How to Care for Purple Calla Lilies
As a courtyard treasure flower, purple calla lilies are highly favored for their unique spathe shape and mysterious purple color. Mastering scientific care methods can not only extend their ornamental period but also promote bulb propagation, keeping the elegant flower posture in the garden.
Key Points for Cultivating in a Home Environment
Light and Temperature Control
The plant needs to receive 4 hours of scattered light daily, and can accept direct morning sunlight in spring and autumn. Use a shading net to filter strong sunlight at noon in summer, and move it indoors in winter to ensure the ambient temperature does not drop below 12℃. Keeping the day-night temperature difference within 8℃ can effectively prevent the spathe from withering.
Soil Matrix Selection
Use a matrix of peat soil + perlite + decomposed leaf soil (4:3:3) with a stable pH value between 5.8-6.5. In northern regions, apply a 0.2% ferrous sulfate solution to the roots monthly, and mix in 10% coarse river sand during the plum rain season in southern regions to enhance water permeability.
Water and Fertilizer Management Techniques
Water thoroughly when the topsoil is slightly dry, and use ceramsite mulch to retain moisture. During the growing period, alternate every 10 days between using Huaduo No. 1 (NPK 20-20-20) and fermented rice water. After budding, switch to applying potassium dihydrogen phosphate 800 times liquid, increasing the diameter of the inflorescence by 30%.
Scientific Propagation Techniques
Divide bulbs in autumn, keeping the offspring bulbs with a diameter of over 2cm for separate cultivation. For seed propagation, soak the seeds in gibberellic acid solution for 2 hours before sowing, cover with vermiculite for insulation, and maintain a constant temperature of 25℃ with bottom heating, achieving a germination rate of 75%.
Disease and Pest Control Plan
Before the peak period of bacterial soft rot, spray a 1000-fold streptomycin solution for prevention, and after infected plants have the rotten part removed, soak in potassium permanganate for disinfection. When affected by red spiders, spray the underside of the leaves with a 43% benzene hexazole suspension at a 3000-fold concentration, once a week for 3 weeks to eliminate the problem.
By precisely controlling the four major factors of light, water, temperature, and fertilizer, combined with regular disease and pest prevention, purple calla lilies can be enjoyed throughout the year. It is recommended to add bone meal as a base fertilizer when repotting each year and to trim old leaves moderately to maintain the plant's vigorous vitality.