How to plant Calla lily seeds
Here are some detailed tips for planting Calla lily seeds and caring for them, including the methods and precautions for growing Calla lily bulbs, which will be introduced to you next.
Calla lily is a common ornamental flower, usually planted in warm and humid tropical areas and blooms in spring. To enjoy Calla lilies, you can buy fresh cut flowers or grow them directly at home. However, since Calla lilies are native to the swamps of southern Africa, there are many things to pay attention to in terms of the growing environment. Let's take a look together with Xiao Caihong!
1. Propagation
Dividing bulbs is the main method of propagating Calla lilies. You can start after the Calla lilies enter the dormant period: cut the small bulbs that have grown on the corm and transplant them into new potting soil. In addition to dividing bulbs, you can also choose traditional seed propagation. Compared with bulb propagation, seed propagation has a longer growth cycle and may take 3 to 4 years to bloom. Sow the Calla lily seeds in moist and loose potting soil at around 20 degrees, cover them with a layer of plastic film to keep warm, and they will usually take root and sprout in about a month.
2. Soil
When planting Calla lilies, choose to use a clay pot or a terra cotta pot. Calla lilies prefer a loose soil environment. For soil selection, choose fertile and loose slightly acidic sandy soil or decayed wood soil. You can place a layer of foam blocks at the bottom of the pot and add nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium base fertilizer to the growing soil.
3. Fertilization
The growth peak of Calla lilies is in spring and autumn. During the growing season, you can supplement some liquid organic fertilizer, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. To make them bloom better, you can add some phosphorus fertilizer in the late autumn.
4. Watering
Since Calla lilies are native to the tropics, they require frequent watering to keep the potting soil moist during growth, but avoid waterlogging and do not splash water on the flowers, as this may cause soft rot disease. When Calla lilies enter the dormant period, stop watering. The sign of Calla lilies entering the dormant period is the yellowing of the leaves. During the dormant period, place the Calla lilies in a cool and well-ventilated area.
5. Light and Temperature
Calla lilies are light-loving plants, especially before the blooming period, they need plenty of sun exposure, ensuring 6 hours of scattered light per day. Insufficient light can delay blooming, but try to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.
In addition to light, suitable temperature can also promote the blooming of Calla lilies. The most suitable growth temperature for Calla lilies is between 15-25 degrees. They prefer spring and autumn. In summer, pay attention to shading, and move them indoors in winter for care, as Calla lilies are not cold-resistant. Low temperatures may delay blooming or even cause the death of the plant.
Other Precautions
Although Calla lilies are beautiful, they are toxic. Every part of the Calla lily, from the flowers to the stems, leaves, and roots, is toxic. Ingesting them may cause中毒 reactions such as tongue swelling and pain. If accidentally ingested, seek medical attention immediately. Therefore, when caring for Calla lilies, keep them away from the elderly or children and place them in areas that children cannot reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
The above () introduces the complete content on how to plant Calla lily seeds, methods for planting Calla lily bulbs, and precautions, for your comprehensive understanding and reference!