Discover the Art of Calla Lily Division: Can You Split Calla Lily Plants and Boost Your Garden’s Splendor?
What To Know
- The best time to split calla lily plants is during their dormant period, typically in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back.
- Splitting calla lily plants is a simple and rewarding way to expand your collection and enjoy these beautiful blooms.
- While splitting in the fall is ideal, you can also split calla lilies in the spring, as long as the soil is workable.
Calla lilies, with their elegant trumpet-shaped flowers and striking foliage, are a popular choice for gardeners. But did you know that these beautiful plants can be easily multiplied by splitting? Can you split calla lily plants? Absolutely! This simple technique allows you to create new plants from existing ones, expanding your collection or sharing them with friends.
Understanding Calla Lily Growth Habits
Calla lilies, scientifically known as *Zantedeschia*, are rhizomatous perennials. This means they grow from underground stems called rhizomes, which store nutrients and energy for the plant. These rhizomes are the key to splitting calla lily plants.
When to Split Calla Lily Plants
The best time to split calla lily plants is during their dormant period, typically in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back. This is when the rhizomes are most active and ready for division.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin splitting your calla lilies, gather the following tools:
- Sharp knife or pruning shears: For dividing the rhizomes cleanly.
- Gardening gloves: To protect your hands from the sap, which can irritate some people.
- Potting mix: To repot the divided rhizomes.
- Optional: Fungicide: To prevent fungal infections, especially if the weather is humid.
Steps for Splitting Calla Lily Plants
Now that you have your tools ready, follow these simple steps to successfully split your calla lily plants:
1. Choose a healthy plant: Select a calla lily plant that is at least two years old and has multiple rhizomes.
2. Dig up the plant: Carefully dig around the plant, loosening the soil and lifting the entire clump.
3. Gently separate the rhizomes: Use your knife or shears to cut through the rhizomes, creating individual sections. Each section should have at least one healthy growth bud.
4. Inspect and trim: Examine each rhizome section for any signs of rot or disease. Trim away any damaged or diseased areas.
5. Repot the divisions: Plant each rhizome section in a separate pot filled with fresh potting mix. Position the growth bud facing upwards.
6. Water and care: Water the newly potted rhizomes thoroughly and place them in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
Caring for Your New Calla Lily Plants
Newly divided calla lily plants will need a little extra care to establish themselves. Here’s what you can do to ensure their success:
- Provide consistent moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
- Fertilize regularly: Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to encourage healthy growth.
- Protect from frost: Calla lilies are not frost-tolerant, so bring them indoors or provide winter protection if you live in a cold climate.
Benefits of Splitting Calla Lily Plants
There are many benefits to splitting calla lily plants. Here are a few:
- Increased plant numbers: Splitting allows you to increase the number of calla lily plants in your garden or collection.
- Rejuvenation: Dividing the rhizomes can help to rejuvenate older plants and encourage vigorous growth.
- Disease prevention: Splitting can help to prevent the spread of diseases that may be present in the original plant.
- Sharing with others: You can easily share your propagated calla lilies with friends and family.
Beyond Splitting: Other Propagation Methods
While splitting is the most common method for propagating calla lilies, there are other options:
- Seed propagation: Calla lilies can be grown from seed, but this process is slower and less reliable than splitting.
- Tissue culture: This advanced technique is used in commercial settings to produce large quantities of identical plants.
Final Thoughts: A Flourishing Future for Your Calla Lilies
Splitting calla lily plants is a simple and rewarding way to expand your collection and enjoy these beautiful blooms. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily create new plants and share them with others. Remember to provide proper care and attention to your newly divided plants, and they will reward you with vibrant blooms for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I split calla lilies in the spring?
While splitting in the fall is ideal, you can also split calla lilies in the spring, as long as the soil is workable. However, the plants may be slightly weaker and may not bloom as profusely in the first year.
2. How often should I split calla lilies?
You should split calla lilies every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain healthy growth.
3. Can I split calla lilies that are in pots?
Yes, you can split calla lilies that are in pots. Just carefully remove the plant from the pot and follow the same steps as for splitting plants in the ground.
4. What should I do with the discarded rhizome sections?
You can compost the discarded rhizome sections or dispose of them in your household trash.
5. Can I split calla lilies that are in bloom?
It’s not recommended to split calla lilies while they are in bloom. It’s best to wait until the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant.