Greetings, fellow flora. I am a Calla Lily, known to your kind as *Zantedeschia*. While you see a "bulb," I am more precisely a rhizome—a thickened, fleshy stem that grows horizontally underground. I am my own storehouse of energy and life. To help me thrive and display my elegant spathes, follow this guide from my perspective.
Before I join the soil, my state is crucial. Look for me in your garden centers when the seasons turn, ideally in spring after the last frost has passed. Choose a rhizome that is firm and plump to the touch, showing no signs of softness, shriveling, or mold. I should have several "eyes" or growing points; these are the pale, slightly raised bumps from which my new shoots will emerge. If I appear dormant, that is perfectly normal. I am resting, gathering strength for the growth to come. Some gardeners suggest soaking me in lukewarm water for an hour or two before planting to rehydrate my tissues, which can give me a helpful start, but it is not strictly necessary if the soil is moist.
I am particular about my home. I crave sunlight, but not the harsh, scorching intensity of a full summer afternoon. A location with full sun to partial shade is ideal, where I can bask in at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. The soil is my anchor and my larder. It must be exceptionally well-draining; my rhizome despises sitting in waterlogged conditions, which will cause me to rot. A rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is perfect. You can amend heavy clay soil with generous amounts of compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure. This not only improves drainage but also provides the nutrients I need to fuel my growth.
Plant me at the correct depth and orientation. Dig a hole that is about 3 to 4 inches deep. Place me inside with the eyes, or growing points, facing upwards towards the sky. If you cannot easily distinguish the top from the bottom, plant me on my side; my shoots will naturally find their way upward. Space multiple rhizomes approximately 12 to 18 inches apart. This gives each of us enough room to expand and access to soil nutrients without intense competition. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming it around me to eliminate large air pockets. Do not pack it too tightly, as my new roots need space to penetrate easily.
Once I am comfortably situated, water me thoroughly. This initial soaking helps settle the soil around me and initiates the awakening process within my rhizome. However, caution is key. After this first watering, maintain a policy of moderation until you see my green shoots break through the soil surface. Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Overwatering now, before I have significant roots and foliage to absorb the moisture, is the greatest threat to my survival. As I grow and the weather warms, my thirst will increase.
While the initial soil preparation provides a good foundation, I am a heavy feeder during my active growth period. Once my leaves are well-developed, begin feeding me monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. A fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content (the middle number in the N-P-K ratio) can encourage more prolific and vibrant blooming. After my spectacular show is over and my leaves begin to yellow and die back in the fall, you must stop fertilizing and reduce watering significantly. This signals to me that it is time to enter dormancy and conserve my energy within the rhizome for the next cycle of life.
