Calla lilies: care and cultivation at home, planting a flower in a pot

Calla is a plant of the Araceae family native to Africa. In the natural environment, it reaches a height of more than two meters. The culture attracts Russian gardeners with an unusual look with large flowers resembling a funnel and a heart at the same time. It is not necessary to plant a plant in open ground, care and cultivation of callas is practiced at home.

Is it possible to keep calla at home

If you organize the temperature and humidity close to natural, the culture develops normally and blooms in a pot on the windowsill. The question is different, flower growers are interested in energy compatibility with callas.

The South African flower is shrouded in mystery and mysticism. According to some beliefs, it is believed that the plant is a divine amulet, a talisman for good luck, as it bloomed next to the cross on which Jesus was crucified, it is present on the images of angels, the Virgin Mary.

Others are sure that the calla blossoms on the eve of death, it is appropriate for the funeral rite, as it looks like a yellow candle wrapped in a white shroud.

Most flower growers are of the opinion that calla brings prosperity to the family, reconciles quarreling spouses. A pot of calla lilies in the office maintains a friendly atmosphere in the team, helps in negotiations with business partners.

It has been observed that calla lilies blooming at home alleviate the condition of patients with heart failure.

Which varieties are suitable for home growing

Height, color of flowers, type of root system depend on the species of callas. The ancestor of domesticated crops, the Ethiopian calla is distinguished by its 1.5-meter height, snow-white color, and the presence of rhizomes.

Elliot varieties are yellow and golden, up to half a meter high. Callas of the Remann species of pink tones with low peduncles. In the last two species, the underground part is represented by tubers.

Common home grown varieties:

Schwarzwalder. Almost black with a burgundy hue, the flowers look very impressive. The average plant height is 60 cm. Flowering begins in mid-July, ends by September. The culture is decorated with bright green, erect leaves with white spots.
Vermeer. The color of the flowers is white on the outside, closer to purple on the inside. The ear is bright, canary-colored. White blotches in rich green leaves give decorativeness to the plant.
Mango. The variety is suitable for growing on the windowsill and in the open field. Yellow cob, golden-orange cover of peduncles look good in the cut. The leaves are green with silver specks.
Amethyst. The color of the flowers corresponds to the name. Potted culture emits a pleasant delicate aroma. The leaves grow higher than the peduncles.
Red Alert. The variety is distinguished by large red flowers, large speckled leaves. Red Alert differs from other varieties by long flowering - the entire summer period.
Hot Shot. Popular tuberous plant. Translated from English - hot shot. Depending on the time of flowering, conditions of detention, it changes shades from peach to orange-red. From above, the leaves are of a standard color, brown streaks are visible from the inside.

The presented varieties are similar in appearance. The average height of plants is 60 cm, the size of the flowers is 10 cm. The inflorescence consists of an ear and a veil that forms a funnel. The basal leaves are shaped like an arrowhead, the color is green with silvery-white patches.

Requirements for growing conditions

Growing calla lilies on the windowsill is within the power of even novice amateur gardeners who follow the recommendations for care. It is required to create conditions close to natural.

Illumination

Calla requires continuous lighting throughout the year, including a dormant period.

Lack of light results in yellowing foliage, lack of bloom or color fade.

Direct sunlight causes leaf burns, so plant pots located on the windowsill are fenced off with translucent tulle.

Temperature conditions

White Ethiopian callas thrive at 18-20 ºC. Plants overwinter in heated rooms with temperatures not lower than 14-18 ºC.

For colored tuberous callas, the optimal temperature regime is in the range of 22-25 ºC. The dormant period of the bulb is safely tolerated at + 3-7 ºC. Sharp temperature jumps lead to the cessation of flowering. On the loggia, open terraces of calla lilies are taken out only in summer.

Humidity

Humidity is an important factor in growing a plant. In the subtropical swamps of South Africa, where callas come from, the humidity is high - 70-80%. If the indicators in the apartment do not correspond to the norm, the culture is sprayed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, the leaves are regularly wiped with a damp cloth.

Required soil composition and pot size

Despite the lightness of products, a wide range of different volumes and configurations, a plastic pot is inferior in quality to a clay pot. Pottery is porous, which allows excess moisture to evaporate. They have a universal coloring suitable for different varieties of callas.

