What are the cultivation methods and planting management key points for calla lily?

In calla lily cultivation methods, two approaches are commonly used: pot culture and trough culture. For pot culture, the compact white-stem type, red calla lily and silver calla lily are generally chosen; if large plants are the goal, the tall green-stem type or yellow calla lily can be selected. For calla lily grown to harvest spathes as cut flowers, the trough culture form is suitable.

Calla lily pot culture method

1. Soil mixing: The soil should be fertile, neutral or slightly acidic. It can be made by mixing 2 parts crushed pond mud (or fine clay sand) with 1 part leaf mold (or compost), adding an appropriate amount of superphosphate and decomposed human and livestock 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 experiments, using the root-tiller division method, plants can flower in the same year. The specific method is: from late June to early August, while repotting, pull 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 more divisions can be planted, and after planting they are placed in a cool place. With this propagation method, they can flower in September to October of the same year.

Calla lily planting management

1. Nutrient solution management: For soilless cultivation of calla lily, 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, ferric EDTA 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 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 supply amount of nutrient solution is mainly determined by weather conditions and plant size. Generally, the solution is supplied 2 to 3 times a day to keep the cultivation substrate layer moist and maintain a shallow water layer at the bottom of the trough.

2. Cut flowers: When the calla lily spathe has extended to its maximum, curled and opened, it can be cut. After cutting, the upper part of each cut flower is wrapped with cellophane, graded by size, packed and marketed; fresh cut flowers should be transported with attention to their own characteristics during transport, avoiding damage during transport. 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 they should all be fastened together with tape before bagging for transport. During the process, they should be placed flat on a surface above, avoiding being squeezed and damaged by other items

Calla lily care methods

1. Light and temperature. Calla lily prefers a warm, humid environment with slight shade, but during the flowering period it needs sufficient sunlight, otherwise the spathe will carry green, affecting quality; it must receive 3 to 5 hours of light per day, otherwise the leaf stalks will elongate and affect ornamental value. Calla lily is not very cold-resistant, and in mid-October it must be moved into a greenhouse. In summer, under shaded conditions, it needs frequent water spraying to cool down and maintain moisture.

2. Watering and fertilizing. Calla lily prefers moist, fertile soil, that is, what is often called "heavy fertilizer and heavy water", and during the growth period it should be watered more. For topdressing, decomposed soybean 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. Someone previously mentioned: "stop fertilizing when flower buds appear." After experimental comparison, the author believes that after buds appear, the amount of fertilizer should be increased, thereby ensuring a long flowering period, large and brilliant flowers, and continuous flowering all year round.

3. Use of ferrous sulfate. In potted calla lily, 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 leaf stalks are less likely to elongate, thereby ensuring beautiful leaves. At the same time, it can promote flower bud formation and prolong the flowering period. The specific method is: dilute ferrous sulfate into a 2% solution, apply once every month, and each time it should be watered thoroughly.

Calla lily disease control

1. Common diseases of calla lily

Common diseases of colored calla lily mainly include bacterial diseases, fungal diseases and insect pests. Common symptoms include soft rot, root rot, leaf spot and leaf mold. Infected leaves and stems turn dark green, with necrotic spots and rot spots, and secrete mucus, and eventually the plant collapses. The tubers also begin to rot and have a foul odor.

2. Control methods

The main diseases and pests of calla lily include bacterial soft rot, aphids, red spiders, etc. Bacterial soft rot can harm leaves, leaf stalks and tubers, and is mainly spread by bacteria carried on tubers. At the initial stage of the disease, Bordeaux mixture at 500 times dilution can be sprayed for control.

3. Disease prevention

When plants grow poorly, infection can occur through small wounds. These bacteria can also secrete some enzymes to dissolve cell walls and penetrate the plant. If the plant is dry, the infected plant and the soil in which it grows should be carefully removed; note that before planting, those infected tubers should be picked out as early as possible and disinfected for prevention. Sensitivity to Erwinia infection also varies among varieties. Generally speaking, yellow and orange varieties are more susceptible to infection than white and cream-colored varieties. The best control method is to provide the plant with the best growing environment from beginning to end during cultivation, so that it can develop without disturbance. The growing environment for colored calla lily should meet the following requirements:

(1) Provide sufficient water (do not plant too shallowly; water again when the soil dries out);

(2) The soil should have good drainage to prevent excessively wet conditions;

(3) Avoid excessively high temperatures in the greenhouse, especially when relative humidity is high;

(4) 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);

(5) Prevent damage caused by other fungal diseases and insect pests [5]. (For example, damage caused by Pythium or Rhizoctonia may provide a port for Erwinia invasion);

(6) Do not use too much nitrogen fertilizer, because a nitrogen fertilizer rate exceeding 150 kg per hectare can easily cause Erwinia infection.

