How does calla lily reproduce? Introduction to several common propagation methods
The propagation of calla lily is mainly through corm division. After the plant enters dormancy, peel off the small corms around the tuber and plant them separately. It can also be propagated by seed. Once the seeds mature, sow them in pots. The optimal germination temperature is around 20°C. Let's take a look at the propagation methods of calla lily below.
The propagation of calla lily is mainly through corm division. After the plant enters dormancy, peel off the small corms around the tuber and plant them separately. It can also be propagated by seed. Once the seeds mature, sow them in pots. The optimal germination temperature is around 20°C. Let's take a look at the propagation methods of calla lily below!
Seed propagation of calla lily
Seed propagation of calla lily is mainly done by sowing in pots indoors. The optimal germination temperature is 18-24°C. Seeds germinate 15-20 days after sowing. Seedlings need 3-4 years of cultivation before they can bloom.
Division propagation of calla lily
1. Tuber division method: At the end of May, when calla lily begins to enter dormancy, reduce watering to promote faster dormancy. After all leaves turn yellow, take out the tubers and store them in a ventilated, cool place. When autumn arrives, plant them in grades according to tuber size.
2. Plant division method: Calla lily generally enters dormancy after blooming in spring due to rising temperatures. The plant division method does not allow it to go dormant, but instead places it in a well-ventilated area to continue growing. After autumn arrives, divide the plant during repotting, splitting the calla lily into 2-3 pots according to plant size.
Cultivated varieties of calla lily
Common cultivated varieties of calla lily include red-flowered, yellow-flowered, and silver-spotted calla lilies, which are distinguished by the color of the spathe.
1. Red-flowered calla lily: The red-flowered calla lily is relatively short, with narrow hastate leaves and a peach-red spathe.
2. Yellow-flowered calla lily: The yellow-flowered calla lily has hastate, bright green leaves with semi-transparent white spots, a relatively long petiole, and a yellow spathe.
3. Silver-spotted calla lily: The silver-spotted calla lily has silver-white spots on its leaves, short petioles, and a creamy-white spathe.
Propagation methods and precautions for calla lily
Calla lily is a bulbous flower and one of the most popular flower varieties in recent years. In the flower market, calla lily is mainly used for cut flowers. Since calla lily also has medicinal value, growing calla lily also has economic value. So how exactly should calla lily be propagated? And how can the survival rate of propagation be improved?
Calla lily
Calla lily propagation is mainly through corm division. After the plant enters dormancy, peel off the small corms around the tuber and plant them separately. It can also be propagated by seed. Once the seeds mature, sow them in pots. The optimal germination temperature is around 20°C.
Cultivated calla lilies are usually planted as corms after autumn. For bed planting, the row spacing is 25 cm and the plant spacing is 10 cm. Use fertile soil that is slightly clayey, such as: 2 parts garden soil, 1 part rice husk ash, plus a little bone meal or manure; or use 2 parts finely crushed pond mud, 1 part leaf mold (or compost), with an appropriate amount of superphosphate and decomposed cow manure mixed in. After planting, cover with 3 cm-4 cm of soil. Seedlings emerge in about 20 days. During the growing period, calla lily likes sufficient moisture. Frequently sprinkle water on the leaves and ground, and keep the leaves clean. Apply liquid fertilizer once every half month. After fertilizing, immediately rinse with clean water to prevent any mishaps. Move into the greenhouse before frost, keeping the room temperature above 10°C. During the maintenance period, to avoid too many leaves affecting light exposure, outer leaves can be removed, which also helps the flower stalk extend. February-April is the peak blooming period. Gradually stop watering after flowering; after May, the plant begins to yellow, and attention should be paid to ventilation and keeping it dry to prevent tuber rot. When the plant is completely dormant, take out the tubers, dry them, and store them. Replant in autumn.
Calla lily is suitable for planting from late August to early September. Field planting is used for cut flower production. Plant 3 healthy rhizomes as a group in fertile fields, and they can bloom and be supplied to the market around New Year's Day. For pot planting, plant 2-3 large corms or 1-2 small corms per pot. The potting soil can be garden soil with organic fertilizer. After planting, place in semi-shade. After sprouting, place in sunlight. Move into the greenhouse when frost comes, keeping the room temperature above 10 degrees. During the growing period, keep the potting soil moist. Usually sprinkle water on the leaves and ground to increase air humidity. Apply liquid fertilizer once every half month. Before flowering, apply fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus to control stem and leaf growth, promote flower bud differentiation, and ensure flower quality. When fertilizing, never let fertilizer water flow into the leaf sheaths to avoid causing rot. If there are too many leaves during the growing period, a few outer old leaves can be removed to facilitate the emergence of flower stalks. February-May is the peak blooming period. After the weather gets hot in late May, the plant begins to yellow. Gradually stop watering, provide moderate shading, and prevent water accumulation. Potted plants should be moved to a ventilated, semi-shaded area, with the pots placed on their sides to prevent rainwater accumulation, keeping them dry and promoting dormancy. After all leaves have yellowed, take out the bulbs, dry them, and store them in a ventilated, cool place. Before planting in autumn, trim off the aged parts at the bottom of the bulbs and replant. Large corms bloom, while small corms can be used to grow seedlings. Pests and diseases: The main disease is soft rot. Control methods include removing diseased plants, disinfecting planting holes with 200 times formalin; avoiding continuous cropping as much as possible; timely drainage; good air circulation; and spraying Bordeaux mixture when disease occurs. The main pest is red spider mite. It can be controlled with 3000 times dilution of trithion.
