Wild calla grows all over the planet, where there is a suitable humid environment for it, with an abundance of bodies of water, rivers and lakes. This plant was bred in South Africa, but gradually it was able to adapt to various habitat conditions, and was domesticated. Calla is widespread in America, Germany, France, Canada. In Russia, the flower gained its popularity relatively recently and was named Calla lily.
Calla lilies description
Calla lilies naturally grow in South America and Africa. Their size and appearance are somewhat different from indoor species.
For your information! Another name for the flower is zantedeschia.
Calla indoor is a compact plant with wide glossy leaves, the color of which can be from light to dark green. The inflorescences are a cylindrical ear, as if wrapped in a sheet-shaped blanket. Flowering is long, more than a month.
The color of the bractal leaf differs depending on the type of plant. The shape of the root system also differs, for example, white calla lilies have powerful roots, and colored ones belong to bulbous plants.
Calla
Varieties
There are not many types of domestic calla lilies, but they are very beautiful. Caring for them is almost the same, with the exception of some nuances. Common requirements for all aroids:
- You cannot open the window next to the windowsill on which the feces flower lives.
- The location of the pot varies depending on the light intensity at different times of the year. Bright sun rays can form burn spots on the leaves.
- Everyone needs loose earth.
Plants can be planted in a greenhouse or open ground - this is how they gain strength for flowering.
Elliotiana (Vermeer)
Bicolor variety: outside the wavy bracts are white, inside - lilac, smoothly turning into purple. The leaves are large, with white strokes.
Differs in longer flowering, which lasts about 3 weeks, then the flower is rolled up into a neat green tube. Tuberous roots, which are harmful to stagnant water and excessive watering. Outdoors, they prefer to grow in the light, but at lunchtime they should be protected from the sun.
A variety of the Elliot cultivar, the yellow calla lilies are the most popular flower.
Ethiopian
It is valued for its large white bracts, wrapped around the edges. Calla lilies may be in the water after cutting up to 2 weeks, therefore flower shops are happy to buy them for bouquets. Callas can be given to both men and women.
Amethyst
Feces flower with dark purple veil. This plant can grow above a meter, if the growing conditions suit him. The leaves are elongated, large - up to 50 cm, also decorate the bouquet.
Remann
The color varies from pink to burgundy red, can have a lilac hue. Small plant - up to 70 cm. Suitable for indoor cultivation.
Green goddess
The color of the bracts is green with white strokes, smoothly passes into the white center. Ear of bright yellow color.
The evening
The bedspread is dark burgundy purple with a bright pink stripe along the edge. The variety is considered rare.
Indian summer
A flower of a rare pomegranate color. Doesn't grow large - up to 50 cm.
Popular types
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There are a huge number of varieties of this flower, but the four most popular species are most often used in floriculture.
Calla Eliot
The main difference between this species and others is the color of the leaves, they are covered with small white specks. The color of the leaf itself is dark green.
The bractal leaf has a yellow inner surface and a paler outer with a greenish tinge. In this regard, the plant is referred to as yellow calla.
Lighted windowsills are suitable for growing this species. It is also necessary to maintain high soil moisture.
Ethiopian calla
The most popular classic look. The leaves are powerful, which can reach 60-70 cm in length. The rhizome of the flower is powerful and well developed.
The bractal leaf is white. The inflorescences are often used for cutting into bouquets and for creating various flower arrangements.
Ethiopian calla
Calla Remann
This species can be called miniature, the height of the bush is usually no more than 40-50 cm. The leaves are elongated, oblong, dark green.
A distinctive feature of the species is the shade of the inflorescences, the color of the bedspread is pink-red.
For your information! This variety is the predecessor of other species with brighter red and purple inflorescences.
Calla Remann
Calla Amethyst
The plant has a powerful and tall bush. It can reach 1-1.2 m. The spectacular bush is striking in its stateliness and size.
The inflorescences are very original. Not only their color, delicate violet, but also their delicate aroma is special. For a long time, this type of calla lilies aroused the admiration of even high-ranking ladies.
Calla Amethyst
Calla lily characteristics and species diversity
The plant is distinguished by bare peduncle stems and large basal leaves. The shape of the plates is represented by arrows with variations according to species. The color of the plates is bright green or dark green. Many hybrids have white blotches on the leaves.
Calla lilies bloom at different times of the year. It depends on the type of plant. Flowers are called large ears of corn, which are wrapped in multi-colored bedspreads. In fact, calla lilies bloom in small flowers, densely located on the cob itself. They give off a pleasant vanilla aroma.
