Calla is one of the most elegant colors of the family of Aroids, grown in the conditions of houses and apartments. In nature, there are several types of callas, which differ not only in size but also in the shades of the inflorescence, as well as in the type of the root system. The latter determines the care of the calla in the pot at home.
Growing calla in a pot: reproduction and transplantation
The reproduction of a plant depends on the type of rhizome. Here are three ways to obtain new plants:
- The rhizome system, characteristic of white calla, is to be divided into parts. Sections must be dried, powdered with charcoal or disinfected with greenery.
- The tuberous mother system, characteristic of the colored bedspread, is divided into nodules, each of which must have at least one kidney.
- Reproduction by seeds is quite a complicated process for an inexperienced amateur.
The division is produced in the spring after the end of the rest period. Those who are interested in what pot is needed for calla, it should be said that it should be wide with a diameter of at least 15 cm, but not very deep. On the bottom should always lay drainage up to 5 cm thick. The soil for calla in the pot can be universal, if it is a question of rhizome varieties. Tubers require mixing of leaf and turf ground, humus and coarse sand in a ratio of 1: 2: 1: 0.5. Tubers before deepening are kept in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or treated with a fungicide. The rhizomes of white flowers penetrate to a distance that is equal to their threefold diameter. Planting is sprayed from the spray gun, and after 14 days sprouts appear, they are actively watered and fed.
How to care for a kalla in a pot?
Here are the conditions under which the plant will develop well, grow and enjoy abundant flowering:
- The effect of bright scattered light lasting 10-12 hours. In the cold season it is necessary to provide additional lighting.
- The air temperature for rhizome plants in summer should be 17-21 ° C, and in the cold season for at least 2-3 months the plant needs to be kept at rest with a decrease in temperature to 10-13 ° C. Color callas feel good at a temperature of + 20-24 ° C during the growing season, and during the rest it is increased to + 25-28 ° C, which is necessary for ripening the tubers.
- The humidity of air for white callas is 70-80%, and for color ones it can be more moderate - 50-60%.
Wintering calla in a pot
As has already been said, securing a rest period is a necessary condition for growing callas, and if not observed, they may not blossom. To the arnock fell into a hibernation, it is necessary to shorten the watering and remove the pot in a cool place. The main sign of the preparation for the rest period is yellowing and dying off of all the leaves, but this only applies to tuber varieties, because the white callas do not discard the foliage.
Other nuances of cultivation and care
To watering callas also have different requirements. So, the "colored" is enriched with moisture very moderately, as its stagnation in the soil can become destructive for them. Subsequent irrigation is performed only if the upper layer of the soil dries to a depth of 2-3 cm. The same white flowers are not against abundant watering and constant soil moisture in the pot. As soon as the plant leaves the rest period, it is fed every two weeks, alternating organic and mineral fertilizers. Carrying out foliar top dressing, it is necessary to make sure that the liquid does not get on the inflorescence, otherwise they can lose their decorativeness.
It should be remembered that with improper care, plants can attack fungi, rot and other diseases. And it is very important to periodically change the soil, because over time it is depleted and loses its nutrients.