What To Know
- Make a hole in the potting mix and insert the cutting, ensuring that the nodes are buried.
- Place the pot in a warm and humid location, such as a greenhouse or under a plastic cover.
- Once the calla lily cutting has developed a healthy root system, it is time to transplant it into a larger pot or the garden.
Calla lilies, known for their elegant trumpet-shaped blooms and lush foliage, are a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. While they can be grown from bulbs, propagating calla lilies from cuttings is a cost-effective and rewarding alternative. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to grow calla lily from cutting, ensuring successful propagation and a thriving plant.
Selecting the Right Cutting
The first step in growing calla lily from cutting is selecting the right plant material. Look for healthy and disease-free calla lilies with lush foliage and no signs of pests or damage. Choose a stem that is at least 6 inches long and has several nodes (the points where leaves emerge).
Preparing the Cutting
Once you have selected the cutting, remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. This will help prevent rot and encourage root development. Make a clean cut at the base of the cutting, just below a node.
Rooting the Cutting
There are two main methods for rooting calla lily cuttings:
Water Rooting
1. Fill a clear glass or jar with room-temperature water.
2. Place the cutting in the water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged.
3. Place the jar in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight.
4. Change the water regularly to keep it clean and prevent rot.
Soil Rooting
1. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix.
2. Make a hole in the potting mix and insert the cutting, ensuring that the nodes are buried.
3. Water the potting mix thoroughly.
4. Place the pot in a warm and humid location, such as a greenhouse or under a plastic cover.
Transplanting the Calla Lily
Once the calla lily cutting has developed a healthy root system, it is time to transplant it into a larger pot or the garden.
1. Fill a pot or garden bed with a well-draining soil mix.
2. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system of the cutting.
3. Place the cutting in the hole and gently firm the soil around it.
4. Water the plant thoroughly.
Growing Conditions
Calla lilies prefer to grow in warm and humid conditions with bright indirect light. They require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Water the calla lily regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown leaf tips can be a sign of sunburn or fertilizer burn. Move the plant to a location with less direct sunlight and reduce the frequency of fertilization.
Pests and Diseases
Calla lilies are susceptible to pests such as aphids and spider mites. Treat infestations promptly with an appropriate insecticide.
Information You Need to Know
How long does it take for calla lily cuttings to root?
Rooting time varies depending on the method used. Water rooting typically takes 2-4 weeks, while soil rooting may take 4-6 weeks.
Can calla lilies be grown in containers?
Yes, calla lilies can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
How often should I fertilize calla lilies?
Fertilize calla lilies monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Are calla lilies poisonous?
Yes, all parts of the calla lily plant are poisonous if ingested. Keep plants out of reach of children and pets.