For species of Elliot, Remani, pots with a diameter of up to 20 cm are needed. For children, even less - 10 cm. Ethiopian callas with a developed rhizome require a container with a diameter of 30-40 cm, a height of 60. Suitable soil for callas consists of equal parts peat, garden soil, sand and two parts of organic matter - humus or rotted manure.The earth should be slightly acidic, the optimal pH is six.

Technology for planting room calla lilies

How the plant will develop and bloom in the future depends on the correct incorporation of planting material. It is necessary to take into account the timing, to withstand the landing technology.

Terms of landing operations

It is recommended to plant tubers after the end of the dormant period. For tuberous varieties, a new life cycle begins from late February to mid-March, and for rhizomatous varieties - from mid-July.

planting bulbs

How to plant bulbs in pots, algorithm:

overwintered tubers are examined for dry rot;
remove damaged areas, smearing with brilliant green slices;
to protect against pests and diseases, the bulbs are treated with fungicides;
drainage is placed at the bottom of the container, two-thirds filled with substrate;
the soil is compacted, planting material is laid out;
top with a 2-centimeter layer sprinkled with earth;

When seedlings reach 5-7 cm, top up the ground to prevent the root from coming to the surface.

Sowing seeds

Subject to the planting technology, calla is grown from seeds obtained from an abandoned peduncle purchased in a store.

Start with soaking. Use clean water or add a growth stimulator. After 6 hours, the seeds are transferred to a shallow container, the bottom of which is lined with wet cotton pads. Cover with a wet gauze napkin on top, put in a warm place with a temperature of at least 20 ºC for 5-7 days. The gauze must not dry out.

Small holes are made with a stick or pencil, 3 cm deep, watered. To ensure the emergence of sprouts, several seeds are planted.To facilitate germination, planting material can not be deepened, but scattered from above. In this case, the seeds are pressed, glass or film is placed on the pot. It is recommended to leave no more than two shoots in a pot.

Home calla lilies: care

Calla care at home includes a list of standard agricultural activities: watering, fertilizing, pruning. Annual transplants and organization of a dormant period are required.

Features of watering and spraying

Abundant watering of the culture is needed during the period of active vegetation, flowering. The first 2-3 weeks after planting, root germination occurs. At this time, calla lilies are not watered.

Further, the culture is irrigated with warm settled water daily in a moderate amount. When the formation of the flower is over, watering is carried out as the top layer of soil dries. The Ethiopian calla, which grows in swamps in the natural environment, is especially demanding on moisture.

It is recommended to irrigate the crop with a watering can with a narrow spout, directing it into a shallow groove along the edges of the pot. The ingress of moisture on the tuber causes the development of putrefactive processes, the appearance of diseases. After watering, it is unacceptable to leave water in the pan.

At high temperatures and low humidity spraying is mandatory. Drops that fall on the flowers spoil the appearance of the bedspread, so during the flowering period it is better to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

What top dressing do we prefer the plant

For normal growth and flowering, calla lilies need to be fed monthly. The vegetation of leaves and the laying of peduncles are promoted by potassium nitrate, superphosphate. To prolong the flowering of the crop, purchased preparations with a complex of minerals and trace elements are introduced into the soil.

Once a year, to enrich the substrate with nutrients and stimulate flowering, fertilize the soil with organic matter. Starting from the moment of planting, mineral complexes are applied weekly in small doses for a month. Next, feed the plant once a month.

It is possible to combine the introduction of microelements and minerals, and organic matter is applied separately, keeping the interval between agricultural activities for at least a month.

Cutting

Shaping pruning for callas is not practiced. Only the lower dried leaves and above-ground wilted parts of the plant are removed before being sent to rest.

When and how to transplant a flower correctly

Replant calla every year in the spring after leaving dormancy and in unforeseen situations. For example, when a pot fell from the windowsill or the plant got sick. In these cases, it does not matter whether the crop grows, blooms or rests.

Transplant technology is simple:

preparing a larger pot with 5cm drainage and new loose substrate;
take out the calla from the old container;
shake off the soil sticking to the root;
tubers are treated with fungicides or potassium permanganate;
the plant is placed in a depression made in the new soil;
without pressing the root, the calla is carefully covered with earth;
lightly tamp the surface.

Calla juice is poisonous, so transplanting is recommended to be done with gloves so as not to cause burns and allergic reactions to the skin of the hands. If babies have formed on the tuber, they are planted in small pots 10 cm in diameter. The calla root is deepened by 5-10 cm.

