How do you divide calla lilies rhizomes?

Dividing Calla Lilies: Getting More of These Beauties in Your Garden

Calla lilies! Those elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers are a real showstopper in any garden, aren’t they? And the lush foliage? Gorgeous. Native to sunny South Africa, these beauties are surprisingly easy to grow and, even better, to multiply. One of the best ways to get more calla lilies is by dividing their rhizomes – those underground stems that sprout new growth. Think of it as giving your calla lilies a little haircut and replanting the trimmings! This guide will walk you through how to do it, so you can enjoy even more of these stunning blooms.

Decoding Calla Lily Rhizomes

So, what exactly is a rhizome? Well, it’s kind of like a bulb, but instead of being round, it spreads out horizontally underground. These rhizomes are like little treasure chests, storing all the nutrients the plant needs to survive the winter and pop back up in the spring. Each “bulb” you see is actually a rhizome, packed with the potential to become a brand-new calla lily if you treat it right.

Why Bother Dividing?

Why go to the trouble of dividing your calla lilies? Turns out, there are some pretty good reasons:

• More Plants, Obviously!: It’s the easiest way to get more calla lilies. Who doesn’t want more flowers?
• A Little Spa Day for Your Lilies: Dividing overcrowded clumps gives your plants a new lease on life, promoting healthier growth and more flowers. Think of it as decluttering their living space!
• Keeping Pests and Diseases at Bay: By dividing your lilies, you improve air circulation and reduce overcrowding, which can help prevent nasty diseases and pest infestations from taking hold.
• Avoiding the Squeeze: When calla lilies get too crowded, they start to compete for resources. This can lead to smaller blooms, or even no blooms at all. Dividing them gives each plant the space it needs to thrive.

Now, you don’t have to divide your calla lilies every year. Only do it when the clumps start to look a little sad or overcrowded. I usually aim for every three to five years. Divide them too often, and they might not reach their full potential.

Timing is Everything

When should you actually get your hands dirty and divide those rhizomes? It depends on where you live:

• Fall (after the leaves die back): If you live in a colder climate (zones 7 and below), fall is your best bet. After the leaves have turned brown and the plant is dormant, you can dig up the rhizomes, divide them, and store them for the winter. This gives the new plants a head start before spring.
• Spring (before the new growth): If you’re in a warmer climate (zones 8-10), you can divide in late winter or early spring, just before you see those first little shoots popping up.
• Late Summer: Another option is to divide in late summer or fall when the plants have finished blooming for the year.

Let’s Get Dividing!

Ready to get started? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Winter Hibernation (for cold climates)

If you live where it gets really cold (colder than zone 8), you’ll need to dig up your calla lily rhizomes and bring them inside for the winter:

Extra Tips for Success

• Start with the Best: Choose mature plants that have been in the ground for at least three years. Make sure they have healthy, green leaves and look strong.
• Hydrate Before Digging: Give the plant a good watering a couple of days before you dig it up. This will loosen the soil and make it easier to work with.
• Don’t Drown ‘Em: Calla lilies like moist soil, but they don’t like to sit in water. Make sure your soil drains well.
• Keep an Eye Out: Watch for pests like aphids and diseases like root rot. Deal with any problems quickly.
• Patience is a Virtue: It might take a little while for the divided rhizomes to get settled and start growing. Just be patient and keep taking good care of them.
• A Little Head Start: Want to give your rhizomes a boost? Try pre-sprouting them indoors before planting them in the garden. Just place them in a shallow tray with moist potting mix and keep them in a warm spot until they start to sprout.

Dividing calla lilies is a rewarding way to get more of these gorgeous flowers in your garden. Follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying their beauty for years to come!