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Calla lilies can be transplanted successfully with the right care and timing to ensure they thrive in their new location.
Transplanting calla lilies involves carefully digging up the bulbs or rhizomes, preparing the new planting site with rich, well-draining soil, and replanting them at the proper depth and spacing.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to transplant calla lilies step-by-step, including when is the best time to transplant, how to care for them afterward, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to transplant calla lilies with confidence so they keep producing vibrant blooms for seasons to come.
Why You Should Know How to Transplant Calla Lilies
Knowing how to transplant calla lilies is important because these beautiful plants often need to be moved to a better spot or divided to encourage new growth.
Calla lilies are rhizomatous perennials, meaning their underground structures spread over time.
If you want to expand your collection, refresh an existing bed, or simply relocate calla lilies to a sunnier or shadier spot, understanding how to transplant calla lilies is essential.
Transplanting calla lilies correctly reduces plant shock, ensures healthy new roots, and leads to brighter, more abundant flowers.
1. Calla Lilies Need the Right Timing for Transplanting
The best time to transplant calla lilies is during their dormant period, which is typically in late fall or early winter after the foliage has died back.
Transplanting when the plants are dormant minimizes damage to leaves and stems and helps the rhizomes establish in new soil without stress.
You can also transplant calla lilies in early spring before new growth fully starts, but fall is generally preferred.
2. Why Calla Lilies Benefit from Division During Transplanting
Calla lilies spread their rhizomes underground, and over a few years, these rhizomes can crowd each other.
Transplanting is a great chance to divide large clumps into several smaller ones.
Dividing the clumps not only gives you more plants to grow but also rejuvenates the calla lilies, encouraging stronger blooms and healthier foliage.
3. Preparing the New Planting Site is Key
Calla lilies prefer rich, well-draining soil with ample organic material.
Before transplanting, loosen the soil in the new location and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility.
Good drainage is crucial because calla lilies dislike sitting in soggy soil, which can cause rot.
They also thrive in spots with partial sun to full sun, depending on your climate.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Transplant Calla Lilies
If you’ve been wondering how to transplant calla lilies without damaging them, follow these easy steps:
1. Gently Dig Up the Calla Lilies
Use a garden fork or shovel to carefully loosen the soil around the base of the calla lilies.
Avoid stabbing directly into the rhizomes, which can harm the plant.
Lift the clump of rhizomes from the soil gently, trying to keep as much soil around the roots as possible.
2. Divide the Rhizomes if Needed
After lifting the clump, inspect the rhizomes.
If they are crowded or have several shoots, separate them into smaller sections using a clean, sharp knife or your hands.
Make sure each division has at least one growing point or eye and some healthy roots.
Remove any damaged or rotten parts to improve the health of your plants.
3. Prepare the Planting Holes
Dig holes at the new site that are about the same depth as the rhizomes were originally planted — usually about 3 to 4 inches deep.
Space the holes at least 12 to 18 inches apart to give your calla lilies room to grow.
This spacing helps with airflow and reduces disease risks.
4. Plant the Calla Lilies Correctly
Place each rhizome in the hole with the growing point facing upward.
Cover gently with soil and firm it lightly to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
5. Water and Mulch After Transplanting
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first few weeks after transplanting.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and keep weeds down.
Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature, which is beneficial for calla lilies.
Caring for Calla Lilies After Transplanting
Once you know how to transplant calla lilies, proper aftercare can make all the difference in how well they establish and bloom.
1. Watering Is Crucial but Don’t Overdo It
Calla lilies love moist soil but hate soggy conditions.
After transplanting, aim to keep the soil evenly moist, adjusting watering frequency based on rain and temperature.
Consistent moisture supports root development and growth for transplanted calla lilies.
2. Fertilizing Supports Vigorous Growth
Fertilize calla lilies every few weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
A fertilizer high in phosphorus can boost flowering.
Stop fertilizing once the plants enter dormancy in the fall.
3. Protect Transplants From Extreme Conditions
Avoid transplanting calla lilies in the hottest part of summer or the coldest part of winter.
If unexpected cold snaps or heat waves occur, use frost cloths or shading to protect your newly transplanted calla lilies.
4. Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and snails that may target calla lilies.
Removing damaged leaves and providing good air circulation reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transplanting Calla Lilies
Knowing how to transplant calla lilies also means knowing what NOT to do to prevent problems.
1. Don’t Transplant During Active Blooming
Transplanting calla lilies while they are blooming can stress the plants and cause flowers to drop prematurely.
It’s better to wait until after blooming or during dormancy.
2. Avoid Planting Too Deep or Too Shallow
Planting calla lilies too deep can cause rot, while planting too shallow can dry out the rhizomes.
Sticking to the 3 to 4 inches planting depth is best.
3. Do Not Let Rhizomes Dry Out
When dividing or handling rhizomes, don’t let them sit exposed to air or sun for too long.
Dry rhizomes can shrivel or rot when replanted.
4. Don’t Neglect Soil Preparation
Calla lilies won’t do well if planted in poor soil.
Always prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage.
So, How Do You Transplant Calla Lilies Successfully?
How you transplant calla lilies starts with choosing the right time—preferably during dormancy in late fall or early winter.
From there, gently digging up the bulbs or rhizomes, dividing crowded clumps, and preparing a nutrient-rich, well-draining site are key steps in how to transplant calla lilies.
Plant the divisions at the right depth, space them properly, water thoroughly, and maintain consistent moisture while avoiding soggy soil.
Proper aftercare, including balanced fertilization and pest monitoring, helps transplanted calla lilies thrive and bloom beautifully.
Avoid mistakes like transplanting during bloom, planting at the wrong depth, letting rhizomes dry out, or skipping soil prep to make your calla lily transplanting experience successful.
With this guide on how to transplant calla lilies, you’ll have vibrant, healthy plants growing in their new home for years to come.