Can you split a calla lily bulb?

Splitting Calla Lilies: More Plants for Free!

Calla lilies. Aren’t they just gorgeous? Those elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green leaves make them a real showstopper in any garden or floral arrangement. But here’s a little secret: those “bulbs” they grow from? They’re actually rhizomes – kind of like underground stems. And guess what? You can split them! That’s right, dividing calla lily rhizomes is a super easy way to get more of these beauties for absolutely nothing.

Rhizomes: What’s the Deal?

Okay, so before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk rhizomes. Unlike true bulbs, these guys spread horizontally underground. Think of them as little storage units, packed with all the nutrients a calla lily needs to grow and bloom. Each one of those “bulbs” you see is actually a rhizome, and each one has the potential to become a brand new plant. Pretty cool, huh?

Why Bother Dividing?

So, why would you even want to split your calla lilies? Well, a few reasons:

• Free Plants! Seriously, who doesn’t love free plants? Dividing is the easiest way to multiply your collection.
• Space Issues: Calla lilies are generous growers, and over time, they can get a bit crowded. This can lead to fewer flowers and less-than-stellar growth.
• A Little TLC: Sometimes, plants just need a little refresh. Dividing and replanting can give your calla lilies a new lease on life.
• Keeping Things in Check: Splitting them up can also help prevent the spread of disease or pests. Think of it as good plant hygiene!

Timing is Everything

When’s the best time to get dividing? It depends on where you live:

• Warm Climates (Zones 8-10): If you’re lucky enough to live where calla lilies can stay in the ground all year, late winter or early spring is your best bet, after the last frost has passed.
• Cooler Climates (Zones 3-7): For those of us who have to dig them up for the winter, you’ve got a couple of options. You can divide them in the fall when you’re digging them up, or wait until early spring before you replant. Personally, I like to wait until spring when I can see those little shoots starting to emerge – it just feels like they’re raring to go!

Dividing in the fall gives the new plants a head start before spring, while dividing in spring minimizes stress on the original plant.

Let’s Get Dividing!

Ready to get started? Here’s how to split those rhizomes:

Happy Plants, Happy Gardener

Once you’ve divided and replanted, here’s how to keep your calla lilies happy:

• Sunshine: Calla lilies love sunshine, but they can also handle a bit of shade.
• Good Soil: Make sure they’re planted in soil that’s rich, loose, and drains well.
• Water, But Not Too Much: Keep the soil moist, but avoid letting them sit in water.
• Food: Give them a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Stop fertilizing when they’re done blooming.
• Winter Prep: If you live in a cold climate, dig up the rhizomes in the fall after the leaves have died back. Store them in a cool, dry place (around 50-60°F) in a box with slightly damp peat moss or sawdust.

Enjoy Your New Calla Lilies!

Dividing calla lilies is a simple way to get more plants and keep your garden thriving. Follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying those gorgeous flowers for years to come. Happy gardening!