Calla Lily Care and Growing Tips :- Calla lilies are loved by both farmers and people who like to keep plants inside because of their beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers.
They look beautiful in parks, on patios, and in homes because of their bright colors and unique shape. Here is a complete guide on how to take care of and grow lovely calla flowers.
Putting down calla lilies
Picking the Right Place: Outside, calla lilies do best in full sun to some shade. In hotter places, they like some shade in the afternoon to keep them from getting too much sun. Place the plant indoors in a spot that gets bright, indirect light. Leaves should not be in full sunlight because it can burn them.
Soil Needs: Calla lilies like soil that drains well and is high in organic matter. If possible, keep the pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Use a good potting mix with extra compost if you are planting in pots.
How Deep and How Far Apart to Plant: Plant the rhizomes (structures that look like bulbs) about 4 inches deep, making sure that the “eyes” face up. Leave 12 to 18 inches between them so the plants have room to grow.
Giving them water and food
When you water, make sure the dirt stays damp but not soaked. Give them a lot of water, especially when it’s dry. Root rot can happen if the plant is in a pot that doesn’t drain well. After the flowers have died back, water the plant less and let it rest during the winter.
Feeding: During the growth season, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) once a month. If you feed too much, the plant may grow too much foliage and not as many flowers.
How hot and humid it is: Temperature: Calla lilies like it when the temperature is mild, between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). They can’t handle frost, so if you live somewhere cold, bring the plants inside before the first freeze.
Humidity: These plants do best when the humidity is mild. If you are growing indoors in a dry area, you might want to use a humidity tray or mist the leaves often.
Cutting back and upkeep
Deadheading: Get rid of old flowers to make room for new ones and keep the plant from wasting energy on making seeds. Cut the flower stalks close to the plant’s base.
Leaf Care: Cut off any leaves that are turning yellow or are broken to keep the plant looking neat. If the plant goes into slumber, let the leaves fall off on their own before you cut them off.
During the winter
If you live in a cold area where it freezes, you’ll need to dig up the rhizomes before the first frost. Clean them, let them dry, and put them somewhere cool and dry to keep them all winter.
If the winters are mild where you live, you can leave the rhizomes in the ground. Cover them with a thick layer of mulch to keep them warm when it gets cold.
Taking Care of Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and snails. If you have bugs, use soap that kills bugs or neem oil. Check the plant often for signs of pests.
Diseases: Botrytis and root rot are fungal diseases that can affect calla lilies, especially when it is too wet. For these problems not to happen, make sure there is enough space between plants, good air flow, and don’t water too much.
Spreading
Division: Cutting the rhizomes into two or more pieces is the best way to spread calla lilies. Either in the fall, when the plant goes to sleep, or in the spring, before it starts to grow again. Take the rhizomes out of the ground carefully, separate them, and plant them in new dirt.