A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods for Aquatic Canna
Aquatic canna, also known as Florida canna, is a large perennial herbaceous plant native to South America. It is a famous ornamental flower and has now been introduced and planted in many parts of the world. It bears yellow flowers resembling those of narcissus, with the peak blooming period in spring, though it can continue to bloom sporadically into summer. The plant grows about 1.2 m tall. Let us take a look together at the cultivation methods for aquatic canna!
Market Prices of Aquatic Canna
The cultivation methods for aquatic canna are particularly simple, and the market prices are very affordable. Small plants cost 0.75 yuan per plant, while slightly larger ones cost 1.6 yuan per plant. The specific price still depends on the local market, and the variety will also change its price.
Growth Habits of Aquatic Canna
Aquatic canna is robust and highly adaptable. It likes light but fears strong wind. It is suitable for growing in moist and shallow-water areas. Both fertile soil and sandy soil allow it to grow well. The suitable growth temperature is 15-28°C; below 10°C is unfavorable for growth. In its place of origin it has no dormant period and grows and blooms year-round. In cold northern regions it goes dormant in winter, and the rhizomes need greenhouse protection to overwinter.
Propagation Methods of Aquatic Canna
1. Seed propagation: Sowing is done indoors in March-April. Before sowing, the seed coat must be filed open with a steel file, soaked in warm water for 1 day, then the seeds are taken out, drained of water, and sown.
2. Division of tubers: For propagation by dividing tubers, usually in March-April, the tubers are taken out of the soil, debris is removed, and they are divided with a shovel or a sharp knife. Each tuber should have 2-3 robust buds and is used as propagation material.
Cultivation Methods of Aquatic Canna
1. Substrate: When planting aquatic canna outdoors, it should be fertilized appropriately. For household indoor planting, relevant nutrient solutions can be purchased.
2. Temperature: The suitable growth temperature for aquatic canna is 15-28°C; below 10°C is unfavorable for growth. When planted in open ground in the south, it can overwinter outdoors. In the north, where winters are cold, the aboveground stems and leaves should be cleared before late October each year, the tubers dug out, briefly dried, and stored in a cellar or greenhouse in heaps of sand and soil, with the temperature kept at 5-7°C. In warm regions, after 2-3 years the tubers need to be dug out and replanted in divisions in the same spot.
3. Light: Aquatic canna likes light and should be grown in a place with ample sunlight.
4. Watering: Aquatic canna is tolerant of flooding and can grow normally in water 20 cm deep. For open-ground planting, choose a damp spot by a pond or a shallow-water area, dig holes and plant in clumps, bury the tubers in the soil, cover with 7-10 cm of soil, and after planting maintain moisture or shallow water.
5. Fertilizing: When aquatic canna grows to 4-5 leaves, this is a sign that flower spikes are about to emerge. At this point, begin applying 2-3 topdressings of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, which can also be sprayed on the leaves at a concentration of 0.3%-0.5%.
6. Pests and diseases: Aquatic canna has strong resistance and no major pest or disease problems, but attention should be paid to keeping the water clean, promptly removing duckweed, and clearing weeds. In southern regions, attention should also be paid to damage from snails. The control method is to mix trichlorfon with sawdust, put it into a cloth bag, then tie the bag to the pseudostem so that the bag floats on the water surface and moves with the water. After the medicinal solution diffuses, snail damage can be controlled.