What To Know
- Place the calla lily in the center of the prepared hole and spread out the roots.
- By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully move your calla lilies to their new location and enjoy their beauty for years to come.
- The best time to move calla lilies is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Calla lilies, with their elegant trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant foliage, are a popular choice for gardens and indoor spaces alike. However, when it comes time to relocate these delicate plants, it’s crucial to follow the proper steps to ensure their health and well-being. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about how to move a calla lily successfully.
1. Planning Your Move
Before digging up your calla lilies, take some time to plan your move. Determine the new location where you want to replant them, ensuring it provides adequate sunlight, drainage, and soil conditions. Gather all the necessary tools, including a shovel, trowel, gloves, and a wheelbarrow or cart for transportation.
2. Digging Up the Calla Lilies
Choose a time when the soil is moist but not soggy. Water the plants thoroughly the day before digging. Using a shovel, carefully dig around the base of the plant, leaving a generous root ball intact. Gently lift the plant out of the ground, taking care not to damage the roots.
3. Dividing the Calla Lilies (Optional)
Calla lilies tend to form clumps over time. If desired, you can divide the plant into smaller sections to create multiple plants. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut through the rhizomes, ensuring each division has a healthy root system.
4. Preparing the New Location
Prepare the new planting site by digging a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve drainage and fertility.
5. Replanting the Calla Lilies
Place the calla lily in the center of the prepared hole and spread out the roots. Fill in the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around the plant. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove any air pockets.
6. Mulching and Watering
After replanting, spread a layer of mulch around the base of the calla lilies to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting, to encourage root establishment.
7. Post-Move Care
Once your calla lilies have been moved, it’s important to provide them with proper care to ensure their continued health. Protect them from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Remove any spent blooms or yellowing leaves to promote new growth.
What to Avoid When Moving Calla Lilies
- Moving during hot or cold weather: Avoid transplanting calla lilies during extreme temperatures, as this can shock the plants.
- Damaging the roots: Handle the plants carefully when digging and replanting to avoid damaging the delicate root system.
- Overwatering: Water the plants thoroughly after replanting, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Neglecting post-move care: Provide your calla lilies with proper care after moving to ensure their continued health and vigor.
Takeaways: Calla Lily Relocation Success
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully move your calla lilies to their new location and enjoy their beauty for years to come. Remember to plan your move, dig carefully, prepare the new site, replant properly, and provide post-move care to ensure the well-being of your beloved blooms.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What is the best time to move calla lilies?
A: The best time to move calla lilies is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Q: Can I move calla lilies that are in bloom?
A: It’s best to avoid moving calla lilies while they are in bloom. Wait until the blooms have faded to minimize stress on the plants.
Q: How often should I water my calla lilies after moving them?
A: Water the calla lilies thoroughly after replanting and regularly thereafter, especially during the first few weeks to encourage root establishment.