How to care for a crop during dormancy

To restore strength, the formation of new flower stalks, callas need rest. The dormant period begins at the end of flowering. Gradually reducing, nullify soil moisture.

After the leaves and flower stalks die, the tuber is dug up, washed, and soaked in potassium permanganate. After drying, they are placed in a container with dry sand, which is transferred to a cool place. Or store in paper bags in the vegetable section of the refrigerator. Additional care for callas during the rest period is not required.

There are significant differences in the dormancy of crops with different types of root system. In rhizomatous callas, the life cycle ends by the end of spring, and in tuberous callas, in autumn. Ethiopian callas are sent to rest until mid-July, then transplanted into a new substrate.

Possible problems and difficulties in growing

When growing callas, flower growers are faced with a lack of peduncles, yellowing of the leaves, the appearance of diseases and insect pest attacks. Only armed with knowledge, you can overcome difficulties, eliminate mistakes in the future when caring for a plant.

Diseases and pests of flowers: control methods

More often, calla lilies are affected by fungal, less often by bacterial diseases. Of the crop pests, aphids and spider mites are common. They fight insects by spraying with soapy solutions, preparations Iskra, Commander, Fitoverm, Lightning.

Anthracnose

Waterlogging of the soil, high temperature and air humidity lead to the appearance of small brown spots on calla leaves. Over time, the diameter of the spots increases, the center turns white, and the edges are bordered by a red stripe. Leaves and flowers fade, weaken, wither and curl.

Measures to combat fungal disease include removing damaged parts of calla lilies, reducing irrigation intensity, treating the plant with Fitosporin-M, Fundazol.

Grey Rot

The disease caused by the fungus Botritus cynera affects the leaves, stems, flowers of the crop.A gray coating immediately forms on the leaves. Gray-green patches appear on the flowers, turning brown with time. In the future, the bedspread acquires a dirty gray coating. Like all fungal diseases, gray mold develops in conditions of excessive heat and humidity.

When spots appear, the diseased parts of the plant are removed, the intensity of moisture is reduced. Of the fungicides, Gamair, Trichodermin, Rovral are suitable for the fight.

Bacterial Rot

Characteristic signs of a bacterial disease - rotting of peduncles, leaves at the base. Above-ground parts of the plant gradually die. Roots get wet, get brown spots.

The disease is incurable. The infected culture is discarded. Prevention measures include careful selection of planting material, treatment of tubers and rhizomes with fungicides before planting, exclusion of mechanical damage to an adult plant.

Root rot

External symptoms - darkening, active wilting of leaves, peduncles, plant death. The roots are covered with dry rot.

The disease is treated with calla fungicide treatments:

Mikosan, which produces antibodies to a fungal disease;
discord safe for humans;
biological preparation Trichophyt;
effective Trichodermin.

When the leaves turn dark, stop watering, replace the upper part of the soil with a new one.

No flowering

Adult calla does not bloom in cases:

choosing low-quality planting material;
planting crops not according to the rules - without observing the norms of the depth of planting the tuber in the substrate;
incorrectly selected pot;
lack of winter rest;
non-compliance with the dosage of nitrogen-containing drugs;
lack of irrigation;
sudden temperature changes.

A negative role in the absence of flowering is played by the lack of light and nutrients in the soil. Calla feels uncomfortable with frequent transplants, changing the location of the pot, as well as staying in the same container for a long time without changing the soil.

Potassium and phosphorus top dressing, Zircon treatment, removal of withered parts of the plant contribute to budding.

Leaves turn yellow and dry?

Yellowing of calla leaves is due to natural causes (plant aging) and non-compliance with care recommendations. The leaves of the culture live for six months, then gradually die off. If the wilting process begins at the lower leaf plates or in the fall before the dormant period, there is no reason for concern.

Main factors for yellowing leaves:

drying of the soil or stagnant water in a pot;
temperature below 18 or above 27°C;
cramped container;
lack of disease prevention, pest control;
drafts;
burn from direct sunlight.

If after the normalization of watering, in the absence of insects and signs of disease, the leaves continue to wither, remove the plant from the soil, check for rot. Remove the damaged parts of the root, while the leaves do not need to be cut off. The greens should die off on their own.

Further, the culture is placed in a container of water with a dissolved activated charcoal tablet, kept until new shoots appear. At the onset of a dormant period, they are cleaned in a cool place. Plant the crop in a smaller pot with a new substrate.