Bulbs: Can calla lilies be grown as a houseplant?, 1 by ineedacupoftea

ineedacupoftea wrote:
Rot is probably the most common problem with Zant. It appears to me that if a Z aethiopica is not healthy and rearing to go when planted, it can rot -which really is odd, as they are a great submersible plant.

Most of my collection was zapped by soft rot (Erwinia) almost overnight last summer. It is worse in heat, and I got it. (Dry is also bad for it! Great, eh?) Crazy enough, the way I saved some of them was to overwater every day! (These were not aethiopicas.)

Next year, I will grow them in well-draining mix (added perlite, perhaps,) and water them ridiculously. (Plus some systemic) Soft rot could be entirely absent one day, but the following morning could mean the whole plant is mush. (Wierdest thing- all tissues are like wet mashed potato. There is but a gooy "shadow" of your plant!) I swear It is actually the result a weapon from Star Trek.

Uf, that was a horror story that I hope does not scare anyone from growing them. My experience was freakish. But just know that Zants don't liked dry heat!

Kenton

P.S. I am currently growing a Z. albomaculata as a houseplant. As much sun as possible is a must, and misting the leaves will prevent mites.

Some last year:
Z. 'Mango' and the towering Z. 'Treasure.'