Calla lily Zantedeschia aethiopica Spreng Calla lily guide: How to grow calla lily / How to propagate calla lily
Calla lily profileCalla lily Zantedeschia aethiopica Spreng
Aliases: Cigu flower, water taro, Guanyin lotus
Classification: Tuberous flower
Family and order: Plantae, Angiosperms, Monocots, Alismatales / Arales, Araceae, Zantedeschia
Peak blooming period: Spring, summer, winter
Calla lily is a bulbous flower of the Araceae family, genus Zantedeschia. It is one of the emerging flowers in recent years, with great market demand as a fresh cut flower and broad prospects. Because calla lily has emerald green leaves and large, pure white bracts shaped like a horse's hoof with a peculiar shape, it is an important cut flower both domestically and internationally, with a very wide range of uses. The natural blooming period of calla lily runs from November to June of the following year, and mature fruits are generally rarely produced.
Calla lily cultivation methods and precautions: Introduction to calla lily
Calla lily is a bulbous flower of the Araceae family, genus Zantedeschia. It is one of the emerging flowers in recent years, with great market demand as a fresh cut flower and broad prospects. Because calla lily has emerald green leaves and large, pure white bracts shaped like a horse's hoof with a peculiar shape, it is an important cut flower both domestically and internationally, with a very wide range of uses.
The natural blooming period of calla lily runs from November to June of the following year, and mature fruits are generally rarely produced.
Morphological characteristics of calla lily
Calla lily is a perennial herb with thick, fleshy tubers, and the plant height is about 1-2.50 m. Leaves are basal, with long petioles. The petiole is generally twice the length of the leaf, with ridges on the upper part and a sheath-like folded clasping base on the lower part; the leaf is ovate-sagittate, entire, and bright green.
The flower stalk of calla lily grows beside the leaves, rising above the foliage. The spadix is enclosed within the spathe. The spathe is large and opens in a horseshoe shape; the spadix is cylindrical and bright yellow, with stamens on the upper part and pistils on the lower part.
The fruit of calla lily is fleshy and enclosed within the spathe; the natural blooming period runs from November to June of the following year, with the entire flowering period lasting 6-7 months, and it coincides with the peak flower season. In areas with suitable climate conditions, seeds can be harvested, but mature fruits are generally rarely produced.
Ecological habits of calla lily
Calla lily prefers a warm climate, is not cold-tolerant, and is not heat-tolerant. The optimal growing temperature is around 20°C. At 0°C, the rhizome will freeze and die. In winter, it needs sufficient sunlight. Insufficient light results in fewer flowers. It is slightly shade-tolerant. In summer, when the sunlight is too intense and scorching, provide appropriate shading.
Calla lily likes moisture. Slight water accumulation does not greatly affect its growth, but it is not drought-tolerant. Calla lily prefers loose, fertile, humus-rich loam. Its dormancy period varies by region. When cultivated in the Yangtze River basin and northern China, it should be moved into a greenhouse in winter, blooming in winter and spring, and going dormant in summer due to high temperature and drought; in subtropical regions where winters are not cold and summers are not dry and hot, it does not go dormant year-round.
Calla lily cultivation techniques: Key cultivation points
Calla lily is usually planted as corms after autumn. For bed planting, the row spacing is 25 cm and the plant spacing is 10 cm. Use fertile soil that is slightly clayey, such as: 2 parts garden soil, 1 part rice husk ash, plus a little bone meal or manure; or use 2 parts finely crushed pond mud, 1 part leaf mold (or compost), with an appropriate amount of superphosphate and decomposed cow manure mixed in.
After planting, cover with 3 cm-4 cm of soil. Seedlings emerge in about 20 days. During the growing period, calla lily likes sufficient moisture. Frequently sprinkle water on the leaves and ground, and keep the leaves clean. Apply liquid fertilizer once every half month. After fertilizing, immediately rinse with clean water to prevent any mishaps. Move into the greenhouse before frost, keeping the room temperature above 10°C. During the maintenance period, to avoid too many leaves affecting light exposure, outer leaves can be removed, which also helps the flower stalk extend. February-April is the peak blooming period. Gradually stop watering after flowering; after May, the plant begins to yellow, and attention should be paid to ventilation and keeping it dry to prevent tuber rot. When the plant is completely dormant, take out the tubers, dry them, and store them. Replant in autumn.
