Hi,
I have a Tropicana Canna that my old roommate tried to turn into a houseplant. I just got it back, and could tell she didn't bother watering it the whole month after I left. There are still some leaves on it - some a little dried out on the edges. I'd really like to see it bloom, indoors, most likely, as I am now in an apartment. What I'd like to know is if I should cut it back, or dig up the rhizome until March, or WHAT! It's kind of an eyesore right now as it wasn't taken care of. Any suggestions? I do love the foilage of this plant, when it's healthy.
Karrie
Question on my Tropicana Canna
Karrie, I have always thought they needed to go dormant in the winter, a
rest period so they could gather up energy for their next growing/blooming cycle. I have a tropicanna that I still grow in a pot that is resting in the
g house. In March, I will cut it back, the leaves are ugly, and repot in
fresh potting mix and start feeding it again. Will sit it outside in May in it's pot.
You can cut the dead leaves off but wait a couple of months to repot
Then start feeding a small amt, give it some sun and see what happens. For now, don't let the plant shrivel, give just enough water so it doesn't die.
Do you have a balcony or patio to grow it on this summer? If so, that would be ideal.
Hope I haven't steered you wrong. This is what works for me in zone 7.
Jackie
Mine will have to be indoors, close to an open window - I just moved into an apartment - no balcony or patio.
Hi Karrie, I agree with you tropicanna is quite an attractive canna. I would suggest holding off on the surgery for now. I guess if you are committed to growing the canna as an indoor plant (no balcony/backyard) then just try to give it as much light and warmth as possible. It might be best to leave what tattered leaves are there until the plant produces some nice healthy leaves to sustain its self and then give the tattered leaves a haircut. The main issue you are going to have growing cannas indoors is that the canna rhizome needs enough sunlight to prevent the rhizome from depleting its energy stores. I grow mine outdoors in the Summer and store them in a cool basement to overwinter and then start watering them again around March to get them ready to go back out in the Summer.
Cannas like lots of sunlight and will grow a bit leggy in low light conditions. So if you have a fairly bright room or solarium then you should at least be able to grow nice lush foliage, if not flowers. If the canna was grown outdoors over the Summer then it will have probably stored enough energy to flower. I wouldn't worry about giving it a dormant period if you are growing indoors - just fertilize a little heavier in the Summer (Miracle Grow, etc) during its active growth period and maybe scratch a little time release fertilizer into the soil to sustain it in the Fall.
Oops! Too late! I already cut it back! What would you suggest now?
Relax, don't worry, have a drink and wait for another stem to grow.
Cheers!
oakley doakley!
Cannas are from tropical areas and don't have to have a rest period. They grow and flower year round here. Keep them warm with plenty of light and they will keep growing for you. It doesn't hurt to cut cannas to the ground, new growth comes up fast as long as they are kept warm with ample light and water.
My Tropicanna is dormant here is zone 9a - however, I potted a rhizome and put it in the greenhouse, and it just poked through the other day.
Calalily is right - a little warmth and sunshine, and they'll keep on truckin.
Steve