Calla

Common growing questions

Is a shaded, not completely dark place suitable for wintering tubers? Lighting does not play a role for storing tubers. Many growers store them in refrigerators, where the light is known to turn on only when the door is opened.
Can a pot of calla lilies be taken outside in summer? Experts recommend taking rhizome calla lilies outside in the summer. Tuberous species also tolerate garden conditions well.
After buying calla lilies in winter, how and when to send them to rest in this case? In such cases, you should observe the flower. As soon as it begins to turn yellow and dry out, this will be a signal of the need for rest.
Do I need to disinfect the pot if the tubers have rotted, and what is the best way to do it? After rotting, be sure to disinfect the flower pot. If it is made of durable materials, it can be boiled. If it is plastic, it is treated with alcohol.

All calla lilies are divided according to the principle of the organization of the root system into tuberous and rhizome. Despite the external similarity, these are different plants that require special care. If you do not follow the rules, then the flower will not bloom and may even die.

Marsh calla - reproduction, planting and care!

Marsh calla is a perennial, evergreen plant, it belongs to the aroid family. You can often hear that it is called calla. The most interesting thing is that the flowers stand in a vase for a long time, which attracts many gardeners. If we talk about the natural environment, then most often it is located in swampy places, on the banks of ponds.

But flower growers often grow this plant on windowsills, or in special greenhouses. The plant is not too tall, up to half a meter, it will feel great in a natural reservoir. The flowering process begins in mid-May and lasts June.

We can say for sure that there are a number of the most popular varieties, but when choosing, you need to pay attention to the growing climate

Breeding conditions!

The breeding process has several main directions:

Using layering. This is one of the easy ways, since layers with roots appear around the plant, you need to carefully separate it and place it in a pot with soil.

After that, the most important thing is to water and spray well, for 6-7 days. After you need to wait for good rooting, and then transplant into a larger pot

While growing, you need to water well and use fertilizer.
Use for propagation of tubers. It is necessary to take the tubers from the plant and store in a warm room, this is necessary in order for them to ripen. One month is quite enough for this process. Next, they need to create conditions for dryness and not too hot temperature. So they lie all winter, and already in March, calla can be planted in a prepared pots with earth. Such tubers are sold in stores today.
Using seeds for propagation. There is one fact, seeds quickly lose their germination for this reason, it is better to use freshly harvested seeds. It takes a small amount of time to soak them in a solution of potassium humate. Next, you need to stand in a closed container on a dampened cloth. In this state, you need to withstand at least a week, while constantly adding water to the fabric. But the temperature should also be at least 22 degrees. After that, they are simply planted in a pot. Do not forget about drainage, this will prevent water from stagnating.

These are the most affordable breeding methods. There is no big difficulty in this process. Now you need to understand how to plant the marsh calla.

The main stages of planting!

The planting process has its own characteristics, do not deepen the root system too much. Then the pots are placed on the windowsill or in the greenhouse.

The temperature regime is not lower than +10 degrees, in order for the flowering process to begin, this indicator needs to be increased to + 16-17 degrees. If this figure is too high, then the flowers are not beautiful.

It is believed that such a plant has the ability to bloom almost all year long, there is only a dormant period.

Grow in one place, and calla can bloom in one place, for about three years, after which you need to remove the side shoots and transplant it. If the flowering time is chosen in the winter, then in the summer you need to create all the conditions for rest. Another important point, during the flowering period, you need to help the plant by fertilizing it.

Basic care steps!

The first is to choose the right soil, what it can be:

One piece of leafy land.
Ode is a piece of coniferous land.
One piece of peat.
And half the sand.

You can also add fine coal, bark of conifers to the resulting composition. You also need to deal with the transplant process. If this is a young plant, then it will have to be replanted every year, May is quite suitable. If the calla is already an adult, then once every three years will be enough.

Everyone understands that there is not much lighting in the winter, but this will have to be corrected by creating an artificial supply of light. What do you need to know about the summer period? Here, too, everything is not so simple, direct sunlight must not be allowed, which means that do not expose to open areas.

