A Complete Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods for Calla Lilies

In the cultivation methods for calla lilies, two approaches are usually adopted: pot cultivation and trough cultivation. For pot cultivation, the short, compact white-stemmed type, red calla lily and silver calla lily are generally chosen; if large plants are the goal, the tall green-stemmed type or yellow calla lily can be selected. For calla lilies grown to harvest the spathe as cut flowers, the trough cultivation form is suitable.

Pot Cultivation Methods for Calla Lilies

1. Soil mixing: The soil should be fertile, neutral or slightly acidic. It can be made by mixing 2 parts finely crushed pond mud (or clayey fine sand), 1 part leaf mold (or compost), and an appropriate amount of superphosphate and decomposed human and animal manure.

2. Propagation: Usually after flowering, the small bulbs around the tuber are peeled off and grown for one year, flowering the following year. Through experimentation, using the root-tiller division method allows flowering in the same year. The specific method is: from late June to early August, in conjunction with repotting, break apart well-developed large divisions with roots by hand (preferably without a knife) and plant them in prepared pots. If used for cut flowers, 2 to 3 divisions can be planted together, and after planting they should be placed in a cool, shaded place. When propagated by this method, they can flower in September to October of the same year.

Planting Management for Calla Lilies

1. Nutrient solution management: For soilless cultivation of calla lilies, the following nutrient solution formula can be used: calcium nitrate 800 g, monopotassium phosphate 210 g, magnesium sulfate 250 g, potassium nitrate 500 g, ammonium nitrate 30 g, EDTA iron salt 10 g, manganese sulfate 2 g, zinc sulfate 1 g, boric acid 1.3 g, copper sulfate 0.15 g, ammonium molybdate 0.1 g. In the early growth stage of calla lilies, the nutrient solution concentration can be controlled at 1.2 ms/cm; in the middle and late growth stages it can be appropriately raised to 1.5 ms/cm. Throughout the entire growth period, the pH value of the nutrient solution must be adjusted to 5.6 to 6.5. The amount of nutrient solution supplied mainly depends on weather conditions and plant size. Generally, the solution is supplied 2 to 3 times a day to keep the cultivation substrate layer moist, with a shallow water layer at the bottom of the trough being sufficient.

2. Cut flowers: When the spathe of the calla lily has extended to its maximum, curled and opened, it can be harvested. After harvesting, the upper part of each cut flower is wrapped in cellophane, graded by size, packed and marketed; for fresh cut flowers, due to their own characteristics, attention should be paid to their transport to avoid damage during transportation. For long-distance transport, about 20 bunches should be used as one transport unit, first packed in plastic bags and then boxed for transport; for short-distance transport, to save costs, only large plastic bags may be used, and all should be fastened together with tape and then packed in bags for transport. During the process, they should be placed flat on a surface, avoiding being squeezed by other items and damaged

Care Methods for Calla Lilies

1. Light and temperature. Calla lilies prefer a warm, humid environment with slight shade, but during the flowering period they need ample sunlight, otherwise the spathe will carry a green color, affecting quality; 3 to 5 hours of light per day must be ensured, otherwise the petioles will elongate and affect ornamental value. Calla lilies are not very cold-resistant, and in mid-October they must be moved into a greenhouse. In summer, under shaded conditions, water should be sprayed frequently to cool and moisturize.

2. Watering and fertilizing. Calla lilies prefer moist, fertile soil, that is, what is commonly called “heavy fertilizer and heavy water”, and should be watered generously during the growth period. For topdressing, decomposed bean cake water and other organic fertilizers can be applied alternately with chemical fertilizers (compound fertilizer or diammonium phosphate), once every 2 weeks; when applying liquid fertilizer, never let the fertilizer water pour into the leaf sheaths to avoid rot. Previously some people mentioned: “stop fertilizing when flower buds appear”. After experimental comparison, the author believes that after buds appear, the amount of fertilization should be increased, thereby ensuring a long flowering period, large and vivid flowers, and allowing the buds to bloom continuously throughout the year.

3. Use of ferrous silicate. In potted calla lilies, topdressing with ferrous sulfate is an important part of the author's experiment. Topdressing with ferrous sulfate can make calla lily leaves larger, thicker and greener, smooth and glossy, and the petioles are less likely to elongate, thereby ensuring beautiful foliage. At the same time, it can promote flower bud formation and extend the flowering period. The specific method is: dilute ferrous sulfate into a 2% solution and apply it once every month, watering thoroughly each time.