Indoor Temperature Sweet Spot

For those growing these elegant beauties inside, steer clear of the chills. Anything below 55°F (13°C) is a no-go, except when they're snoozing through dormancy. That's their version of hibernation, and they'll need a cooler spot then, but we'll get to that.

🌳 Outdoor Calla Lily Care

Got an outdoor space? Great! Calla Lilies can vacation outside when the weather's warm. Just remember, they need a gradual tan, so start them off in full shade and slowly introduce them to sunlight to avoid the dreaded leaf burn.

🛌 The Dormancy Drill

When the party's over and it's time for their winter nap, cut the water and let them die back. Find a cool, dark spot that's above freezing but no warmer than 50°F (10°C). They'll need a couple of months of this to rest up for their spring debut.

Remember, Calla Lilies are like Goldilocks—they want their temperature just right. Too hot or too cold, and they'll let you know they're not pleased. Keep it steady, and they'll reward you with growth that's just as steady.

Healthy calla lily plant with glossy green leaves in a terracotta pot on mulch with a wooden fence in the background.

Providing the Ideal Temperature

Maintaining the ideal temperature for your Calla Lily isn't rocket science, but it does require a bit of attention. Heaters, fans, or shade cloth can be your best friends or worst enemies, depending on how you use them.

🌡️ Techniques for Temperature Control

Heaters are great for those chilly nights, but don't turn your living room into a sauna. Keep the temperature steady; Calla Lilies aren't fans of the hot-cold hokey pokey.

Use fans to circulate air and prevent your green buddy from suffocating in still, humid corners of your home. But remember, they're like salt in cooking—necessary, but too much ruins the dish.

Shade cloths can shield your Calla Lilies from that scorching midday sun, especially during the summer. Think of them as sunscreen for your plants—protection without the greasy residue.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't let your Calla Lily shiver or sweat. Drafty windows or doors are a no-go. And please, for the love of foliage, avoid placing your plant next to the air conditioner or heater.

Temperature fluctuations are the silent killers of the plant world. They're like a bad relationship—too hot and too cold, and before you know it, your plant's leaves are curling up in defense.

Lastly, don't be a helicopter plant parent. Adjust the temperature, then step back. Your Calla Lily needs some space to breathe, just like you do after a hefty meal.

Healthy calla lily plant with lush green leaves in a terracotta pot, held by a human hand to showcase its beauty and vitality.

Temperature Stress and Its Effects

🌡️ Identifying Signs of Temperature Stress

Wilting and yellowing leaves are telltale signs your Calla Lily is throwing a temperature tantrum. Stunted growth is another red flag; it's like the plant's personal growth journey has hit a roadblock. These symptoms scream, "I'm not okay!"

🌋 The Toll of Extreme Temperatures

Extreme heat turns your Calla Lily into a drama queen, with blossoms dropping faster than a reality TV star's followers after a scandal. Cold is no better; it's like putting your plant on ice—literally. The aftermath? A blooming disaster. Keep it too hot, and your Calla Lily might as well be baking in an oven. Too cold, and you're auditioning for "Frozen: The Plant Edition."

Remember, your Calla Lily isn't auditioning for a survival reality show. It's counting on you to keep the thermostat drama-free.

A thriving potted calla lily plant with burgundy spathes and green foliage, photographed indoors against a white wall.

Factors Causing Temperature Stress

In the life of a Calla Lily, temperature stress can be a real party pooper. These plants are like Goldilocks—not too hot, not too cold. Direct sunlight can turn them into a wilted mess, especially when they're more accustomed to playing it cool in the shade. On the flip side, a cold draft is like kryptonite to these tropical beauties.

🌬️ Drafts: The Sneaky Culprit

Drafty doors or windows can ambush your Calla Lily with a chill it never saw coming. It's like a cold slap for a plant that's just trying to enjoy the stable warmth of your home.

🌞 Sunlight: A Double-Edged Sword

Too much sun can cook a Calla Lily's leaves to a crisp, causing them to yellow with despair. Yet, these plants do crave their sun-kissed moments—balance is key.

🌡️ Temperature Swings: The Silent Killer

Sudden changes in temperature can send a Calla Lily into shock. Imagine going from a cozy bed to an ice bath—no thanks, right? These plants feel the same about abrupt temperature fluctuations.

❄️ Cold: The Unseen Menace

When the mercury drops, Calla Lilies can suffer from the botanical equivalent of frostbite. Frost is their nemesis, turning vibrant green to a sad, mushy brown.

The Takeaway

Keep your Calla Lily away from the icy grip of drafts, the scorching touch of too much sun, and the rollercoaster ride of temperature swings. It's all about creating that just-right environment for your leafy friend to flourish.

Adapting Temperature for Different Seasons

❄️ Winter Care

In winter, Calla Lilies prefer to cozy up in temperatures no lower than 10 degrees Celsius. To prevent your plant from catching a chill, move it away from drafty windows. It's like giving your plant a warm sweater—except it's actually just a few feet of space. And remember, water only when the soil is about 75% dry; overwatering in winter is as welcome as a snowball to the face.

☀️ Summer Adjustments

Come summer, your Calla Lily will want to bask in the warmth, but not in the scorching sun. Aim for a sweet spot between 65 – 80°F (18 – 26°C). Think of it as the plant equivalent of wearing shorts—not too hot, not too cold. If the mercury rises too high, your Calla Lily might start sweating (figuratively, of course). Shade cloth can be your best friend here, providing a much-needed parasol for your sun-sensitive green buddy.

🍂 Seasonal Transitions

As seasons change, so should your care strategy. Adapt watering habits to the rhythm of your local climate, and be mindful of the plant's need for a gradual transition. It's like easing into a hot bath—one toe at a time. And when it comes to temperature, consistency is key. Avoid sudden fluctuations like you'd avoid spoilers for your favorite show.

🌡️ Protecting from Extremes

To shield your Calla Lily from temperature extremes, think of your home as a microclimate sanctuary. Positioning is everything; a spot that's just right in summer may be an icebox in winter. Use heaters judiciously, but keep them at a plant-friendly distance—no one likes a scorched leaf tan. And if you're hit with a cold snap, consider an oil heater to keep the ambient temperature stable, like a warm hug for your plant's roots.

⚠️ Safety First

This content is for general information and may contain errors, omissions, or outdated details. It is not medical, veterinary advice, or an endorsement of therapeutic claims.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any plant as food, medicine, or supplement.

Never eat any plant (or feed one to pets) without confirming its identity with at least two trusted sources.

If you suspect poisoning, call Poison Control (800) 222-1222, the Pet Poison Helpline (800) 213-6680, or your local emergency service immediately.

Spotted an error? Please report it here.

Ensure your Calla Lilies thrive 🌡 with Greg's custom reminders to keep them in their ideal temperature sweet spot, avoiding the wilting woes of temperature stress!