Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Calla lilies can be submerged in water, but only for a short period of time and under very specific conditions.
While these elegant blooms are often used in ponds and water features, they aren’t true aquatic plants, so you can’t just leave them fully underwater for days on end.
If you’ve been wondering whether calla lilies can be submerged in water for a vase arrangement or a temporary floral display, the answer is yes, provided you follow a few careful steps.
In this post, we’ll explore how calla lilies handle submersion, the risks involved, and the best ways to keep them looking fresh when they’re placed in water.
Let’s dive into the details so you can enjoy these gorgeous flowers without accidentally ruining them.
Why Calla Lilies Can Be Submerged In Water Temporarily
Calla lilies can be submerged in water for short periods because their stems and blooms are surprisingly resilient to moisture.
Unlike delicate petals that turn to mush quickly, calla lily spathes have a waxy, thick texture that helps them resist water damage for a while.
This natural durability is why florists often use calla lilies in water-based centerpieces or floating arrangements for weddings and events.
However, it’s important to understand that calla lilies are not like water lilies or lotus flowers that thrive when fully immersed.
They are rhizome plants that naturally grow in moist soil near streams or marshes, not in open water.
So while calla lilies can be submerged in water temporarily, they should never be treated as permanent underwater plants.
1. The Waxy Coating Protects The Blooms
The main reason calla lilies tolerate submersion is their unique waxy surface.
Each spathe has a natural cuticle layer that repels water and prevents saturation.
This coating means the petals won’t absorb excess moisture right away, so they can handle a few hours underwater without becoming waterlogged.
That said, the longer calla lilies stay submerged, the more likely that protective layer breaks down.
Once that happens, the petals will start to discolor, turn translucent, and eventually rot.
So for short-term displays, the waxy coating is your best friend.
2. Stems Can Handle Brief Submersion Too
When calla lilies are submerged in water, the stems actually benefit from the hydration.
Submerging the stems is similar to giving them a deep drink, which can help them perk up if they’ve been sitting out for a while.
But there’s a catch: the cut ends of the stems are open wounds.
If calla lilies are submerged in water for too long, bacteria can enter those cuts and cause the stems to become slimy and clogged.
That’s why you should limit full submersion to a few hours, not overnight.
3. The Rhizome Isn’t Meant For Deep Water
If you have potted calla lilies and are thinking about submerging the entire plant, including the rhizome, that’s a different story.
While calla lilies like consistently moist soil, the rhizome (the bulb-like root structure) can rot if completely drowned in water.
So when people ask, “Can calla lilies be submerged in water?” for a potted plant, the answer is a firm no for the roots.
Only the cut flowers should ever be placed in water, and that’s for short-term aesthetics only.
The Risks of Submerging Calla Lilies For Too Long
Calla lilies can be submerged in water, but that doesn’t mean they love it.
If you leave them fully underwater for more than a few hours, you’ll start to see some serious problems.
Understanding these risks will help you decide whether submerging calla lilies is worth it for your specific arrangement.
1. Petal Rot and Discoloration
The most common issue is petal rot.
Once the waxy coating breaks down, water seeps into the delicate tissue of the spathe.
The petals will become soft, pale, and eventually develop brown or black spots.
Calla lilies submerged in water for a full day will start to lose their vibrant colors, especially the white and pink varieties.
So if you want them to look good, keep submersion windows short.
2. Stem Collapse and Sliminess
Another risk is stem collapse.
When the cut stem sits underwater too long, bacteria multiply in the water and attack the open wound at the base.
The stem becomes slimy, soft, and loses its structural integrity.
As a result, the flower head may droop or even fall off entirely.
This is why florists recommend changing the water daily and recutting stems if you want calla lilies to last longer in any wet environment.
3. Reduced Vase Life Overall
Even if calla lilies can be submerged in water for a few hours, doing so can shorten their overall vase life.
The stress of full immersion can shock the flower, leading to faster wilting once you take it out of the water.
So while it’s possible to submerge them for a dramatic photo or a floating centerpiece, be prepared for them to fade sooner than they would in a standard vase.
Best Ways To Submerge Calla Lilies In Water Safely
If you’ve decided that calla lilies can be submerged in water for your project, there are a few tricks to do it safely.
Follow these guidelines to minimize damage and keep your calla lilies looking gorgeous for as long as possible.
1. Use Clean, Cool Water
Always start with fresh, cool water in a clean container.
Dirty water is a breeding ground for bacteria, which speeds up the rotting process.
Add a floral preservative to the water if you have one, as it helps fight off microbes and provides nutrients to the stems.
This simple step makes a huge difference when calla lilies are submerged in water.
2. Keep Submersion Time Under 4 Hours
The golden rule is to limit full submersion to no more than four hours.
Anything longer risks permanent damage to the petals and stems.
If you need calla lilies to stay in water for an entire event, consider only submerging the stems and keeping the blooms above the waterline.
That way, they stay hydrated without the petals suffering.
3. Recut Stems Before and After Submersion
Before placing calla lilies in water, recut the stems at a 45-degree angle.
This opens up fresh channels for water uptake and prevents the stem from sitting on a clogged end.
After you remove them from submersion, recut again to remove any slimy parts.
Then place them in a regular vase with fresh water to help them recover.
So, Can Calla Lilies Be Submerged In Water?
Calla lilies can be submerged in water, but only temporarily and with careful handling.
They aren’t aquatic plants, so long-term submergence will lead to rot, discoloration, and stem collapse.
For short floral displays, floating arrangements, or creative photo shoots, calla lilies can handle a few hours underwater thanks to their waxy petals.
Just keep the submersion time short, use clean water, and always recut the stems afterward.
If you’re looking for a flower that truly thrives when fully immersed, go for water lilies or lotus instead.
But if you love the sleek look of calla lilies and don’t mind a little extra care, go ahead and experiment with submerging them in water for a stunning, one-of-a-kind display.
Hope this clears up everything you need to know about keeping calla lilies happy in water.