At the same time, there is one important point, if there is not enough lighting, then there will be no flowering. During the growing season, it is necessary to create conditions in a temperature regime of +18 degrees.

Marsh calla does not like drafts

At the same time, high humidity is important for him, for this you can constantly spray it. You need to try to create the most suitable conditions for natural, then calla will delight you with its flowers

Various diseases are not excluded in the growth process. This can happen due to excess moisture or fertilizer.

If something happens, then you need to try to save the calla, sometimes it is just enough to change the soil by transplanting. But there is also such a problem as - bacterial rot, it cannot be cured.

Reproduction of marsh calla

At home and with natural growth, the reproduction of calla is carried out in two ways - by seeds and by vegetative means. In the natural environment, seed breeding is the priority method of cultivating the variety. While at home vegetative is used for rapid reproduction.

Generative seed reproduction

For propagation of calla with seeds, ripe seeds are harvested at the end of summer. After harvesting, the seeds are sown almost immediately into the soil, since calla berries cannot be stored for a long time.

The optimal time for sowing a plant is considered to be the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Before planting, the seeds are slightly dried in a well-ventilated dark place. Then the seeds are cleaned from the pulp of the berries and soaked in an agent that stimulates the growth of seeds.

Sowing is carried out in pre-prepared soil. The substrate should be slightly acidic, contain a large amount of vermicompost and peat. The sowing container must have drainage holes. Before planting, the substrate is watered abundantly with water.

Since calla seeds are small, they are evenly distributed over the surface of the substrate. Sprinkle on top with a small layer of earth. For fast germination of seeds the container with the inoculation is covered with glass or foil. The seed container is placed in a large pot filled with water. Since calla is an aquatic plant, there should always be enough water, so liquid is added regularly.

Wintering of seedlings takes place at home. With optimal climate and care, seedlings appear as early as the second month after planting.In the spring, the seedlings are cut off, and with the onset of constant heat, they are transplanted to a permanent habitat - in a pond or a pot.

Vegetative propagation

The vegetative propagation of calla is carried out with the help of root shoots. This method is easier than seed, therefore it is used much more often in decorative art.

Breeding calla with rhizome is possible only for adults with a large and well-developed rhizome. Vegetative propagation with the help of rhizomes is carried out in the spring. In this case, breeding is carried out as follows:

The rhizome of an adult is carefully divided so that shoots remain on each part.
The separated parts of the plant are placed in water or in a permanent growing area.
Planting rhizomes is carried out in various ways - directly into the ground or using mesh containers.

The planting of plants obtained from parts of the rhizome is carried out in shallow water so that the plants receive a sufficient amount of water and nutrients. In the case of home growing, the root pieces are planted in drained pots, which are then placed in a container of water.

It is important to carry out all manipulations with gloves, since individual parts of the calla can be harmful to health if they come into contact with the skin

Caring for akalifa at home

Bloom

Indoor akalifa can bloom at any time of the year or even all year round. Spike-shaped fluffy inflorescences are collected from a large number of small red-crimson flowers. In some varieties, the length of the inflorescence can be up to 50 centimeters.

In order for the plants to always look attractive, one must not forget to promptly cut off the inflorescences that have begun to fade.

Temperature

Akalifa prefers to be warm. In the spring-summer period, the optimum air temperature is from 21 to 25 degrees, and in the cold season - from 12 to 16 degrees. If it is too hot in the room, this will lead to stretching of the shoots and to the loss of decorativeness by the plant. If the room has the minimum permissible air temperature, then this can cause a slowdown in the growth of the bush and the development of various diseases in it. In addition, drafts are especially dangerous for Akalifa. In this regard, in no case should it be carried outside, even in the summer.

Air humidity

Since akalifa is a tropical plant, it needs constant high humidity. During the growing season, it is recommended to spray the bush systematically from a spray bottle. In this case, it is necessary to moisturize it is the air around the plant, not its foliage. To do this, use well-settled non-cold water. It is impossible to moisturize the plant during the flowering period.

