Calla lilies, known for their elegant, colorful blooms, can be propagated. These plants grow from rhizomes, which are underground stems that store nutrients. Propagating them allows gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
Methods of Calla Lily Propagation
Calla lilies are propagated primarily by dividing their rhizomes or by growing them from seed. Division is the most common and quickest method for home gardeners, producing new plants genetically identical to the parent. Growing from seed is a slower process, often used for developing new varieties or when a rhizome is not available.
Propagating Calla Lilies by Division
The most effective time to divide calla lily rhizomes is after their flowering period, when the plant enters dormancy, or in early spring before new growth begins. This timing minimizes stress and encourages successful establishment. Before starting, gather a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears, gardening gloves, fresh potting mix, and new pots.
Carefully dig up the entire calla lily clump or remove it from its pot. Gently brush away excess soil to expose the rhizome structure. Examine the rhizome for natural divisions or “eyes,” which are growth points where new shoots will emerge. Each section you cut should contain at least one “eye” to ensure new growth.
Using your sharp, clean knife, cut the rhizome into several sections. Allow the severed surfaces to air dry for one to two days; this process, known as callusing, helps prevent rot and fungal infections. Once callused, plant each divided section shallowly in well-draining potting mix, ensuring the “eye” or growth point is positioned just below or at the soil surface. After planting, provide a light watering to settle the soil around the newly placed rhizome.
Care for Newly Divided Calla Lilies
After planting your newly divided calla lily rhizomes, consistent care is important for successful establishment. Provide an initial light watering, then maintain consistent moisture in the soil without overwatering. Overly saturated conditions can lead to rhizome rot.
Place the newly planted divisions in a location that receives bright, indirect light to encourage healthy growth. Maintaining consistent, warm temperatures is also beneficial for their recovery. Avoid applying fertilizer immediately after planting; wait until you observe clear signs of new foliage growth, which indicates the plant is actively rooting. New growth may take a few weeks to appear. If leaves begin to yellow, it often signals overwatering, while leggy growth can indicate insufficient light.
Propagating Calla Lilies from Seed
Propagating calla lilies from seed offers an alternative, slower method. Seeds can be collected from mature seed pods of spent flowers or purchased from a reputable source. Before sowing, soaking seeds overnight can help soften their outer coating.
Sow the prepared seeds shallowly in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Provide warmth, ideally around 60°F (15°C) or higher, and maintain consistent moisture. Germination can be slow, taking several weeks to months for sprouts to appear. Once seedlings have developed two to three true leaves and are large enough to handle, carefully transplant them into individual pots. Plants grown from seed typically take two to three years to reach maturity and produce their first blooms.