(7) After tuber harvest, they should be dried as soon as possible. If there is a 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 absorption by the plant; crop rotation and precise irrigation (as well as drainage) are important factors in preventing infection. Before planting, steam-sterilize the soil and treat it with fungicides.

Summary of calla lily cultivation methods and precautions

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Calla lily is one of the very common plants and flowers in our daily life. Because of its unique flower shape and elegant flower color, it is widely loved and welcomed by people. Nowadays many people like to grow some calla lilies at home, but because people do not particularly understand the cultivation methods and precautions for calla lily, various problems arise. So what exactly are the cultivation methods and precautions for calla lily? Below let us take a look at the cultivation methods and precautions for calla lily.

Calla lily cultivation methods

1. Light and temperature

Calla lily prefers a warm growing environment with slight shade, so during cultivation, the plant's light and temperature must be given great attention. In terms of light, calla lily is not very cold-resistant and is relatively sensitive to low temperatures, so from late October each year, warming work should gradually begin. In terms of light, especially when the flower is in its flowering period, light must be sufficient, maintaining at least 3 to 5 hours of light per day, otherwise it is not conducive to the growth and ornamental value of the plant's leaves and flowers.

2. Watering and fertilizing

Calla lily is very fond of a moist and fertile growing environment. Generally, growing it requires heavy fertilizer and heavy water. Heavy fertilizer means applying fertilizer frequently, with topdressing once every two weeks. For topdressing, decomposed soybean cake water or liquid fertilizer is usually sufficient. Heavy water is even easier to understand, which means watering more. Calla lily is a plant and flower that greatly loves moisture, especially during the growth period when its water demand is greater, so daily cultivation requires more watering, though not too much; keeping the soil moist is enough.

3. Use of ferrous sulfate

When cultivating calla lily, one thing must never be forgotten, and that is the use of ferrous sulfate, especially in the process of potted calla lily cultivation, where applying ferrous sulfate is a very key step. Because ferrous sulfate is a special substance that can make calla lily leaves larger, thicker and greener, as well as smooth and full of luster, applying ferrous sulfate is necessary to better maintain the beauty of calla lily. Apply it once a month, and each time apply a liquid solution containing 2% sulfuric acid.

Precautions for calla lily cultivation

1. Beware of low temperature and dryness

Calla lily is a relatively sensitive flower. It likes to grow in a warm and humid environment, and the plant has poor cold resistance. In winter cultivation, the temperature must not be lower than 10°C, so during cultivation, be sure to avoid low temperature and dryness. Learn to observe the plant's growth state at all times, especially during the flowering process. Remember to keep the pot soil moist, and often spray the leaf surface with warm water, thereby providing a comfortable and healthy growing environment for calla lily.

2. Beware of insufficient light

Light is a very critical matter when the plant is flowering. If light is insufficient, the flower may have too dark a color, or deformed flower shape, or a reduced number of flowers. Therefore, when calla lily is in its flowering period, special attention must be paid to its light problem. Usually, calla lily blooms around the Spring Festival. This period is still winter, and light is insufficient. To maintain sufficient light, some supplementary light can be appropriately added to promote plant flowering.

3. Beware of poor ventilation

If the surrounding environment has poor ventilation, bacteria and viruses will breed, which is extremely unfavorable to plant growth. Over time, the plant is very likely to develop scale insect pests or sooty mold, seriously threatening the growth and health of the plant and flowers. Therefore, during cultivation, attention should be paid to maintaining good ventilation. At the same time, if these problems occur, treat them promptly. If there are not many scale insects, they can be cleaned up promptly; if it is sooty mold, it can be wiped with an appropriate amount of clean water.

Summary:Calla lily is not very difficult to cultivate. It is only necessary to pay as much attention as possible during cultivation to its temperature, light, watering and fertilizing, and so on. Therefore, friends who want to grow calla lily can start now.

Calla lily cultivation methods and precautions: fertilizing, propagation, sowing

Calla lily is one of the emerging flowers of this year. It belongs to the genus Zantedeschia, a perennial herbaceous plant with plump, fleshy tubers. Leaves are basal, with long stalks, and the leaf stalk is generally twice the length of the leaf. The apex is sharply pointed, the base is truncate, the margin is entire, and it is bright green. The spathe is white, large, and shaped like a horse's hoof, hence the name calla lily. The spadix is bright yellow, standing upright in the center of the spathe, with male flowers on the upper part and female flowers on the lower part. The natural flowering period runs from November until June of the following year, with the entire flowering period reaching 6 to 7 months, and it is precisely during the peak flower-use season. Below is an introduction to calla lily cultivation methods and precautions:

Best propagation time: Calla lily enters dormancy from June to July. At this time, the corms around the mature plant can be removed to grow new potted plants. The most suitable season for cultivation is August to September. Division propagation must be done in autumn, otherwise it will be difficult to bloom that year; even if it blooms, the flowering period will be late.

