| To plant calla: what type of soil, how often fertilize, what type of fertilizer, how often watering--daily? Still in plastic pots from nursery: leaves are turning yellow and flowers are limped and bent--why? How can I revitalize this plant? Also, how to plant asiatic lily--soil type, fertilizer, water daily or how often? PLEASE ANSWER QUESTIONS. I really appreciate your time. THANKS! |
| Sounds like the leaves and flowers of your calla lily are weakened, but I'm not sure why. You should keep the soil moist, but not soggy wet, and feed weekly with a 1/4 strength dilution of liquid fertilizer. When the flowers are spent, cut the flowering stems down to the level of the foliage. Callas need a rest in order to grow and bloom properly. There is a natural resting period that callas go through during the fall, when the leaves should wither and dry up. At that point, gradually slack off watering, and allow it to rest for 3-4 months. Repot it in fresh, rich potting soil (make sure to place the rhizomes 4-6" deep), and resume feeding and watering. You can keep your calla indoors, but you'll need to stop watering in the fall so the leaves will wither and die. At this point I'd keep it going through the spring and summer, then force it into dormancy in the fall. After it has rested, it should bloom again for you. Asiatic lily bulbs are generally planted in the fall months and the sprout in the spring. If you have a potted plant, just allow it to continue to grow in the pot until it has finished flowers. This fall you can plant the bulbs in your garden in soil you've amended with compost to help it drain well. Water your lily about twice a week during the summer months. Enjoy! |