Cultivation tips
Calla lily is a perennial herb of the Araceae family with thick, fleshy tubers. It grows 60-70 cm tall. Leaves are ovate-sagittate, the spadix is yellow, and the spathe is white and horseshoe-shaped, hence the name. In the greenhouse, it blooms profusely in March-April, and when planted in the ground in northern greenhouses, it can bloom until May. Native to South Africa. It prefers a warm, humid, and slightly shaded environment, and needs sunlight during the blooming period. Propagate by division or by planting small corms in autumn, and it can bloom in 2 years. Plant in pots in late September, keeping above 10°C in winter. Apply fertilizer once every 15 days, and never let water get into the leaf sheaths. Water thoroughly during the growing period. In May, it yellows, so reduce watering to promote dormancy. In autumn, remove the aged parts at the bottom of the tubers and repot. The same genus includes yellow-flowered and red-flowered calla lilies, which have high cultivation requirements. The spathe of calla lily is as pure as jade, making it an important material for potted plants and cut flowers.
Calla lily cultivation methods: Pot planting techniques
Calla lily is suitable for planting from late August to early September. Field planting is used for cut flower production. Plant 3 healthy rhizomes as a group in fertile fields, and they can bloom and be supplied to the market around New Year's Day. For pot planting, plant 2-3 large corms or 1-2 small corms per pot. The potting soil can be garden soil with organic fertilizer.
After planting, place in semi-shade. After sprouting, place in sunlight. Move into the greenhouse when frost comes, keeping the room temperature above 10 degrees. During the growing period, keep the potting soil moist. Usually sprinkle water on the leaves and ground to increase air humidity.
Apply liquid fertilizer once every half month. Before flowering, apply fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus to control stem and leaf growth, promote flower bud differentiation, and ensure flower quality. When fertilizing, never let fertilizer water flow into the leaf sheaths to avoid causing rot. If there are too many leaves during the growing period, a few outer old leaves can be removed to facilitate the emergence of flower stalks. February-May is the peak blooming period. After the weather gets hot in late May, the plant begins to yellow. Gradually stop watering, provide moderate shading, and prevent water accumulation.
Potted plants should be moved to a ventilated, semi-shaded area, with the pots placed on their sides to prevent rainwater accumulation, keeping them dry and promoting dormancy. After all leaves have yellowed, take out the bulbs, dry them, and store them in a ventilated, cool place. Before planting in autumn, trim off the aged parts at the bottom of the bulbs and replant. Large corms bloom, while small corms can be used to grow seedlings.
Propagation methods of calla lily
Calla lily is mainly propagated by corm division. After the plant enters dormancy, peel off the small corms around the tuber and plant them separately.
Calla lily can also be propagated by seed. Once the seeds mature, sow them in pots. The optimal germination temperature is around 20°C.
Calla lily cut flower techniques: Key points for cut flowers
For different customers, harvesting can be done according to their different requirements, fully meeting customer needs. Harvesting tips: When harvesting, hold the base of the flower and pull vertically upward with force. If the grip is too high, the flower is easily broken; if the pulling angle is too tilted, it can easily damage the plant or even uproot weak-growing plants.
Fresh flower packaging and storage techniques: After harvesting, calla lily cut flowers should be packaged and stored promptly. Generally, ten stems make a bunch. Align the heads of ten flowers together and tie them at the neck, middle, and lower parts with narrow tape. Generally, keep 80 cm of the flower and cut off the remaining tail portion. Note that a portion of each flower stem's tail should be cut off to facilitate water transport to the upper part. After packaging, the flowers should be placed vertically in a bucket promptly and stored in a cool place. Keep the water clean and ensure it covers 2/3 of the stem height.
Calla lily is a potted plant grown for both foliage and flowers, and is also an important cut flower material. When potting, choose well-drained sandy loam and apply sufficient base fertilizer. The base fertilizer is best made of fully decomposed cake fertilizer and pig manure. After the first flowering in early spring (or in autumn), dig out the sprouting corms around the mother plant's rhizome and plant them separately in pots. After planting, water thoroughly, place in shade, and keep the potting soil moist. After sprouting, move to a shade shed with scattered light for maintenance. Be careful not to expose to direct sunlight or fully shade. In addition to applying base fertilizer before planting, apply liquid fertilizer once every 20 days or so during the growing period. The fertilizer can be decomposed cake fertilizer water. During the peak growing season, apply an additional diluted liquid fertilizer with mixed nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once every 10 days or so. When fertilizing, never pour fertilizer water into the leaf sheaths to avoid causing rot.
In addition, during the growing period, frequent watering is needed, and in the morning and evening, spray water on the ground around the flower pot to increase humidity. It is best to wipe the leaf surface with a water-moistened sponge every 5-7 days to keep the leaves fresh and clean. When the leaves are lush, thin them out promptly to facilitate the emergence of flower stalks. Calla lily begins blooming around the Spring Festival, with March-April being the peak blooming period. After the flowers fade, promptly cut off the spent flowers and flower scapes to avoid consuming nutrients. The flowers can last until May. From after May to July, it enters dormancy. Reduce watering and create a relatively dry environment as much as possible. After all leaves have yellowed, take out the tubers and store them in a ventilated, cool place. Replant in pots in autumn.
