Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Preparing the lilies
• Method 2 of 3: Getting Healthier Now
• Method 3 of 3: Cutting lilies for flower bouquets

Calla lilies (also known as Arum lilies) keep well in a vase, sometimes up to two to three weeks under the right conditions. Callas are beautiful flowers that are perfect for adding some natural brightness to a room or adding a special touch to a bridal bouquet. However, like most flowers, calla lilies require special care to show their best appearance. To make sure cut calla lilies stay fresh, you can prepare them, keep them healthy and take extra care if they are used in a bridal bouquet.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Preparing the lilies

1. 1 Give the plant good watering to stay hydrated. If you cut calla lilies for yourself, water the plant well the day before. This will ensure they are hydrated when you cut them.
   • Hydrated flowers will last much longer than cut flowers when dehydrated.
   • Cut flowers early in the morning before the day warms up to prevent them from drying out early.
   • Use a clean, sharp knife to remove the flowers at the base of the stem.
2. 2 Unroll the acquired calla lilies as soon as possible to prevent drying out. If you purchased or received calla lilies, unwrap them as soon as possible. Immediately after unpacking, put them quickly in water.
   • If you are unable to do this, put them in a cool, dimly lit place, such as a basement, until you can take care of them.
   • Make sure they are still cool so they don't wither.
3. 3 Be aware that bruises are easy on the calla lilies, do not damage them. Calla lilies are very fragile flowers. The less you touch them, the better.
   • Especially avoid touching the flower heads.
   • If they were wrapped in a package, carefully remove it.
4. 4 Buy a deep vase for tall calla lilies to avoid crushing them. You will need a deep vase for tall calla lilies. Use a very clean vase; some florists clean the vases using a mixture of soap and a little bleach.
   • Rinse thoroughly and then remove any remaining cleaning agent.
   • Any remaining cleaning agent residue can quickly kill your flowers because it is toxic.
5. 5 Compare the stem to a vase to see how long it is to cut. Measure your calla lilies with your chosen vase to determine where to cut them best. Cut them off so they can protrude from the top of the vase while making sure their stems stay in the water.
   • Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle.
   • By cutting the stems at an angle, you maximize the amount of cut cells that come into contact with the water in the vase, which will help the plant take in more water.
   • Cut them under water so that the cut surface is not exposed to air.
   • Avoid using a dull knife or scissors as they tend to crush when you cut.
   • Cell damage stops the plant from absorbing water.
   • Lilies won't appreciate being in an overflowing vase, so don't put too many in one container.
6. 6 Feed your flowers to keep them healthy. Add flower food to a vase of water or, if you don't have one, a teaspoon of sugar and one to two drops of bleach for every two liters of water.
   • Some people advise using a Sprite or 7-Up blob.
   • Ordinary calla lilies need a vase 2/3 full of water.
   • Mini-feces need much less than regular ones, as only the lower part of the stem needs to stand in the water.
   • This will prevent the stem from getting wet on the mini calla lilies.

Method 2 of 3: Getting Healthier Now

1. 1 Place the vase of calla lilies in a good location to keep them healthy. Callas are best in a cool room that is not too light and away from direct sunlight or other heat sources such as radiators.
   • Do not place them next to a TV or computer, as these areas may become hot with prolonged use.
   • Keep them away from fruit bowls, as ripe fruits release gases that will stimulate the ripening of the flower, shortening its life in the vase.
2. 2 Keep the water at a good level to keep your flowers hydrated. Try to change the water every day or two and top up. A consistent supply of water is essential to the health of your lilies, and never neglect it.
   • Mini callas are likely to need extra water more often as they need to be in less water than regular calla lilies.
3. 3 Be careful when deciding whether to keep flowers in the refrigerator. Some people like to keep a vase in the refrigerator at night to keep their flowers alive - but keep in mind, you need a large refrigerator for this!
   • It's a bad idea to expose calla lilies to a gas called ethylene, which is produced by some foods, so only keep your lilies in an empty refrigerator.
   • It is probably best not to put them in a domestic refrigerator.
4. 4 Drain and replace completely to make sure it isn't messy. The water in the vase will need to be changed daily or every other day. This is to prevent any bacteria in the water from developing and attacking the lilies.
   • It also prevents the water from smelling bad.
   • Callas will absorb a lot of water, so add water to the vase.
5. 5 Trim the bottom of the lilies again to freshen them up. Every second or third day, trim another 1.25 cm from the bottom of the stems. This is because the cells at the end of the stem die.
   • The updated cut helps expose fresh cells and helps them absorb water.
   • Change the water in the vase as you do this.
   • Remember to replace the flower food or whatever you added to the water.

Method 3 of 3: Cutting lilies for flower bouquets

1. 1 Do not cut lilies until you need them to maintain their beauty. If using calla lilies as part of a bridal bouquet, let them sit in a vase in a cool place for 30 minutes before you need them. Take them out of the water 30 minutes before use to prevent water from dripping onto your clothes.
   • It may be a good idea to dip the cut ends in melted wax to help seal them.
   • Alternatively, try placing a cotton swab over the end of the stem and wrap it with a cloth underneath the tape.
   • This will help seal the end of the stem so that it won't stain your clothing by rubbing it against your clothing.
2. 2 Avoid calla pollen to avoid staining. Calla pollen will stain your clothes. You can remove the "ear" —the yellow finger-like thing inside the flower — but this will ruin the flower's appearance.
   • This is the best option, avoid staining just be careful when working with colors.
3. 3 Condition the calla lilies after transport to help them regain moisture. If your calla lilies are transported a short distance to their final destination, after arrival they should be “conditioned” in a dark, cool room for about 6 hours before being placed in a bouquet.
   • Cut off the ends and let them sit in a bucket of warm water in a dark, cool place, such as a basement.
   • This helps them retain moisture after transport to maintain their longevity and look their best.
   • If they still look droopy after doing this, trim the ends again and repeat conditioning.
   • If pollen is visible on a flower petal, avoid using the flower.
   • This is a sign that the flower head is more mature and will not bloom as long as other flower heads that do not have visible pollen spots.
   • Calla lilies stand in a bouquet for a long time as long as they completely retain moisture before placing them.
4. 4 Ready.