Calla zantedeschia
Today Zantedeskia is the unifying name for the Ethiopian, Elliot and Remann calla species, as well as their interspecific hybrids. Previously, Zantedeskia meant only Ethiopian and marsh calla lilies. But not so long ago, it was decided to combine all flowering calla lilies into one genus. All of the above species are cut and exported commercially from South Africa. To avoid confusion, it was decided to combine them with one name.
Calla zantedeschia
Zantedeskia is also called Calla and Aronnik. In various botanical reference books one can find the names derived from the zantedeschia: zantedeschia, zantedeschia, cantedeschia, tsantedeschia. In some sources, in the old fashioned way, only white flowers are called zantedeschia.
Ethiopian
Ethiopian rhizome calla is primarily distinguished by its root system. Unlike tuberous species, it is represented by a rhizome, capable of producing a large number of offspring. This is a rather large species that can reach over a meter in height.
The leaves are heart-swept and have a dense fleshy texture. They reach half a meter in length and a quarter meter in width. The color of the leaves is bright green. Some varieties have white blotches on the leaves.
Ethiopian
A flower blooms on a high and powerful peduncle. It consists of a yellowish cob and a white funnel-shaped bedspread expanding upward.
The most common are the following varieties of the Ethiopian species:
- A green goddess with an extraordinary veil, the color of which represents a sharp transition from white to bright green.
- Childsiana is a compact shrub with very long flowering.
White calla lilies bloom twice a year: the first lasts from May to June, the second from September to October.
What is Calla Lilies Mix?
Some sources indicate the existence of a plant species called Mix. It is a large bush with colorful flowers. In fact, this kind does not exist. A mix is several different varieties of zantedes grown in the same pot. Based on the fact that the rhizomatous species does not tolerate neighbors in its flowerpot, these are tuberous hybrids of the Remann or Elliot species.
Elliot
Representatives of the Elliott species are large calla lilies growing from tubers. Leaves are a distinctive feature of this species. They are quite large, heart-shaped and necessarily have a thick white speck on a dark green background.
Elliot
The original color of the bedspread was yellow on the inside and yellow-green on the outside. The ear is also yellow. After a wave of hybridization, many new multi-colored varieties have appeared:
- Vermeer with carved wavy leaves and an unusual color of the bedspread - on a white background, as it were, a wide purple smear was drawn.
- The black-eyed beauty is a creamy blanket with a deep purple center.
The classic representative of the species is the Yellow Corner variety.
Remann
Representatives of this species are miniature tuberous flowers, the height of which does not exceed half a meter. The original bright pink blanket served as a good material for creating chic hybrids of lilac, purple and almost black colors.
Remann
The most interesting varieties of the species are the following hybrids:
- Evening with dark purple, almost black flowers.
- Indian summer - the variety is distinguished by an unusual pomegranate sheen of the bedspreads.
- Chameleon is a combination of peach and golden shades in the color of the bedspread.
Many Rehmann species have specks on their leaves, like Elliot's.
Growing calla lilies
The first step to successfully growing this exotic flower is to properly plant it in the ground.
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Before you start planting, you should pay attention to some important requirements.
- Landing time. It is better to plant calla lilies before the active phase of development of this plant begins. This period falls on the beginning - mid-April.
- Pot size. The root system of calla lilies develops quite quickly, so it is better to choose a pot that is more spacious. Given the peculiarity of the roots to grow more in width than in depth, it is better to choose a container with a large diameter.
- Drainage. Good drainage in the grow tank is imperative. Expanded clay or broken brick should be poured at the bottom of the pot, the layer thickness should be at least 5 cm.
- Soil composition. Calla is a flower that needs nourishing and breathable soil. It should consist of two parts of peat, the same amount of sand and one part of garden soil.
Important! In early July, it is recommended to transplant the flower into a larger pot. At the same time, dead leaves and root suckers are removed.
For the bride as a gift
Considering all the legends, we can say that the bridal bouquet will be very relevant. Good or bad it affects health - it does not matter here, since the plant is dangerous only when eaten, and wedding compositions are completely safe.
At the same time, we can say that they are a wonderful talisman for a young lady who wants to be free and independent, and live happily, in love and harmony with their beloved man.
You can also use them in bouquets for gifts and souvenirs. For a young princess, this will be an interesting version of the composition, which will truly surprise.
But you should be careful - it is better not to choose such options for the elderly, as this can be regarded as a bad hint or a bad sign!
