Growing arums in pots

Which arums to grow in pots?

Arums best suited to growing in pots are the coloured arums, because they are the most compact. You can also grow larger arums such as Zantedeschia aethiopica Himalaya, which can reach a height of 1.50 m, in pots. In that case, choose a very large pot.

Arum ‘Flame’ (© Daryl Mitchell) and Arum ‘Captain Reno’

When to plant arum lilies in a pot?

Arums can be planted in pots from March until mid‑May, taking care to protect them from any late frosts if necessary by keeping them sheltered in a warm, bright place.

Arums grown in pots outdoors (© Michael Cohlan) and in a conservatory (© Leonora Enking)

How to plant arums in pots?

• Plant 2 to 3 bulbs in a 20 to 30 cm pot lined with a layer of clay pebbles or gravel to ensure good drainage, covered with rich potting compost for geraniums;
• Place arum bulb so it can be buried at a depth of 2 to 2.5 times its diameter. Position buds, if any, towards top of pot ;
• Cover with potting compost for geraniums;
• Water so substrate is moist.

Where should potted arums be placed?

• Place the pot outdoors, on your balcony or in your garden, once the risk of frost has passed, in a sunny spot sheltered from wind.
• In very sunny southern regions, opt for partial shade.

How to care for arums in pots?

Watering

• Arums like water, water sufficiently so substrate remains moist. However do not drown them to avoid rootstocks rotting.
• In summer, water every evening during flowering but beware afterwards: bulbs become more sensitive to water at end of flowering and this can cause rot.
• Reduce or stop watering in winter.

Feeding

Arums are heavy feeders and appreciate rich substrates. But as arums are bulbous plants (storage organs), fertiliser is not strictly necessary.

Diseases and parasitic pests

• Arums are not prone to diseases. Their only weaknesses are cold and lack or excess of water.
• They resist pests well, but can sometimes be attacked by aphids or thrips.

Pruning

• During flowering, remove spent flowers as they appear.
• After flowering, usually in autumn, leaves dry. You can then remove leaves but only once faded to allow the bulb to regenerate.

Repotting

Repot every two years when leaves have dried.

Protection against cold and frost

As arums are frost-tender plants, bring pots into a cool, well-ventilated place as soon as frosts appear, in autumn or winter.

To learn more

With arums, you can have fun creating colourful compositions in subtle shades or bold contrasts to suit your taste. Discover our collection of arums!

Take particular care if you have children or pets: all parts of arum are toxic.

Zantedeschia ‘Captain Trinity, Zantedeschia black and Zantedeschia ‘Auckland’