How to Repot a Calla Lily

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel, M.S.

Quick Answer

Repot a Calla Lily every 2 to 3 years into a pot that's 1 to 2 inches wider than the current pot. Use a rich, moisture-retentive potting mix with a little extra perlite for drainage. Late winter through early spring is the best window, right before the tubers wake up.

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How to Know It's Time to Repot

Calla Lilies grow from underground tubers that multiply each season, so a pot that fit last year can feel crowded by the next. Watch for these four signals when the leaves die back or new shoots are slow to appear.

1

Tubers are visible at the soil surface or pressing against the inside of the pot.
2

The plant has roughly doubled in size since you last potted it up.
3

Soil dries out within a day or two of a thorough watering during active growth.
4

Fewer flowers appear in spring than the year before, even with good light and watering.

One sign on its own can mean other things, so wait until two or more line up before repotting. Most Calla Lilies need a fresh pot every 2 to 3 years, with vigorous clumps sometimes ready by year two.

The Best Time of Year to Repot

Calla Lilies repot best at the tail end of their winter rest, just as new shoots are pushing up from the tubers. Working with the plant before active growth gets going gives the roots time to settle before the leaves draw heavily on them.

Late winter into early spring lines up with rising light and warmth, which speeds recovery. Use the map below to find your window.

North

Mar – May

Mid

Feb – Apr

South

Jan – Mar

How to Choose a Pot and Soil Mix

Pot Size

Move up to a pot that's 1 to 2 inches wider than the current pot. That gives the tubers and their roots enough fresh soil for the next year or two of growth, with room to spread but not so much extra space that wet soil sits around them and rots.

Pot Material

Glazed ceramic and plastic are both good fits for Calla Lily. They hold moisture long enough between waterings, which matters for a plant that likes consistently damp soil during active growth.

Terracotta works in humid climates, but in drier homes it can pull water from the soil faster than the tubers like. Whichever material you pick, make sure the pot has drainage holes. Calla Lilies rot fast in standing water.

Soil Mix

Mix three parts standard potting soil with one part perlite for a rich, moisture-retentive blend that still drains freely. A small handful of compost mixed in gives the tubers the steady nutrients they need to push out big leaves and blooms.

Skip cactus mixes and sandy blends. Both drain too fast for this plant and leave the tubers thirsty during peak growth.

How to Repot a Calla Lily, Step by Step

1

Water lightly the day before. Give the soil a light drink the day before repotting so the root ball releases cleanly. Soaking wet soil tears the fine feeder roots, but bone-dry soil crumbles away from the tubers and exposes them to damage.
2

Pick the new pot. Choose a pot that's 1 to 2 inches wider than the current pot, with drainage holes. Layer an inch of fresh mix in the bottom so the tubers will sit 2 to 3 inches below the rim of the pot.
3

Lift the plant out. Tip the pot onto its side and gently slide the root ball free. Brush away enough loose soil to see the tubers clearly. If the plant is stuck, run a butter knife around the inside edge of the pot to release it.
4

Inspect and separate the tubers. Check each tuber for soft, mushy, or moldy spots and trim them away with a clean knife. If the clump has grown too large, this is the time to break it into smaller divisions, making sure each piece has at least one growing eye.
5

Replant at the right depth. Set the tubers in the new pot with the growing eyes pointing up and cover them with 2 to 3 inches of fresh mix. Press gently to firm the soil around the roots without packing it tight.
6

Water and give it bright light. Water slowly until you see it run out the drainage holes, then set the plant somewhere with bright indirect light. Hold off on fertilizer for 4 to 6 weeks while the roots heal.

What to Expect After Repotting

Weeks 1 to 2

A pause in new growth or a slightly droopy leaf is normal as the tubers settle into their new pot. The plant is putting energy into roots before pushing new leaves.

Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy, give the plant bright indirect light, and skip fertilizer for now. Resist the urge to dig around to check on the tubers.

Weeks 3 to 6

Fresh leaves unfurling from the center of the clump are the clearest sign that the tubers have rooted in. From here, you can move the plant back to its usual spot and ease into your regular watering rhythm.

Start half-strength liquid fertilizer once you see clear new growth, and build up to full strength over the next two or three feedings.

Got More Questions?

Do Calla Lilies like to be root-bound?

Not really. A slightly snug pot can encourage blooming, but truly crowded tubers produce fewer and smaller flowers. Repot every 2 to 3 years to keep the plant blooming well.

Can I repot my Calla Lily right after I bring it home?

Give it two to four weeks to adjust to your home's light and humidity before repotting, unless the tubers are clearly bursting out of the pot. Settling into a new environment and a new pot at the same time is two stressors at once.

What if my pot doesn't have drainage holes?

Don't repot directly into it. Calla Lilies rot fast in standing water, so plant in a nursery pot with drainage and slip that inside the decorative pot. If you want to use the decorative pot directly, drilling works for unglazed terracotta, but glazed ceramic and thin pots tend to shatter. Use a diamond bit with a slow drip of water if you try it.

How deep should I plant the tubers?

Set the tubers 2 to 3 inches below the soil surface, with the growing eyes pointing up. Planting too shallow exposes the tubers and dries them out. Planting too deep delays the first leaves and can lead to rot.

Can I divide my Calla Lily when I repot?

Yes, and a repot is the easiest time to do it. Gently break the clump into sections, making sure each division has at least one healthy tuber with a growing eye. Pot each section in its own container with the same rich mix.

Should I repot when the leaves die back?

Wait until late winter or very early spring, just before new growth starts. Repotting during full dormancy is fine, but doing it right before the tubers wake up means the fresh soil is at its richest when the plant needs it most.

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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel, M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Repotting guidance verified against Zantedeschia aethiopica growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

8,889+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 8a–11b

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