Zantedeschia: home care
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Given the fact that calla lilies are native to Africa and South America, we can conclude about the conditions that they need for full growth. A warm and humid climate is key to a successful planting.
To maintain favorable conditions, you need to know how to care for calla lilies and find a suitable place for growing it. Household flowers in a pot of this kind require compliance with a list of certain parameters. Everything you need to consider when caring for calla lilies at home is described below.
Lighting
Calla lilies are very demanding in terms of illumination. These house flowers in a pot are best placed on a light windowsill. Sunlight should be scattered during the day and direct in the evening. Morning scorching rays can be detrimental to the plant. For full development, they need to receive the required amount of light for 12 hours.
Callas need a lot of light
Note! If it is not possible to find a sufficiently lit place in the apartment, you can supplement the plant with a phytolamp.
It is also necessary to illuminate the plant during the dormant period. After the leaves begin to turn yellow, they put it in a sunny place and gradually reduce watering. Due to sufficient illumination during this period, many root suckers are formed, which must be removed.
Temperature
Like many other plants native to southern countries, calla lilies need a warm climate.
The optimum temperature in summer is 20-22 ° C during the day and 16-18 ° C at night. In winter, it is better to reduce the indicators to 3-4 ° C.
Important! White calla lilies prefer cooler climates than colored calla lilies. In summer, it is better not to raise the temperature, keeping it at 20 ° C, and in winter - 15 ° C.
Compliance with the temperature regime is very important, especially in order to get inflorescences. It should also be borne in mind that these flowers do not tolerate drafts and sudden temperature changes. The transition to cooler winter conditions should be carried out gradually.
Humidity
It is this indicator that often causes problems when growing calla lilies. These plants require a very high level of moisture, 70-80% minimum.
To maintain such high performance, you can resort to the following:
- the pot with the plant is placed on a pallet with pebbles or expanded clay. By constantly wetting this pan, a slight increase in humidity can be achieved;
- a more effective way is to use a humidifier. By placing it in the immediate vicinity of the flower, you can increase the humidity to the required level.
Watering
Callas need regular watering. Soil moisture requirements for white calla lilies are different from those needed for colored calla lilies.
The most frequent and abundant watering is needed during the flowering period. After its completion, the degree of moisture is gradually reduced. White calla lilies are watered during dormancy, but colored ones are not.
Important! Water for irrigation should be settled and moist. Watering with cold water is bad for the health of the plant.
Top dressing
All types of this flower need regular feeding. They should be applied during the period of active growth and flowering every two weeks.
Indoor calla is very responsive to fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizers. In specialized stores there are ready-made mixtures for this particular type of plant.
Care must be taken when feeding. An excess of minerals can lead to flower disease. Particular attention should be paid to fertilizers containing nitrogen, an excess of this substance can cause the lack of flowering.
Pot size
During the period of active growth, calla lilies quickly build up their root system and consume nutrients from the soil in large quantities.In this regard, it is necessary to periodically change the pot and soil.
Replacing the soil is also necessary when signs of illness are found. In this case, you should resort to an emergency transplant, regardless of the phase of flower development.
Requirements for growing conditions
Like many indoor crops, calla lilies love warmth, moderate watering, normal humidity, and good lighting. You need to put the pot in a ventilated place, but not in a draft. This plant does not like coolness, so you need to find a place where the air temperature is above the average for the apartment. Already at + 8 ° C, the flower begins to ache, and if the air remains cold for several days, the leaves and peduncles will gradually die off.
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Some flower growers have containers with green pets in the yard all summer. There is nothing wrong with this, but with the onset of cold weather, you need to remember to rearrange the calla lilies in the house. The most suitable temperature for this species is from +21 to + 24 ° C.
In addition to heat, calla lilies have high light requirements. For peduncles to form, the length of daylight hours should not be less than 12 hours. After the end of flowering, the duration of exposure to the light is reduced to 8 hours. If the natural day at this time is longer, the plant is protected from light, but this is usually not required because flowering ceases in the fall.
Water the houseplant not too often, but regularly. During flowering, soil moisture should be more intense than before and after. It is desirable to maintain air humidity within the normal range or slightly higher.
Blooming in the apartment
The flowering period of different types of calla lilies is different. White varieties bloom in winter and colored ones in summer. The flowering of this indoor flower can be achieved by observing certain conditions for its maintenance:
- suitable temperature regime;
- timely application of dressings in the right amount;
- providing conditions during the dormant period;
- timely increase and decrease in watering.