If you do not want calla lily to go dormant, you can move it in late June to a fully shaded and well-ventilated place for maintenance. Spray water on the ground 2-3 times every day at noon and in the afternoon to lower the temperature. When the daytime temperature does not exceed 30°C, calla lily can still continue to bloom.
Generally, before the Cold Dew solar term in October, move the calla lily indoors, control watering, and keep the room temperature no lower than 10°C. Wash the leaf surface once a week with shallow water at near room temperature to keep the leaves fresh and green. If the air is dry, spray water around the flowers to increase humidity. In winter, pay attention to increasing light exposure. To promote early spring blooming, water with diluted fertilizer water 1-2 times in December.
Cut flower preservation
Calla lily can be harvested when the spathe has extended to its maximum, curled, and opened. After harvesting, wrap the upper part of each cut flower with cellophane, grade by size, and pack for market. Fresh cut flower transport: Due to their own characteristics, fresh cut flowers should be transported with care to avoid damage during transport. For long-distance transport, about 20 bunches should be used as one transport unit. First put them in plastic bags, then pack them in boxes for transport. For short-distance transport to save costs, only large plastic bags can be used. All should be secured together with tape before bagging for transport. During the process, they should be placed flat on a surface to avoid being squeezed and damaged by other items.
Soilless cultivation of calla lily: Variety selection
Common horticultural varieties of calla lily include white-petiole, green-petiole, and red-petiole types. The white-petiole type has smaller tubers, white-green petiole bases, slow growth, white spathes, early blooming, and many flowers. Tubers with a diameter of 1-2 cm can bloom. The green-petiole type has thick tubers, green petiole bases, vigorous growth, tall plants, yellow-white flowers, and late blooming. Tubers must reach 5-6 cm or more in diameter to bloom. The red-petiole type has moderate growth vigor, reddish petiole bases, white spathes, and a blooming period between the white-petiole and green-petiole types.
In addition, there are some common horticultural cultivated species in the same genus as calla lily, such as silver-flowered calla lily, red-flowered calla lily, and yellow-flowered calla lily.
Soilless cultivation forms of calla lily mainly include pot cultivation and trough cultivation. For pot cultivation, generally choose the short and compact white-petiole type, red-flowered calla lily, and silver-flowered calla lily. If large plants are the goal, choose the tall green-petiole type or yellow-flowered calla lily. Calla lilies grown for spathe harvest as cut flowers are suitable for trough cultivation.
Soilless cultivation system
The soilless cultivation system for calla lily mainly consists of growing troughs, a drip irrigation system, a nutrient solution tank, a water pump, and a liquid supply timer. The growing troughs can be built with bricks. The trough frame is 80 cm wide and 20 cm high. The length of the growing trough depends on the actual length of the greenhouse, generally not exceeding 30-40 cm. First lay a layer of plastic film inside the trough to isolate the soil, then add 15-18 cm of substrate. Suitable substrates for soilless cultivation of cut flower calla lily include rice husk ash and sawdust at a 3:1 volume ratio, or a mixed substrate of perlite and sawdust at a 2:1 volume ratio. The drip irrigation system can use embedded drip irrigation tape with emitter spacing of 10 cm or 20 cm, with 2 lines laid per growing trough. The volume of the nutrient solution tank is generally 1-2 cubic meters. The water pump selection depends on the working pressure and number of drip irrigation tapes. Generally, 1 submersible pump with a power of 450 watts can supply liquid for 3 greenhouses.
Planting
Soilless cultivation of calla lily can be planted in late August. Select healthy, disease-free corms of uniform size and plant them in the growing trough at a spacing of 15 cm. For corms of uniform size, the row spacing is 40 cm, and the planting depth is 3-4 cm. After planting, lay 2 drip irrigation tapes on the outer sides of the corms for liquid supply.
Nutrient solution management
The nutrient solution for soilless cultivation of calla lily can use the following formula: calcium nitrate 800 g, monopotassium phosphate 210 g, magnesium sulfate 250 g, potassium nitrate 500 g, ammonium nitrate 30 g, EDTA iron 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 lily, the nutrient solution concentration can be controlled at 1.2 ms/cm; in the mid-to-late growth stage, it can be appropriately increased to 1.5 ms/cm. Throughout the growing period, the pH value of the nutrient solution should be adjusted to 5.6-6.5. The nutrient solution supply amount mainly depends on weather conditions and plant size. Generally, supply liquid 2-3 times a day to ensure the cultivation substrate layer is moist, with a shallow water layer at the bottom of the trough.
Key points for forcing calla lily to bloom
Calla lily is not very cold-tolerant, so potted plants should be kept warm in winter. The suitable temperature is 15-25°C, 13-17°C in winter, and the minimum temperature must not be lower than 5°C. At home, you can use a double-layer plastic cover. Place it on the balcony to bask in the sun during the day and move it indoors at night. If the temperature cannot be reached, use lights or an electric blanket for heating.
