While calla lilies are not typically grown from common stem or leaf cuttings, they can be successfully propagated from a specialized 'cutting'—specifically, divisions of their rhizomes. This method is highly effective and widely used for multiplying these beautiful plants.
Understanding Calla Lily Propagation
Calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) are herbaceous perennials that grow from thickened underground stems known as rhizomes, rather than true bulbs. These rhizomes store energy and serve as the plant's primary means of survival and propagation. Consequently, the most reliable and common method for increasing your calla lily collection is by dividing these rhizomes.
Propagating Calla Lilies by Rhizome Division
Propagating calla lilies by dividing their rhizomes is a straightforward process that mimics how many rhizomatous plants naturally spread. This method ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant, producing flowers of the same color and form.
Steps for Propagating Calla Lilies by Rhizome Division:
- Prepare for Division: When your calla lily plant has matured and developed multiple rhizomes (usually after a few years of growth), gently dig up the entire plant, preferably during its dormant season or when growth is minimal. Carefully brush away excess soil from the root ball to expose the rhizomes.
- Separate the Rhizome: Using sharp, clean garden shears or a sturdy knife, separate a healthy rhizome from the plant's main root ball. Ensure each separated section has at least one "eye" or growth point, which is where new shoots will emerge.
- Allow to Cure: After making the cut, it's crucial to wait approximately one week for the cut surface to cure. Curing involves allowing the cut area to dry and form a protective callus. This step is vital as it helps prevent rot and fungal infections once the rhizome is planted.
- Plant the Rhizome: Once cured, plant the rhizome in a well-draining soil mix. A good mix might include a combination of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand to ensure excellent drainage, which is essential for rhizome health. Plant the rhizome horizontally, about 2-4 inches deep, with the "eyes" facing upwards.
- Provide Care: Water sparingly initially until new growth appears, then maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light.
Why Rhizome Division is Effective
This propagation method is effective because:
- Natural Growth Habit: It leverages the plant's natural growth mechanism, as calla lilies are designed to spread and produce new plants from their underground rhizomes.
- Genetic Fidelity: New plants grown from rhizome divisions are clones of the parent plant, ensuring consistent characteristics like flower color and size.
- High Success Rate: Compared to other methods, rhizome division generally yields a higher success rate for establishing new calla lily plants.
In conclusion, while the term "cutting" might typically refer to stem or leaf sections, for calla lilies, it's the precise division of their specialized underground stems (rhizomes) that facilitates successful propagation.