Note! White varieties bloom more often and have a shorter dormant period. With proper care, they bloom annually for 4 months.
The process of growing colored varieties is more like forcing. To achieve flowering, the tuber should be stored in the sand during the dormant period, and planted in the ground in March.
Stages of preparation for planting calla lilies
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April-May is the time of "awakening" of corm calla lilies. At this time, preparations for landing begin:
- Open the boxes they hibernate in and take out the tubers.
- Peel off the paper wrappers.
- Examine for fungal infections.
- Treat with fungicide or potassium permanganate solution.
- Separate the "kids" by breaking them off from the jumper and treating the place where they are broken with green paint.
The appearance of sprouts in corms "awakened" after wintering
Reproduction at home
There are three ways to breed domestic calla lilies. Each of them has its own advantages and is determined by the type of flower.
Seed propagation
This method is difficult to apply at home and takes a long time. In addition, it is not advisable to wait for the seeds to ripen, since this process requires a lot of energy from the plant.
Calla seeds
To obtain seeds, the peduncle is left on the plant until they are formed. After ripening, the seed capsule is cut off and set aside to dry. Before planting, the seeds are germinated on damp gauze and only then are they planted in the ground.
Note! Calla seeds lose their germination very quickly. You can use only those that were received in the current year.
As a rule, this method of propagation is resorted to only if there is a need to grow a plant of a rare variety.
Tuber propagation
For those species of calla lilies that have a tuberous root system, the tuber propagation method is used.
In the process of growth, shoots form on the main tuber. When they reach maturity, they can be easily separated and dropped off in a separate container. This procedure can be carried out when laying for storage or when planting tubers in March.
Soil for new plantings should be chosen nutritious and light with a high content of peat and sand. You should also constantly monitor the maintenance of soil moisture.
This breeding method is quite simple and allows you to get a lot of planting material. Under favorable conditions, calla tubers form many processes.
Reproduction by dividing the bush
Most often, flower growers grow white calla lilies, which have a powerful rhizome. It is best to start breeding after flowering.
To get new copies of a flower by this method, during an autumn transplant, the shoots are separated from the main root. Next, they need to be planted in a spacious pot with nutritious soil.
Important! During the rooting period, young plants need high air humidity and regular watering.
It is necessary to separate young shoots so that as much soil as possible remains on the roots. This will improve their survival rate and further accelerate their growth.
Landing
We will learn how to plant calla lilies at home.
Selection and preparation of planting material
At home, calla lilies are usually propagated by dividing the rhizomes - this is the simplest and fastest option. In order for the calla to take root safely, the tubers of the mother plant must be healthy and dense, without damage.
Calla must be taken out of the pot and cleaned from the soil from its roots. Then the plant is divided into parts with a sharp disinfected knife or scalpel. At the same time, it is important to ensure that each section gets a part of healthy roots.
To minimize the risk of decay of rhizomes in the soil before germination, they are soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate (weak) before planting. This procedure disinfects the plant and makes all defects and damage visible. You can simply cut off growths, rot, and other affected areas with a knife. But if you had to cut something off, be sure to treat the cut points with brilliant green.
Planting process
A hole is dug, approximately three times the volume of tubers. Each division should be planted in a separate spacious container. The depth of the rhizome is 5-8 cm. The soil around the plant is compacted so that no air pockets remain in the pot.
The first days after planting calla lilies are not watered, but it is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. If the top layer is dry, spray the soil with a spray bottle.
For the first week or two after planting, you cannot expose the calla to bright sunlight, it is better to keep the plant in a muted shaded place for the first time. This will help the flower quickly adapt to new conditions.
Important: do not forget that calla lilies are a poisonous plant. Planting and doing all other work with this flower should only be done with gloves.
Possible problems and difficulties
Given the exactingness of calla lilies to growing conditions, beginner growers may have a number of difficulties. As a rule, they are associated with care errors.
Non-compliance with the temperature regime
To achieve not only intensive growth, but also flowering, it is necessary to strictly observe the temperature regime. This is due to such a feature of this flower as the need for a dormant period.
It is at this time that the necessary temperature must be provided so that the plant enters this state gradually. Only in this case, further development will end in abundant and prolonged flowering.
Short daylight hours
During flowering, the duration of daylight hours should be 12 hours. Considering that white calla lilies bloom in winter, it is impossible to comply with this condition without additional highlighting of the plants.It is the lack of light that can be the reason why calla lilies do not bloom.