Calla lily requires fresh air for growth and blooming, and is very sensitive to smoke and toxic gases. Therefore, potted flowers should be placed away from kitchens or coal stoves to avoid smoke and dust pollution. During the growing period, calla lily needs sufficient light, so in winter, let it bask in the sun as much as possible.
Secondly, pay attention to air circulation. If ventilation is poor and the temperature is higher than the natural temperature, it will lead to damage from pests such as thrips, mealybugs, aphids, leaf rollers, and noctuid moths. Once discovered, immediately kill them with 1500-2000 times dilution of omethoate. Under appropriate fertilizer and water management conditions, flowers can be enjoyed around New Year's Day, and they bloom profusely around the Spring Festival.
Post-harvest work for calla lily
Currently, the 5 commercially produced colored calla lily varieties are all varieties developed from deciduous-type calla lilies through long-term hybridization and selection.
Cut flower cultivation and production
White calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) prefers cool conditions. During high summer temperatures, the leaves are prone to scorching and the plant enters a dormant state. However, in a cool environment with sufficient water, it can remain evergreen year-round. The optimal growing temperature for white calla lily is 13-18°C. When the rhizome matures, every 4 leaves unfolded on the main stem differentiate 2 flower buds; if temperature and nutritional conditions are sufficient, each main stem can differentiate 6-8 flower buds per year. However, if summer temperatures are too high, the flower bud differentiation process is hindered, forming blind buds or causing flower bud death, thereby reducing cut flower yield.
Taking the small-to-medium-flowered 'Childsiana' variety as an example, the suitable planting period is May-June, with a row spacing of about 50 cm X 30-40 cm. The above-ground part and roots of each plant are cut to about 15 cm, with 3-4 main corms. To prevent high summer temperatures from hindering growth, shading and cooling treatments can be applied, with a shading level of 50-60%. Irrigate with low-temperature water, keeping the water temperature at 13-18°C. The soil pH should be 6.5-7.0, and a low EC value is preferable. If the cultivation soil for white calla lily has excessive nutrients, growth will be too luxuriant. At this time, reduce fertilization or remove leaves to suppress vegetative growth. White calla lily has good cold tolerance. After planting, it can be grown for 3 years without digging up the corms and replanting, and can still maintain good growth and blooming.
For cut flower production of colored calla lily, dormant corms with a diameter of 4 cm or more are broken and placed at room temperature (20-25°C) for about 1 week. Once the sprouts grow to about 0.5 cm, forcing treatment can be carried out. Forcing treatment mainly involves soaking the corms in GA3 (gibberellin). The GA3 concentration is 50-100 ppm, and the corm soaking time is 10-15 minutes. It is recommended to plant the corms in a net house with rain protection facilities for cut flower production. The planting row spacing is 25-30 cm, adjusted according to corm size. About 2 months after planting (varying depending on the environmental temperature at planting and the variety), flower bud formation and flower production can be observed.
Calla lily cut flower harvest maturity and harvest handling
To extend the ornamental period of white calla lily cut flowers, producers often harvest when the spathe length is unchanged and the bud has not yet opened; for colored calla lily, the harvest maturity is when the spathe has fully opened but the pollen has not yet dispersed. Pollen usually disperses 4-7 days after the spathe opens, but the number of days to harvest varies depending on the environment where the cut flowers are kept.
Cut flowers can be harvested by pulling or cutting. The pulling method allows for a longer stem, but can easily cause stem strain or lead to base injury and infection; the cutting method results in a shorter stem, and the cut stem base is prone to curling, requiring preservation treatment. Therefore, producers still mainly use the pulling method. The best time to harvest cut flowers is in the early morning or evening. After harvesting, hydration treatment should be carried out immediately. If not convenient, send them to the packing house as soon as possible.
After grading and packaging at the grading and packing house, the stem base needs to be re-cut once and then dipped in preservative. The preservative is mainly composed of fungicide and sucrose. A commercially available reference formula is 120 ml LVB Chrysal + 40 ml HQC (100 ppm) + 250 g sucrose made up to 20 liters of aqueous solution, or 20 g Rovral (50% WP) + 40 ml HQC + 200 g sucrose made up to 20 liters of aqueous solution.
After 3-4 hours in the preservative at room temperature, move to a cold storage at 5-6°C for storage. If cold storage exceeds one day, move the bunches to clean water or water containing only fungicide and continue cold storage. For long-term cold storage, change the water every 2 days. Since calla lily stems have no leaves, if cut flowers are left for a period before rehydration after harvest, they may fail to recover due to prolonged water loss, or after rehydration, the stems may bend and deform and be unable to stand upright. To avoid this, hydrate immediately after harvest and fix the flowers on racks or containers to prevent lodging. To ensure cut flower quality, plants harvested for cut flowers must be healthy and not infected with soft rot; otherwise, after packaging and transport to the auction market or consumers, rot and foul odor are likely to occur, creating a poor impression of calla lily and reducing consumer willingness to buy.
Harvest timing and post-harvest handling of colored calla lily corms
The success of colored calla lily cut flower production often depends on the corms, and whether corm quality is good depends on whether the previous growing season's growth was good. Therefore, to promote cut flower yield and quality, attention must be paid to corm development and the critical corm harvest and storage. The following introduces corm harvest timing, handling, and storage:
I. Harvest timing of colored calla lily corms:
(1) If colored calla lily is planted in the field, water supply should be gradually reduced in the late cultivation period (about 4 months after planting). Harvesting can begin after more than half of the whole plant's leaves have yellowed. Since it is difficult to stop water in the field, attention should be paid to the planting period, and harvesting should be completed before the plum rain season arrives as much as possible. (Therefore, it is recommended to complete planting before the end of October and complete harvesting by April of the following year.)
(2) If colored calla lily is planted in a soilless medium under rain protection facilities, water supply should be reduced in the late cultivation period and water should be cut off. Harvesting of corms can begin after the leaves have completely yellowed and wilted.
II. Precautions when harvesting colored calla lily corms
(1) Avoid causing unnecessary wounds during harvest. Since colored calla lily corms are delicate, avoid damaging them during digging and avoid throwing the corms.
(2) Dig out the corms together with leaves and roots intact during harvest. Avoid immediately removing leaves or roots, which causes wounds and increases the chance of soft rot infection.
(3) If corms carrying soft rot bacteria are dug up during harvest, isolate them and avoid touching healthy corms to prevent cross-infection. Diseased corms should be centrally managed and discarded. Avoid putting them back into the field, which would become the main source of pathogens for the next cultivation season.
(4) After harvest on the same day, avoid leaving corms in the field where direct sunlight reduces corm quality. Corms harvested on the same day should be handled immediately that day and placed in a cool place. Avoid piling too many corms together, which causes excessive heat accumulation and increases the chance of corm rot.
III. Post-harvest handling of corms
(1) After harvest, corms should be immediately placed in a cool place at about 25-30°C and high relative humidity (about 75-80%) for curing for about 3-5 days; or placed under strong cool airflow to remove heat and increase wound healing. The shorter the curing period, the better the effect.
(2) After the corms are air-dried in the shade, remove leaves and roots. After handling, the corms also need to be cured under strong cool airflow for the wounds created.
(3) After corm handling is completed, begin chemical treatment to reduce massive decay caused by mutual infection during corm storage.
(4) Chemical treatment: Currently, there is still no effective chemical for controlling soft rot. According to pathologists' recommendations, the chemicals include streptomycin (diluted 500 times) + copper Kocide (diluted 500 times) + calcium-magnesium essence (diluted 500 times) + spreader (Tween 20, diluted 2000 times) mixed together. Soak the corms in this mixed chemical for about 20-30 minutes.
(5) After soaking, the corms should be immediately dried with strong airflow. After air-drying, the corms can be stored in a cold storage.
IV. Corm storage handling
(1) Colored calla lily corms that have been chemically soaked and air-dried can be stored in the storage. The corm storage method is dry storage, that is, placing the corms in shallow baskets. The basket height should preferably not exceed 15 cm and have ventilation holes; the corms placed in each shallow basket should not be piled too much, with the principle of not exceeding two layers of corms; smaller corms (those with a diameter less than 2 cm) can be kept moist with sawdust or vermiculite to prevent excessive water loss from small corms.
(2) The corm storage temperature depends on the purpose of the colored calla lily corms:
1. Storage to break corm dormancy: Varies by colored calla lily variety. It is generally recommended to store at 13-15°C for at least 2 months. Since the storage method is dry storage, the relative humidity should be 75-90%; if the relative humidity is below 50%, it will cause excessive water loss from the corms and affect corm quality.
2. Long-term corm storage: The storage temperature is between 7-10°C, and can be stored for more than 6 months. The relative humidity (RH) should still be maintained at 75-90%. The storage temperature should not be too low; if below 5°C, the corms are prone to cold damage, affecting future blooming quality.
Disease control of calla lily
The main disease of calla lily pests and diseases is soft rot. Control methods include removing diseased plants, disinfecting planting holes with 200 times formalin; avoiding continuous cropping as much as possible; timely drainage; good air circulation; and spraying Bordeaux mixture when disease occurs. The main pest is red spider mite. It can be controlled with 3000 times dilution of trithion.
Plant management of calla lily is relatively simple, mainly removing yellow leaves and some outer leaves. The purpose of removing outer leaves is to avoid crowded leaves affecting light and ventilation, and to facilitate the emergence of flower stalks. The main pests and diseases of calla lily include bacterial soft rot, aphids, red spider mites, etc. Bacterial soft rot can damage leaves, petioles, and tubers, mainly spread by bacteria carried on tubers. At the initial stage of disease, spray with 500 times dilution of Bordeaux mixture for control.
