The Ultimate Guide to How to Divide Calla Lily Rhizomes: Tips and Tricks for Successful Propagation

Calla lilies, with their elegant trumpet-shaped flowers and lush foliage, are a stunning addition to any garden. But did you know you can easily multiply your calla lily collection by dividing their rhizomes? This process, known as how to divide calla lily rhizomes, is a simple and rewarding way to create new plants and enjoy even more of these beautiful blooms. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you achieve success with your calla lily propagation.

Why Divide Calla Lily Rhizomes?

Dividing calla lily rhizomes offers several benefits:

• Increased Plant Numbers: By dividing a single rhizome, you can create multiple new plants, expanding your calla lily collection.
• Rejuvenation: Dividing rhizomes helps to rejuvenate the plant, promoting healthier growth and more vibrant blooms.
• Control Overcrowding: Overcrowding can hinder growth and lead to smaller flowers. Dividing rhizomes allows you to spread out the plants and give them ample space to thrive.
• New Plant Varieties: If you have a variegated calla lily, dividing the rhizome allows you to propagate and enjoy more of these unique plants.

When to Divide Calla Lily Rhizomes

The ideal time to divide calla lily rhizomes is during their dormant period, typically in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back. This allows the rhizomes to heal and establish new roots before the next growing season. However, you can also divide them in spring before new growth emerges.

Preparing for Division

Before diving into the division process, ensure you have the following:

• Sharp knife or pruning shears: These will be used to cut the rhizomes.
• Gardening gloves: Protect your hands from potential irritation.
• Potting mix: This will be used to replant the divided rhizomes.
• Optional: Fungicide: A fungicide can help prevent infections in the cut areas of the rhizomes.

The Division Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Dig Up the Rhizome: Carefully dig up the calla lily rhizome, ensuring you get the entire root system.
2. Clean the Rhizome: Remove any excess soil and debris from the rhizome.
3. Identify the Growth Points: Look for the buds or growth points on the rhizome. These are usually located along the top of the rhizome and resemble small bumps.
4. Divide the Rhizome: Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, carefully cut the rhizome into sections, each containing at least one growth point.
5. Treat the Cut Areas: If desired, apply a fungicide to the cut areas to prevent infection.
6. Repotting the Divisions: Plant the divided rhizomes in separate pots filled with fresh potting mix. Ensure the growth points are facing upward.
7. Watering and Care: Water the newly planted rhizomes thoroughly and place them in a well-lit location, but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth emerges.

Caring for Divided Calla Lily Rhizomes

Once the divided rhizomes have been repotted, it’s important to provide them with the proper care to ensure they thrive.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Sunlight: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Fertilizer: During the growing season, fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Winter Dormancy: In colder climates, allow the calla lilies to go dormant in winter. Reduce watering and bring the plants indoors to a cool, dark location.

Propagating Calla Lilies from Seed

While dividing rhizomes is the most common method of propagation, you can also grow calla lilies from seed. However, this process is more time-consuming and may not always result in plants that are true to the parent plant.

If you choose to propagate from seed, follow these steps:

1. Collect Seeds: Collect ripe seeds from your calla lilies. The seeds will be found inside the fruit, which is a small, red berry.
2. Sow the Seeds: Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil.
3. Water and Light: Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.
4. Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.

Final Note: Enjoy Your New Calla Lilies!

By following these steps, you can easily divide calla lily rhizomes and create new plants to enjoy in your garden. This simple and rewarding process allows you to expand your collection, rejuvenate existing plants, and control overcrowding. Remember to provide your new calla lily plants with proper care, and soon you’ll be enjoying a beautiful display of their elegant blooms.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: What if the rhizome is too large to divide?

A: If the rhizome is too large, you can divide it into smaller sections. Just be sure that each section has at least one growth point.

Q: Can I divide calla lily rhizomes in the spring?

A: While the ideal time is during dormancy, you can also divide them in spring before new growth emerges. However, the plants may be a bit more stressed and take longer to establish.

Q: How long does it take for divided rhizomes to bloom?

A: Divided rhizomes typically take one to two years to bloom.

Q: Can I divide calla lilies outdoors?

A: You can divide calla lilies outdoors, but it’s best to do it during the dormant period when the soil is dry.

Q: What should I do with the old rhizome after division?

A: You can either discard the old rhizome or try to replant it, but it may not bloom as well as the new divisions.