Illumination

This plant is highly photophilous, despite this, it needs mandatory protection from direct sunlight. Best of all, the bush will feel on the windowsill of an east or west orientation. It can also be placed on the south window, but in this case it will have to be additionally protected from direct sunlight. Akalifa should not be grown in a shaded place, as this will cause its stems to become elongated and the leaves small and faded.

Watering

Watering should be systematic and moderate at any time of the year. Remember not to allow the potted earth to dry out. It should be borne in mind that on hot summer days, the potted substrate dries up much faster. During the winter months, the frequency and amount of watering should be slightly reduced.

Pot selection

The plant feels great in that pot, where its root system is quite cramped. But at the same time, do not rush to acquire an excessively small pot for akalifa, as this will only harm her. The root system should fit normally in the chosen container and have a small margin of room for further growth.

Soil mixture

Such a flower grows well in almost any soil mixture, the main thing is that it is well-drained and light. Best suited for growing it is a mixture of leafy and soddy soil, humus, peat and sand, which should be taken in equal parts.

Top dressing

It is imperative to feed the Akalifa from the first spring days until mid-October. For this, a mineral complex is used, which is introduced into the soil mixture with a frequency of 1 time in 15–20 days. Also, the plant can be regularly fed with organic matter. For example, you can use vermicompost.

Akalifa transplant

While the bush is young, it is very fast growing. In this regard, he needs regular transplants into larger pots, which are carried out once a year. It is recommended to transplant adult specimens no more than 1 time in 3 or 4 years. At the same time, old large bushes, if necessary, are transplanted by transferring into a larger container, or simply systematically replace their top layer of soil mixture with a new substrate.

Pruning

In order for the bush to always be neat and effective, formative pruning should be carried out annually in spring. To do this, cut off all the stems, leaving ½ part of their length (slightly less). If necessary, the plant can be rejuvenated, for this all its shoots are shortened to 0.2–0.3 meters. In order for young shoots to appear on the stumps as soon as possible, it is recommended to treat them with a solution of Zircon.

Dormant period

Akalifa, growing in indoor conditions, develops normally even without a full rest period. Decreasing daylight hours can signal a bush that it is time to rest. Such a mild dormant period does not last long, and it will require a suspension of top dressing, as well as a reduction in the frequency of watering.

Bacopa ampelnaya - types and varieties

Divided into aquatic and terrestrial species. The first ones are popular among people dealing with aquariums and rare species of fish, they are called Bacopa Monnier, there is also a special type of plant for aquariums - Bacopa Karolinska or Bacopa Monnieri (Bacopa Monnieri). Aquatic feels great in warm aquariums, in which the water temperature should not be lower than 25 degrees, it is also necessary to provide good lighting. Bacopa ampelous can also bloom in water. Reproduction of bacopa is vegetative or from seed.

What a bush looks like

The terrestrial type of pimp has an interesting feature. Bacopa ampelous flower with proper care can bloom all year round. For a start, buds appear on it at the base of each petal. When they grow to the correct size, they all start to bloom at once. Within a few weeks, the plant is covered with white flowers. Then comes the time of slow withering, new greens appear. This period lasts up to 25 days, during which time new buds are formed. And the sutera again begins to bloom profusely.

Note! Each new bloom will be stronger than the previous one.

What is Bacopa?

In nature, the bacopa plant grows in subtropical and tropical climates near lakes, canals and swamps. Its stems are rapidly crawling along the ground and growing in new terrain. Initially, the ampelous sutera was overgrown with only white flowers. But over time, scientists have developed different options: with a variety of flowers, large buds, terry species. It blooms well from early summer to late October. It calmly endures rains, flowers do not crumble and look beautiful.

To choose the right variety, you need to rely on the conditions in which the bacopa will grow. For example, the sutera with large or double buds is more capricious than the classic types. Therefore, to create vertical compositions, it is advisable to use unpretentious varieties, since such a sutera has long shoots, they will look good with ordinary flowers. Top dressing should be added only in spring or summer, sometimes in autumn.

Flowering bush

But, when it starts to get colder and the first frosts come, all top dressing ends. Apply the additive, alternating organic matter (bird droppings) and complete mineral fertilizer. Bacopa supplement is purchased from a pharmacy.

To make the plant lush, it is desirable to constantly pinch the tops of the stems. After pruning, the apical cuttings remain, from which, if desired, new shrubs can be grown. Pinching is required even after the lower part of the stems becomes lignified, and very few flowers grow on the bush. Therefore, the shoots are shortened by 1/4 of the length. This pruning is desirable in September.

Attention! You need to remember about the processing of plants. If they are grown in conditions unsuitable for life, or if you do not give it the necessary care, then a fungus may appear on the plant and it will rot.

If you notice a fungus on a bush in time, then its crown must be thinned out, and then pollinated with a fungicide solution. Several treatments are required within two weeks.

What does an annual bacopa look like?

Annual plants bloom from early spring to late autumn. They have very small and beautiful flowers, mostly white or blue. They require a lot of sun and light, it is advisable to sit in boxes.

Bacopa flowers

Bacopa petals and flowers are small, blue, white, pink. The plant will be of a creeping species, therefore, when its seedlings in open ground, in each node of the shoot, it forms roots when it touches the soil.

Sutera goes well with lobelia or petunia. The plant is grown by people who love beautiful compositions in hanging pots to create an original screen.

Note! Can be placed against the background of other colors to emphasize their brightness. But, like a single bush, sutera will conquer everyone with its beauty

Many people use this plant to hide empty areas in the garden, a dense thin carpet is obtained. The sutera is spreading rapidly and with its help you can easily achieve a decorative look. If you add different trace elements to the top dressing, then the bush will be very bright.

Tips for caring for room calla lilies

Lighting

The culture may feel great in a light shade, but in this case it is unlikely to bloom, since the plant needs a long day of light for the development of the peduncle. Therefore, to see the beautiful flowers, provide the calla with bright light, but without the midday sunlight, which causes foliage to burn.

The east and west windows would be ideal exposure. You can put the pot a meter from the south window. In winter, it is advisable to use phytolamp illumination.

Temperature and watering

Indoor calla lilies during the growing season prefers temperatures in the range of 20-25 С. From February to May, it is better to keep it in cool conditions of 13-16 ° C. Lower temperatures, like cold drafts, are detrimental to the flower. In hot conditions, the flowering period is shortened. The plant belongs to moisture-loving crops (alocasia, afelandra, balsam, calathea, etc.). Rhizome species prefer constantly moist soil, and tuberous species in conditions of high soil moisture quickly begin to rot.

It is necessary to water them as the top layer of soil dries up by 1 cm. Rhizomatous species are shown watering from below into a sump, which corresponds to their natural habitat.

Water the culture only with soft, settled water at room temperature. During the dormant period after flowering, watering is slightly reduced and resumed with the beginning of the growing season.

In a dry and hot room, the plant responds gratefully to spraying the leaves, but avoid getting water on the flowers.

V room care Calla lilies also include periodic wiping of the leaves with a damp cloth from dust.

Transplanting and planting tubers in the ground

The transplant is carried out at the beginning of the growing season before flowering in September, since the dormant period in our climate for the culture falls on the summer. The culture prefers a slightly acidic substrate.

A mixture of universal flower soil, peat and coarse sand in a ratio of 4: 2: 2 works well. At the bottom of the pot, it is necessary to pour a layer of expanded clay for good drainage.

Calla tubers are available for sale. They are planted in several pieces in one pot. When choosing it, remember that the tuber can grow one and a half to two times over time.

Sprinkle the tubers with a 6-10 cm layer of soil no less, since during shallow planting, mainly lateral shoots grow, and the peduncle does not develop, we water a little and fill up if the earth has settled. Water sparingly until signs of growth appear.

Top dressing

During the period of active growth of green mass, we use conventional mineral balanced fertilizers once a week.

After the appearance of the peduncle, we begin to feed with fertilizers for flowering plants with an increased dose of potassium and phosphorus. Potassium in this case will stimulate the growth of tubers.

If, for example, nitrogen is not enough in the soil, the calla will begin to take it from the tubers, thereby depleting the root system.

Can calla lilies be kept at home?