Rhizoctonia
This fungus damages the plant's buds near the ground surface. Soil can be treated with tolclofos-methyl and flutolanil to control this fungus.
Penicillium
This fungus can cause infection during tuber storage, causing damage to tubers during and after storage, especially when tubers have suffered mechanical damage, the storage room relative humidity is too high, or air circulation in the microenvironment is insufficient. Providing sufficient air circulation can prevent this fungus. Fungicides can also be used to disinfect tubers, such as captan.
Botrytis
Can occur on flowers and leaves. During open-field cultivation, preventive combined application of fungicides and insecticides every 10 days is necessary. Botrytis infection on leaves almost always manifests as small spots. At the end of August or early September, a single preventive application is sufficient. Pests: Thrips and aphids cause damage throughout the plant's entire growth process. Spray twice with parathion before harvesting flowers. During cultivation, acephate or deltamethrin can be used for prevention every 7-10 days.
Common diseases of colored calla lily mainly include bacterial diseases, fungal diseases, and pests, which are introduced separately below. Bacterial disease Erwinia: Erwinia disease, also known as soft rot, is caused by Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora. Infected leaves and stems turn dark green, with necrotic spots and rotting spots, and secrete mucus, eventually causing the plant to collapse. The tubers also begin to rot and have a foul odor. When plants grow poorly, infection can occur through small wounds. These bacteria can also secrete enzymes to dissolve cell walls and penetrate the plant. If the plant is dry, infected plants and the soil they grow in should be carefully removed. Note that infected tubers should be sorted out as early as possible before planting and disinfected for prevention. Sensitivity to Erwinia infection also varies among varieties. Generally, yellow and orange varieties are more susceptible to infection than white and cream-colored varieties. The best control method is to provide an optimal growing environment for the plants throughout cultivation, ensuring they can develop without interference. The growing environment for colored calla lily should meet the following requirements:
Provide sufficient water (do not plant too shallowly; water when the soil dries out);
The soil should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging;
Avoid excessively high temperatures in the greenhouse, especially when relative humidity is high;
Prevent damage to plants and tubers (prevent wind damage to plants, be careful not to let herbicides affect plant growth, and handle carefully during harvest and handling);
Prevent damage caused by other fungal diseases and pests. (For example, damage caused by Pythium or Rhizoctonia may provide an entry point for Erwinia);
Do not use too much nitrogen fertilizer, because a nitrogen fertilizer application rate of more than 150 kg per hectare can easily cause Erwinia infection.
After the tubers are harvested, they should be dried as soon as possible: if there is any delay within the first week after harvest, it will cause large losses later. Fungal disease Pythium: this fungus causes root rot, leading to restricted water uptake by the plant. Crop rotation and precise irrigation (as well as drainage) are important factors in preventing infection. Before planting, sterilize the soil with steam and treat it with fungicide.
Calla lily variety classification
At present, three varieties are commonly cultivated.
(1) White-stem calla lily: the tuber is relatively small and growth is relatively slow. But it blooms early, produces many flowers, the flower stalk is white, and the spathe is large and round.
(2) Red-stem calla lily: the base of the flower stalk is slightly tinged with red, and it blooms slightly later than the white-stem calla lily; the spathe is relatively round.
(3) Green-stem calla lily: the tuber is thick and large, growth is vigorous, and flowering is late. The flower stalk is thick and strong, slightly triangular. The tip of the spathe is pointed and curls backward, yellow-white, and smaller in size than the previous two.
In addition, there are also common cultivated species in the same genus, such as:
Yellow calla lily: the bract is slightly small, golden yellow; the leaves are bright green with white transparent spots. Deep yellow, flowering period July-August, dormant in winter;
Red calla lily: the bract is rose red, the leaves are lanceolate, dwarf, flowering period June;
Silver-star calla lily: the leaves have white patches, the spathe is white or pale yellow with purple-red spots at the base, flowering period July-August, dormant in winter;
Black-throat calla lily: deep yellow, with black spots in the throat.
Distribution range of calla lily
Calla lily is native to southern Africa and often grows beside rivers or in swamps. It is cultivated for ornamental purposes in Beijing, Jiangsu, Fujian, Taiwan, China, Sichuan, Yunnan and the Qinling region.
Medicinal or dietary therapeutic value of calla lily
The medical information and health dietary information on Hugarden are for reference only and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or medical treatment. For any health problem, consult professional medical personnel, and for the treatment of any disease, please follow a doctor's advice.
Ultimate flower-care mission: love yourself, start from reality, and strictly follow a doctor's advice. Toward illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope; face it bravely, warm the silent world with love, and care for the flower field in your heart with care.
