Calla Lily
The Calla Lily, also known as the arum lily or Zantedeschia, is a flowering plant that is highly regarded for its delicate beauty and interesting flower shapes. It is native to South Africa but has gained popularity as a house plant all over the world. Calla Lilies come in a variety of colors ranging from white to yellow to pink. The most commonly found varieties of Calla Lily are white with a yellowish hue. These flowers are very low-maintenance and make for a beautiful addition to any room.
Calla Lilies prefer to be watered regularly, so water the soil whenever the top inch of the soil is dry. If the soil remains overly wet, it may cause rot and other issues to the plant’s roots. It is best to water from below to avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can cause mold to form. Therefore, it is good to use a tray with just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot.
Calla Lilies prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch the foliage and the flowers, so it is best to place them in a spot away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sun for a few hours a day is ok, but make sure to monitor the positioning of the pot to avoid overexposure. It’s best to provide artificial lighting to supplement natural light if the spot is too shady.
Calla Lily plants prefer temperatures between 60-75° Fahrenheit (15-24° Celsius). They will do fine in slightly higher temperatures, but over 80° Fahrenheit (27° Celsius) and the plant may start to suffer irreparable damage. Therefore, the best approach is to keep the temperature as consistent as possible, and avoid any dramatic cold or hot changes.
Calla Lilies prefer humid environments. Too much or too little humidity will cause them to wither and discolor. They thrive with humidity levels around 40-60%, so mist the foliage regularly with a spray bottle or use a humidifier to achieve the right level of humidity.
Calla Lilies prefer a soil that is loose and well-draining for best growth. The ideal soil should have a mix of one-third rich soil, one-third peat, and one-third sand for optimal moisture control. The soil should also be slightly acidic with a pH between 6 and 6.5.
Calla Lilies should be fertilized every three months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or similar. It is important to follow the instructions on the package and dilute the fertilizer according to the directions provided. Over-fertilization can damage the plant, so make sure to use only the recommended amounts.
Calla Lilies can be subject to pest infestations, making it important to inspect plants on a regular basis for early pest detection. Some common pests that attack the plants are thrips, spider mites, aphids, and scales. Treatment for pests differs depending on the pest and the severity of the infestation, but often involves some combination of insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil. It is always best to check with a professional before attempting any treatments.
Calla Lilies should be re-potted once a year in the late winter or early spring. When re-potting, refresh the soil with fresh soil, replace the old pot with one that provides more space for the roots to grow, and be sure to avoid overcrowding the pot. Following the re-potting, water the plant thoroughly and let the soil drain completely.
Calla Lilies should be pruned whenever it is necessary to remove dried out or damaged foliage. To do so, remove the foliage at the base of the stem and repot the plant to promote re-growth. If you wish to prevent the development of seed pods, you can also remove the seed pods as soon as they appear.
Calla Lilies need relatively dry soil, so mulching may be beneficial. A thin layer of gravel around the roots of the plant can help reduce the amount of moisture that is taken up by the soil. You can also use paper, straw, or shredded bark to properly insulate the plant to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture.
Calla Lilies can be propagated by dividing or collecting seed pods from existing plants. To divide the stems, begin by finding a stem with several healthy leaves and separate it from the main stem. You can then plant the separated stem in a new pot filled with fresh soil and keep the soil slightly moist until the newly planted stem starts to grow.
When young, Calla Lilies may need support, such as a stake, to keep them upright until the stem develops enough strength to support the flower on its own. Use thin, straight wooden or plastic sticks that are about 2 feet long and place them in the pot in a way that gently supports the stalk without damaging the roots.
Calla Lilies require a rest period in the winter months. During this time, the plants may need less water, less light, less fertilizer, and more protection from cold temperatures. If the weather is mild, however, the plants can be given a light trim during the winter season to keep them healthy.
Yes, Calla Lilies are toxic to both cats and dogs, so it is important to keep them away from furry friends. If ingested, the plant can cause serious illness and even death in some cases. To avoid any potential harm, it is best to keep the plant out of the reach of pets as much as possible.
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