Calla lilies are among the unpretentious plants that are equally comfortable in the fresh air in the garden and in a flower pot on the window of a city apartment. Florists claim that calla is a real talisman for any home, capable of clearing it of all types of negative energy, so keeping it in the house is not only possible, but also necessary.

Calla growing in the home contributes to:

increased immunity;
restoring peace in family relationships;
strengthening the nervous system;
banishment of longing and sorrow;
establishing an atmosphere of joy and happiness;
ending quarrels.

Calla must be grown for patients suffering from serious diseases of the cardiovascular system. The flower will speed up their recovery and make them feel better. It has been noticed that calla lilies, capable of setting the interlocutors in a friendly way, contribute to the successful passage of business negotiations. That is why, having put a bouquet of callas in the office, you can count on concluding a profitable deal.

From all of the above, the only conclusion follows: the statement according to which calla lilies are flowers symbolizing death should be attributed to the number of myths and superstitions. This luxurious plant with a powerful positive energy has acquired its gloomy reputation completely undeservedly.

You can safely decorate your home with these elegant flowers that do not require complex maintenance, you can grow them in the garden, and bouquets of them will be appropriate both for a family holiday and for an official celebration.

Calla lilies for landing in a pond

An interesting plant called calla is considered an exotic plant. It can be found in the shallow waters of any wild pond. Otherwise, it is called calla lilies.

It has a thick rhizome and stem. It can easily overgrow around the pond and cover the nearest area with its stems. In this plant, literally everything is beautiful, from flowers to the general appearance. The inside of a white flower will look elegant - this is a green core. Calla lilies have a shiny green surface. These plants can be planted in the pond in those yards where a certain style is used.

For example, a great combination would be with the modern style. The flowers of this plant have a delicate and beautiful color and shape, so in general they will look divine. It is necessary to plant calla lilies up to fifteen centimeters deep, so it should be borne in mind that after a cold period of time, you will either have to start planting them again, or better to dig them up for the winter.

Growing bacopa from seeds

Sowing

If there is no bacopa on your site yet, then it will have to be grown from seeds. Getting good seedlings from seeds is pretty easy, especially when you consider that quality seed material can be easily purchased at a specialty store.

Sowing seeds for seedlings starts in March.To do this, fill a container with transparent walls with peat soil mixture, which must first be disinfected for 4 hours in the oven (temperature about 100 degrees). Wait for the substrate to cool completely before pouring it into the container. Level the surface of the soil mixture and distribute the seeds evenly over it. It is not necessary to sprinkle the seed on top; instead, it is slightly pressed into the pre-moistened soil mixture. Cover the crops with glass (film) and transfer them to a well-lit and warm (at least 20 degrees) place. The first seedlings may appear after one and a half to two weeks, while all the seeds will hatch completely only after 3-4 weeks.

Growing seedlings

It is quite simple to care for bacopa seedlings, the main thing is to remember that as soon as the first seedlings appear, you need to make sure that the surface of the substrate in the container does not dry out. The surface of the soil mixture near the plants must be gently loosened regularly. The first time you need to dive seedlings only after they have formed 3 true leaf plates. For this, individual peat pots are used, reaching 50 mm in diameter. When the seedlings take root in a new place, they will need to be fed; for this, a complex mineral fertilizer is used, while the concentration of the finished nutrient solution should be half that recommended by the manufacturer (see instructions).

Seedlings grow best at temperatures between 22 and 26 degrees. If you are going to grow bacopa in the open field, then it is recommended to dive it again after a while; for this, use pots that are slightly larger than the old ones. To make the cut plants more stable, it is recommended to deepen their stem into the substrate by one knot. When after the second pick 7 days pass and the seedlings take root, it will be necessary to add a complete mineral fertilizer with an increased content of nitrogen and phosphorus to the substrate. Then the following temperature regime is set for the seedlings: in the daytime - from 15 to 24 degrees, and at night - 13-15 degrees. If you decide to grow such a plant in the house, then you do not need to subject it to a second pick; instead, a young bush is planted in a hanging basket or pots.

BAKOPA GROWING FROM SEEDS. FIRST SUNNINGS IN 4 DAYS.