Toxicity
Calla lily flowers are toxic, containing large amounts of herbaceous calcium crystals and alkaloids; accidental ingestion can cause poisoning symptoms such as drowsiness. This species is a toxic plant included in the Chinese plant atlas database, and its toxicity is that the tubers, spathe and spadix are toxic. Chewing a small piece of tuber can cause swelling and pain of the tongue and throat. An 8-year-old girl was poisoned by eating the inflorescence, was unconscious for 12 hours, and recovered after 24 hours. Calla lily can be used medicinally and has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. To treat burns, take an appropriate amount of fresh calla lily tuber, mash it and apply externally. To prevent tetanus, at the wound, mash calla lily tuber and apply externally. Calla lily is toxic, and internal use is contraindicated.
This plant is toxic throughout, and eating even a little will cause vomiting, but after boiling it can be fed to wild boars; the boiled leaves can treat mild headaches, but any medicinal use must be under the guidance of a doctor.
The uses and purposes of calla lily: often used as a flower for bouquets and wreaths
Calla lily, also known as Guanyin lotus, Cigu flower, and water taro horse. In European and American countries it is a commonly used flower in bridal bouquets. Flower colors include white, red, yellow, silver-star, and purple-spotted; generally speaking, the white ones are called calla lilies, and the colorful ones we call alocasia. The vase life of cut flowers is long, 10-15 days. For preservation, use mud to seal the opening of the flower stalk, and every day cut 0.5 cm off the base of the flower stem in water and seal it with mud. Suitability and taboos: suitable as a bridal bouquet; small and white varieties are suitable as gifts for young friends; do not give orange-red varieties to ordinary friends of the opposite sex; give an even number, not an odd number.
For cut flowers
Harvesting and preservation of calla lily cut flowers: when the spathe of the calla lily has extended to its maximum, curled and opened, it can be harvested. After harvesting, wrap the upper part of each cut flower with cellophane, grade by size, then pack and bring to market. Fresh cut flower transport: fresh cut flowers should be transported with attention to their own characteristics to avoid damage during transport. For long-distance transport, about 20 bunches should be used as one transport unit; first put them in plastic bags and then pack them in boxes for transport. For short-distance transport, to save costs, only large plastic bags may be used; after fastening them all together with tape, put them in bags for transport. During transport, they should be placed flat on top of a flat surface to avoid being crushed and damaged by other items.
For potted cultivation
Key points for potted calla lily cultivation:
1) When potting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and properly leave a few side buds beside the large bulb to increase the density of flowers and leaves and the ornamental value.
2) Properly control watering, increase ventilation, and maintain plant spacing so that the plant shape is attractive.
3) After the final plant spacing is determined, try to avoid moving the flowerpot, and keep the soil below the flowerpot moist; this allows the flower roots to penetrate through the drainage holes below the pot into the soil below, making them grow luxuriantly. Key points for potted flower transport: before transporting potted flowers, first wrap the flowers in small plastic bags, then wrap the entire plant with newspaper to avoid soiling the flowers during transport and breaking the flower and leaf stems, which would affect the ornamental effect. When loading, they can be placed flat and transported in layers to increase transport volume and reduce transport costs.
Home matching
The color of calla lily is elegant and noble. In the home, this kind of flower, mainly white, cool-colored and light-colored, can reflect the coolness of the environment and the spaciousness of the space. In addition, it has flower meanings such as eternal union and pure love, adding a more romantic atmosphere to married life. Especially under modern minimalist decoration, that is, in the style of Nordic modern minimalist furniture, the eye-catching and exotic calla lily plays a supplementary role in highlighting the tidiness of the room. Sturdy antique-style hardwood furniture makes the quiet home dignified and calm, and the plain white calla lily caters to the atmosphere with a lush language of life, while its flower meaning of passion lets elegance and harmony come with a smile.
In addition to white calla lilies, colored calla lilies have also appeared as a new type of flower. They are novel and high-end, with a relatively small plant shape, suitable for placing on tables, coffee tables, and corner cabinets as home decoration. The flowering period is about one month, and the bright leaves can set off a noble feeling. However, it is recommended not to place calla lilies too close to the TV, as radiation will make the flowers fade faster.
Overall, calla lily is a very good home DIY floral material, and its posture is beautiful. On the market, besides white, there are also red, yellow and other colored calla lilies, which can match various home styles. So, if you love beauty, you can grow a pot to make your home more beautiful.
Landscape uses of calla lily
Calla lily flowers are beautiful and bloom in spring and autumn. A single flower lasts especially long. It is a good potted flower for decorating the living room and study, and is also an ideal material for cut flowers, bouquets and flower baskets. Used as a cut flower, it lasts a long time without fading, and is a gift flower for relatives and friends. In tropical and subtropical regions it is a good material for flower beds. Calla lily has become one of the important cut flower varieties on the international flower market.
Flower meaning of calla lily
Calla lily flower meaning: universal love, holy devotion, eternity, nobleness, dignity, hope, purity, pure friendship, elegant temperament, pure and flawless love.
The white calla lily is elegant and beautiful, and its flower meaning is "faithful and unchanging, eternal union."
The red calla lily symbolizes holy devotion, eternal union, good fortune, purity, and liking.
Pink calla lily: symbolizes loving you for a lifetime
Calla lily pictures