Overview
Calla picta Roxb. is a plant species that belongs to the family Araceae. It is a perennial herb that is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. The plant is native to India, but it is also found in other tropical regions of the world.Common Names
Calla picta Roxb. is commonly known as the spotted calla lily. It is also known by other common names such as the white spotted calla, Indian arum, and spotted Indian arum.Appearance
The plant has a beautiful appearance with variegated foliage and stunning white spathes. It grows up to a height of 1-2 feet and has a spread of about 1-2 feet. The leaves are evergreen and glossy, with a white margin in the center and a dark green outer edge. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and grow on a slender stem that rises from the center of the plant. The spathes are white with purple spots and can grow up to 6 inches long.Uses
Calla picta Roxb. is widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes. It is also grown as a cut flower for its attractive blooms, which are popular in flower arrangements. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used as a treatment for various ailments such as inflammation, wounds, and respiratory problems. However, its use in medicine is not well-documented and needs further research.Light Conditions
Calla picta Roxb. grows best in bright, filtered light. In nature, it typically grows in shaded areas under the canopy of trees. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that receives moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Calla picta Roxb. is between 18-25°C (65-77°F). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but not below 10°C (50°F). Avoid exposing the plant to extreme temperature fluctuations, as this can lead to stress and affect its growth and flowering.
Soil Requirements
Calla picta Roxb. prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0-6.5. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite is often recommended for optimal growth. Fertilize the plant every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Cultivation Methods
The Calla picta Roxb., also known as spotted calla lily, is a tropical plant native to India and Southeast Asia. It can be grown in a variety of settings such as containers, borders, and water gardens. The plant thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It prefers partial shade and can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours of the day.
Before planting, prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as leaf mold or compost. You can propagate this plant through division or by seeds. Division is usually done in spring or autumn when the plant is dormant. Plant the divided sections in pots or directly into the ground, and keep them moist until the roots are established.
Watering Needs
The spotted calla lily prefers to stay evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week, especially during the growing season in spring and summer. During winter, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant goes dormant. If grown in containers, ensure that there is drainage to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and die.
Fertilization
Spotted calla lilies require regular fertilization for optimal growth and flowering. You can use a balanced soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio fertilizer, every two to four weeks during the growing season. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in the soil at the beginning of the growing season can also provide adequate nutrients for the plant. Avoid fertilizing the plant during its dormant periods to prevent damage to the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the spotted calla lily, but if the plant becomes too crowded or untidy, you can remove dead or yellow leaves. Use clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors to prevent injuring the plant. After flowering, you can remove the spent blooms and stems to encourage the plant to put its energy into growing new leaves and roots.
Propagation of Calla picta Roxb.
Calla picta Roxb. is commonly known as the spotted Calla lily and is a beautiful species of flowering plant with variegated foliage. Propagation of this plant can be easily done through several methods, including:
Division
Division is the most common method used to propagate Calla picta Roxb. The plant produces small bulblets that can be separated from the mother plant and replanted. This should be done during the dormant season when leaves have fallen and the plant is not actively growing. The bulblets should be gently removed from the plant and replanted immediately in well-draining soil.
Cuttings
Calla picta Roxb. can be propagated by stem cuttings, which is a faster method than division. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and take a cutting of around 6 inches in length. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and cover with a plastic bag or sheet to retain moisture. New growth should appear in 3-4 weeks.
Seeds
Propagation of Calla picta Roxb. can also be done using seeds, although this process is time-consuming and requires much patience. Collect the mature seeds from the plant and sow them immediately in a pot of well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and expect germination to take several weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings have emerged and are large enough, transplant them into individual pots.
Note: Remember that Calla picta Roxb. is toxic to animals and humans if ingested, so it is important to take necessary safety precautions while handling it.
Disease and Pest Management for Calla Picta Roxb.
Calla picta Roxb. is a beautiful plant that is prone to pest infestations and diseases. Proper management of these issues is essential to ensure that the plants remain healthy and vibrant.
Common Diseases of Calla Picta Roxb.
Calla picta Roxb. is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Among the common diseases that might affect these plants are:
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes the plants to wilt, yellow, and eventually die. The fungus can survive in soil, and can be transmitted through contaminated soil or plant debris. The best approach to control the spread of this disease is by avoiding watering the plant too much and removing affected plants immediately.
Crown Rot
Crown rot is caused by bacteria that reside in the plant's soil. This disease causes the plants to wilt, and the edges of the leaves to turn brown or yellow. The best way to prevent crown rot from infecting the plant is by avoiding overwatering and ensuring there's good airflow around the plant at all times.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a severe bacterial disease that manifests as brown or black streaks on the plant's leaves, resulting in leaf death. The leaves ultimately desiccate, and the center of the crown becomes dark and rotted. There's no known cure for bacterial blight, and the best approach is to remove the infected plants immediately to limit the spread.
Common Pests of Calla Picta Roxb.
Calla picta Roxb. is also prone to attack by various pests. Among the common pests that might affect these plants are:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap and can reproduce very quickly. These pests can infest the entire plant quickly, and cause the leaves to curl, wilt, and turn yellow. The best way to manage an aphid infestation is by using soap sprays and neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that also feed on the plants' sap and can cause extensive damage. They're hard to detect, but their presence is evident in the form of yellow speckling on leaves, and reddish-brown webbing around the plants. The best way to control a spider mite infestation is by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips
Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the plant's juices and can cause leaves to curl, wilt, and become deformed. They also transmit viral diseases that can ultimately kill the plant. The best way to control thrips is by applying insecticidal soap and neem oil to the plant.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management are essential for the health and vitality of Calla picta Roxb. plants. By taking the right measures to prevent and control these issues, you can keep your plants looking vibrant and healthy for a long time.