Note! It is necessary to choose the most lighted window sill to place the flower; it is necessary to install a phytolamp. It is also worth considering that you should not expose the flower to direct sunlight. Better that the light is diffused.
Insufficient or abundant watering
Depending on the type of calla lilies, a certain watering regime is required. Whites are watered all year round with varying intensities, while colored ones do not need watering during the dormant period.
If there is a lack of moisture, plants will develop poorly and may not bloom. Waterlogging can lead to decay of the roots or tuber, and in the future, to the death of the plant.
Low humidity
The moisture requirements of these southern plants are quite high. In an apartment, especially in winter, it is very difficult to maintain it at the proper level.
If you have a strong desire to grow calla lilies and get them to bloom, it is best to purchase a humidifier. This is the only way to achieve the required level of humidity in winter.
Incorrect soil composition
Callas need light soil as well as plenty of nutrients. With a lack of nutrition, the plants will not have enough strength for full growth and flowering.
Planting in improper soil can lead to depletion and disease of the flower. Also, do not neglect periodic replanting as the plant grows.
Watering and humidity
Calla is a moisture-loving plant. Do not forget about this. This is especially important when growing Ethiopian calla lilies. After all, this plant grows practically in a swamp, where there is very high humidity not only of the air, but also of the soil.
Calla flowers in pots can have different shades of bedspreads. This makes them popular among flower growers. Plants with colored bedspreads are not so demanding on moisture. However, don't forget about regular watering. The amount of water depends on the period. For example, watering should be more abundant during flowering and moderate during dormancy. It is not recommended to overdry the soil in the pot.
The room must have high humidity. Of course, this is very difficult to achieve. To keep the plant comfortable, you can spray it more often.
Diseases and pests
Calla lilies are susceptible to fungal diseases. At the first signs of illness, changes in the appearance of leaves and flowers, action should be taken immediately. This can be a change in irrigation regime or soil replacement. It is also necessary to carry out the treatment with appropriate preparations.
Another problem can be the attack of aphids and thrips. If these pests are found on flowers, it is necessary to immediately treat them with special means.
Important! It does not hurt to inspect other indoor plants, they can also be affected.
Callas are spectacular exotic flowers. They can be successfully grown at home and enjoy the amazing flowering of these plants even in winter. Among the variety of species, you can find inflorescences that have both snow white and black. Cultivation of calla lilies seems problematic to many, but this is not entirely true. Providing the plants with proper care and appropriate conditions, you can not only grow them at home, but also propagate them. So do not hesitate for a long time when choosing a zantedeschia flower, caring for it at home will not be difficult.
Basic information about the plant
In the wild, in nature, it is found in Africa, in South America. It belongs to the carid family, but the most important thing to know is that it contains saponin in its composition. This poisonous substance, which can cause seizures and nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, can lead to cardiac arrest if overdose occurs.
Interesting! If the inflorescences are dried, then they cease to be poisonous, since they lose saponin and can be eaten.
They have a slight odor, and are located on stems about a meter long, strong, fairly stable. Large green leaves look beautiful both in flower pots and in yard beds, in greenhouses, where they are grown in the northern regions.
The sheets are wavy, like wax, pleasant to the touch. The beauty of flowers attracts many; today, even newlyweds can even include them in a bouquet, despite superstitious prejudices.
Growing from bulbs
Having bought an adult plant, the florist saves himself from having to mess with the bulbs. But varieties of interest are not always on sale, but you can buy bulbs without problems. And if there is an adult specimen at home, it can also be multiplied by digging up and dividing it into several parts.
Tubers or bulbs are examined and those with light yellow skin and developed apical buds are selected. The optimal time for breeding is from January to April. During this period, the planting material is also on sale. If the tubers are not taken from their own plant, but bought in a store or on the market, before planting, they must be kept for 1 hour in a pink solution of manganese-sour potassium.
Such a measure will save the planting material from many infectious diseases, and at the same time will help to detect invisible damage on the tubers. If there are wounds, they are carefully cleaned, then greased with brilliant green and dried.
The bulbs or tubers are planted in a pre-dug hole 10 cm deep. If planted closer to the soil surface, the leaves will lie. To prevent the bulb from rotting, after planting it is watered very sparingly. Until shoots appear, the container should be covered with foil or glass to ensure the greenhouse effect.
Plants can be transplanted the next year, if necessary. The bush is freed from the ground, diseased leaves and old offspring are removed and planted as described above. It is best to do this in the summer, and if you need an offspring for breeding, it is recommended to separate it in the spring.
