Calla Lily Bulb Prices and Cultivation Methods Explained
The calla lily, also known as arrowhead flower, water taro, and arrowhead taro, is a perennial robust herbaceous plant of the genus Zantedeschia in the Araceae family. It is elegant and graceful, with pure white spathes shaped like horse hooves and emerald green leaves dotted with white spots, making both flowers and foliage outstanding. It has become one of the important cut flower types on the international flower market. Let's take a look at calla lily seed prices and cultivation methods below!
How much do calla lily bulbs cost?
Calla lily bulbs cost about 1 to 3 yuan each, but there are many varieties of calla lily, and each has a different price. White-stemmed calla lily bulbs are about 1 yuan each, seedlings generally about 3 yuan each, and mature plants about 13 yuan each. Red-stemmed calla lily bulbs are about 1.5 yuan each, seedlings generally 3 yuan each, and mature plants generally 13 yuan each. Green-stemmed calla lily bulbs are about 1 to 2 yuan each, seedlings generally 2 yuan each, and mature plants generally 13 yuan each. Colored calla lily bulbs are 3 yuan each, seedlings about 7 yuan each, and mature plants 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, priced within 3 yuan.
Calla Lily Propagation Methods
1. Division: When the old leaves of the calla lily gradually wither after flowering in May to June and new leaves grow, or when repotting in mid-September, peel off the small tubers around the mother plant, grade them, and pot them up. 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 Cultivation Methods
1. Soil: For calla lily, it is best to choose a loose, fertile, humus-rich, breathable, well-draining soil with a slight stickiness. It is best to place a layer of coarse sand particles at the bottom of the pot, then add soil and leaf mold, and mix in a small amount of organic fertilizer to ensure good growth.
2. Temperature: Calla lily likes a warm, moist environment. The suitable growth temperature is 22 to 30°C. When the temperature is below 20°C, growth slows or even stops. In summer, when the light is intense, proper shading should be provided, and in winter, warmth must be maintained.
3. Watering: During the growing period, calla lily likes sufficient moisture. Watering should be determined according to how dry the potting soil is. Usually, water can be sprayed on the soil surface, leaves, and flowers to maintain a moist environment, and care should be taken to keep the leaves clean so they remain fresh and green.
4. Light: In the early growth stage, calla lily is relatively tolerant of shade. Vigorous growth requires sufficient light, and the flowering period especially requires sufficient light to ensure abundant flowers and lush leaves. If light is insufficient 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 bean cake water. During the peak growing season, apply light fertilizer frequently, once every 10 days. Too little fertilizer may cause leaves to yellow and lead to poor nutrition, 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 emulsion 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 most suitable season for cultivating calla lily is August to September. If using division propagation, 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 toxic, containing large amounts of calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloids. Accidental ingestion can cause poisoning.