Latest prices for calla lily bulbs and how to grow them
Calla lily, also known as arrowleaf elephant ear flower, water taro, and arrowhead flower, is a perennial robust herbaceous plant of the genus Zantedeschia in the Araceae family. It is elegant and upright, with pure white spathes shaped like a horse's hoof, and emerald green leaves dotted with white spots, making it superb in both flower and foliage. It has become one of the important cut flower varieties on the international flower market. Now let's take a look at calla lily seed prices and growing methods!
How much do calla lily bulbs cost?
The price of calla lily bulbs is about 1 to 3 yuan each, but there are many varieties of calla lily, and each has a different price. White-stem calla lily bulbs are about 1 yuan each, seedlings are generally about 3 yuan each, and mature plants are about 13 yuan each. Red-stem calla lily bulbs are about 1.5 yuan each, seedlings are generally 3 yuan each, and mature plants are generally 13 yuan each. Green-stem calla lily bulbs are about 1 to 2 yuan each, seedlings are generally 2 yuan each, and mature plants are generally 13 yuan each. Colored calla lily bulbs are 3 yuan each, seedlings are about 7 yuan each, and mature plants are generally 15 yuan each. In addition, there are also purple calla lilies, silver-star calla lilies, and others, but calla lily seedlings will not exceed 5 yuan each, while mature plants are more expensive, with prices tending to range between 10 and 20 yuan each. Those sold online are mostly bulbs, with prices within 3 yuan.
Calla lily propagation methods
1. Division: When the old leaves of the calla lily gradually wither and new leaves grow after flowering in May to June, or when repotting in mid-September, peel off the small tubers around the mother plant and pot them up by grade. Generally, they bloom 3 months after planting.
2. Sowing: Calla lily propagation by sowing is mainly done indoors in pots. The suitable germination temperature is 18 to 24°C, and germination occurs 15 to 20 days after sowing. Seedlings need 3 to 4 years of cultivation before they can bloom.
Calla lily growing methods
1. Soil: For calla lily, it is best to choose a slightly clayey soil that is loose, fertile, rich in humus, and well aerated and drained. It is best to place a layer of coarse sand grains at the bottom of the pot, then add the prepared soil and leaf mold, and add a small amount of organic fertilizer to ensure good growth.
2. Temperature: Calla lily likes a warm, humid environment. The suitable growing temperature is 22 to 30°C. When the temperature is below 20°C, growth slows down or even stops. In summer, when the light is strong, appropriate shading should be provided, while in winter it needs to be kept warm.
3. Watering: Calla lily likes sufficient moisture during the growing period. Watering should be based on how dry the potting soil is. Usually, water can be sprayed on the soil surface, leaves, and flowers to maintain a humid environment, and attention should be paid to keeping the leaves clean so they remain fresh and green.
4. Light: Calla lily is relatively tolerant of shade in the early growth stage, but must have sufficient light during vigorous growth. During the flowering period, even more sufficient light is needed to ensure abundant flowers and lush leaves. If there is insufficient light during the flowering period, it is very easy for the spathes to turn green or for the plant not to bloom.
5. Fertilizing: During the growing period, fertilize calla lily once every 20 days, using decomposed soybean cake water. During the peak growing season, apply light fertilizer frequently, once every 10 days. Too little fertilizer may cause yellowing leaves and malnutrition, while too much fertilizer can also easily cause yellow leaves in calla lily.
6. Pests and diseases: When ventilation is poor during the growing season, calla lily is most prone to aphid damage. When pests occur, spray 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 to 2000 times dilution for control, and pay attention to improving ventilation conditions.
Precautions for calla lily
1. Calla lily enters dormancy from June to July. At this time, the tubers around mature plants can be removed to grow new potted plants.
2. The best season for growing calla lily is August to September. If propagation by division is used, it must be done in autumn, otherwise it will be difficult for the plant to bloom that year or the flowering period will be late.
3. The tubers, spathes, and spadices of calla lily are all poisonous, containing large amounts of calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloids. Ingestion by mistake can cause poisoning.