Monday, May 16, 2011

How to Divide & Pot Calla Lilies & Other Rhizome Plants

Rhizomes are plant bulbs that are flat in shape and very bulbous in size, a typical example of a rhizome is ginger. Ginger is the bulb of a tropical plant, mainly found in Hawaii, Asia, and the Philapens. Plants that you may know that have rhizome bulbs may include Irises and Calla Lilies. Rhizome, like other bulb forms, are perennial bases for plants, so they come back each spring or summer.


You walk outside and find this, a weedy mess. There is also a few plants emerging that must not be cut down: Calla lilies. Here is a tutorial on divide and pot rhizome based plants.


1. Dig a wide base around the plant so not to damage the rhizome and delicate roots.


2. Remove non-desired plant debris including the roots of said debris. Do this gently.


3. After cleaning and sprucing the plant remove inspect the roots for any infestation of bugs or root.


3. Remove the secondary plants that have budded from the parent plant, make sure it has its own rhizome and roots intact.


4. Choose a pot to plant secondary plants that are large enough to retain water and have no need transplant the plant any time soon. Fill to the top with light airy potting soil.


5. Dig a deep hole into the soil that can support the plant base
 and wide enough to allow room for the roots.


6. Some roots may be very long, gently coil the around the base loosely.


7. Gently press the soil down firmly and position the plant as straight and natural as possible. Water thoroughly to settle the dirt and eliminate any air pockets.


8. Replant the parent plant add new mulch and water very generously until the plant is reestablished in the soil.


9. Within a month or so you'll have extra pretty plants like these to give away to friends.
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