Best growing soil: When cultivating calla lily, the soil should mainly be sandy loam mixed with 1/3 garden soil and 1/3 leaf mold, and then mixed with 1/5 organic fertilizer. Because its root system grows on the upper part of the bulb, the bottom layer of the pot soil should be lined with permeable and breathable furnace slag or coarse sand. Then mix in one third garden soil and leaf mold, and add a small amount of organic fertilizer.

Growing humidity requirements: Calla lily prefers moist, fertile soil.

Best growing temperature: The most suitable temperature for calla lily growth is 22 to 30°C. When the temperature is below 20°C, the growth rate of calla lily will slow down, or even stop growing. Calla lily likes a warm, humid environment, so when overwintering, special attention must be paid to keeping calla lily warm. Avoid excessively high temperatures in the greenhouse, especially when relative humidity is high.

Best growing light: During the flowering period of calla lily, attention should be paid to light. Calla lily "likes long light but not strong light", and especially in summer it most fears direct sunlight. So it should be placed in a place with sufficient light, and in summer it can be moved farther from the window. If light is insufficient during the flowering period of calla lily, it will only produce buds without flowering, or even the buds will gradually turn green and shrivel. In spring and autumn, shading is not necessary.

Applying fertilizer: During the growth of calla lily, lack of fertilizer or excessive fertilization can cause yellow leaves, so attention should be paid to applying base fertilizer (calla lily slices are best). Potted plants have limited nutrients, so fertilizer should be applied lightly and frequently to continuously replenish the nutrients in the pot soil. When fertilizing, fertilizer water must not be poured on the leaves, and when growth is too fast, old outer leaves should be removed promptly. In summer, do not worry even if the leaves all turn yellow and withered; take out the tubers, dry them, store them, and plant them again in autumn.

Propagation key points: Calla lily propagation is mainly by 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 sowing; after the seeds mature, sow them in pots immediately. The suitable germination temperature is about 20°C.

Division: After flowering in May to June, when the old leaves gradually wither and new leaves grow, or when repotting in mid-September, peel off the small tubers around the mother plant and pot them by grade. Generally, they bloom 3 months after planting.

Sowing: Mainly by indoor pot sowing. The suitable germination temperature is 18 to 24°C. They germinate 15 to 20 days after sowing. Seedlings need 3 to 4 years of cultivation before they can bloom.

Pruning key points: Calla lily is a perennial herbaceous plant and can bloom multiple times in one year. Frequently cutting off old leaves can promote multiple flowering.

Pot soil replacement: For calla lily, from late June to early August, while repotting, pull 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 more divisions can be planted, and after planting they are placed in a cool place. With this propagation method, they can flower in September to October of the same year.

Watering key points: There is a saying that calla lily is "a calla lily that cannot be watered to death," because it likes a warm and humid environment and is not drought-tolerant, so the pot soil must be kept moist and must not lack water. If the environment is dry, spray water on the ground to maintain a small humid environment. During the growth and flowering periods, it should be watered sufficiently. Keep the pot soil moist, but after flowering, the amount of watering should be reduced to facilitate dormancy.

Pest and disease control: Calla lily tubers are prone to rot during dormancy or storage. The tuber surface can be sprayed with a 1000-times dilution of antibacterial agent 401 acetic acid solution, dried, and then stored. Pests include red spiders and thrips, which can be killed by spraying with 50% dicofol 1000-times solution and 2.5% deltamethrin emulsifiable concentrate 4000-times solution respectively.

Smoke exposure: Calla lily fears smoke. In winter, be careful not to place the flower pot near kitchen fumes, otherwise it will easily drop leaves. Dwarf calla lily has greater ornamental value, and this can be achieved with only a little treatment during care. In summer, when calla lily enters dormancy and is repotted, mix paclobutrazol with a small amount of fine soil, sprinkle it around the plant, 10 to 15 g per pot, then water and it is done! After about a week, your plant will become small and exquisite!

1. Calla lily's dislike of "smoke": Calla lily is relatively sensitive to "smoke." Stove smoke and cigarette smoke can both cause yellow leaves, flower drop, and poor growth in calla lily.

2. Watering: Provide sufficient water (do not plant too shallowly; water again when the soil dries out).

3. Drainage: The soil should have good drainage to prevent excessively wet conditions.

4. 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.

5. Prevent fungal diseases and insect pests: For example, damage caused by Pythium or Rhizoctonia may provide a port for Erwinia invasion.