With their brightly colored blooms and paddle-shaped leaves, canna indica will add a boisterous amount of color to any garden. Because they can be difficult to grow from seeds, reeds are usually grown from rhizomes, known as "tubers". Read on to learn how to grow these beautiful flowers.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Planting the Canna Indica
Step 1. Wait for any threat of frost to pass before planting your canes
Cane indica is a hot climate plant that does not grow well in cold weather. Wait for spring to plant the reeds - when the soil becomes soft and warm from the sun's rays, it's time to start planting.
If you live in a colder area, where the warm season is quite short, you may want to consider starting the indica joint in an indoor pot. Check out the third part of the article to learn how to care for your indica cane indoors
Step 2. Look for a spot in full sun
As tropical plants, reeds require a lot of sun which will allow them to bloom luxuriantly - and that's something you definitely want. Reeds are known for their beautiful bright flowers and the intertwined, colorful patterns of the leaves. Give your plant the sun it needs and you'll be sure to beautify your garden beautifully.
Step 3. Look for a place where the soil drains well
Cane indica will survive in any type of soil as long as it has good drainage. The way to know if you've found a good spot is to check after a good rain (or after a shower with the pump). If there are still puddles five or six hours later, you'll need to find another place. While reeds love moist soil, they nevertheless can't stand soggy roots.
If you don't have another place to plant reeds, you can make your chosen soil draining by adding organic material. You can raise the soil level by 5 - 7.5 cm by using compost, peat moss or bark, all of which can be purchased at garden stores or nurseries
Step 4. Take the wind into consideration when choosing the place to plant
If you are going to grow one of the tall varieties of reeds, you need to choose a place where these stunning tall plants will be relatively protected from strong winds. In a strong wind, the stems of the reeds can break or bend and become damaged.
Step 5. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 30 - 38 cm
You can do this with a tiller or garden pitchfork. Mix a layer of compost into the soil to a depth of about 5 - 10 cm. The compost will give the soil an extra injection of nutrients that your reeds will appreciate.
Step 6. Dig a 5 to 7.5 cm hole for each bulb
Place a single tuber (or rhizome) in the hole with the eye (or growth point) facing up. Plant the other tubers approximately 30 cm away from the others for the smaller and medium-sized varieties; leaves 60 cm for larger varieties.
Step 7. Cover the holes and tubers with soil
Press the soil and water it thoroughly. Watering the area will help you settle the soil around the tuber.
Step 8. Add a thin layer of mulch over the bed
Mulch will help retain moisture and also keep weed populations at bay.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Care of the Indica Cane Outdoors
Step 1. Keep your eyes peeled for sprouts
The sprouts should start to appear a couple of weeks after planting, but if you live in a colder climate they may need an extra week or two. Reeds need heat to start growing. For optimal flowering, apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the canes about once a month.
Step 2. Water the canes regularly
They need moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. If you live in an area where rainfall is around 25mm or less each week, you will need to water the indica cane at least once a week. During a dry spell, water whenever you notice the soil is drying out.
Step 3. Give some support to the taller rods
If you notice that the taller canes are a bit bent, tie them to poles to help them grow and support their weight. Research to learn how to stake your plants.
Step 4. Eliminate dead flowers
When the plant's flowers bloom and wilt, remove the dead vegetation. You can figure out what to get rid of from the faded yellowish brown color, taking care not to disturb the still living parts of the plant. Do not cut the leaves until they turn yellow as they will continue to provide nutrients to the plant, even when it is not in bloom.
Step 5. Move the canes indoors after the first frost
If you live in a frost-free area, you should dig the rhizomes after the frost has killed the reed foliage. Trim plants up to 6 '' (15cm) high and carefully dig up the rhizomes from the ground.
Some indica canna specialists believe that the rhizomes should be allowed to dry for a few days before continuing with the next step
Step 6. Fill a plastic box with peat moss or perlite
Both peat moss and perlite can be purchased at local garden supply stores. After filling the box, place the pile of rhizomes inside it, making sure they stay separate from each other.
You can also put them in a brown paper bag filled with peat moss or perlite if you don't have a plastic box available
Step 7. Store the boxes so they are not in contact with the floor
You should choose a place with a constant temperature between 7 and 12.5 ° C approximately. Check them out from time to time. If you notice that the moss is always dry, spray it lightly with water so that it stays just wet. Your canes will hibernate during this time and can be replanted in the spring, just like the first time you planted them.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Potted Canes
Step 1. Consider purchasing dwarf canes for the planter
Dwarf reeds grow to about 90cm in height. They come in a variety of beautiful colors, such as the bright red Ambassador or the one called "City of Portland", known for its salmon color. Canes typically are much larger in size, so dwarf varieties tend to grow better in pots.
Step 2. Use well-drained, good quality soil
Potted canes will grow with any potting soil that can be purchased at a garden supply store - they really aren't picky at all. However, there must be well-draining soil, as canna indica does not grow well with soggy roots and could develop mold.
Step 3. Purchase a pot with drainage holes
You also need to choose the container based on the size of the cane variety you have decided to plant. If you're not sure how much it will grow, search online or ask someone at your garden store for advice.
Remember, you can plant the reeds with other plants in the same container, however they must all have the same needs for water and sunlight, otherwise they will not be able to grow well
Step 4. Dig holes that are 10 to 15 cm deep
Plant the rhizomes (or tubers) in these holes, making sure that each dwarf or medium rhizome is at least 30 cm away from the others. If it is a larger variety, make sure the distance is at least 60cm. Check that the growth points (or the tuber's eyes) are facing up.
Step 5. Water
You should water the canes just after planting them so that the soil settles around them and they can start growing. When they have begun to sprout, water them as necessary, keeping an eye on the soil to make sure it is always relatively moist (even if not soaking wet).
Step 6. Make sure the reeds get plenty of sunlight
It is advisable to take the reeds outdoors so that they can receive full sun during the warm months. If you choose to keep them indoors, make sure they are near a window that provides them with sunlight for most of the day, at a minimum.
Step 7. Bring the jar inside before the frosts come
If you have reeds outside during the summer months, be sure to get them back indoors in time to prevent the first frost from doing damage. Store them indoors where the temperature stays around 7 - 15.5 #C.
You can also dig up the rhizomes and store them in a plastic box with peat moss or perlite
Advice
- In climates that are warm all year round, reeds do not need to be removed from the soil for the winter. It is enough to add a dose of fertilizer in the spring.
- When choosing a place to plant canes, know which variety you are planting. Some can grow up to 1.80m tall. Take into account the size of the flower when choosing an ideal location for the reeds.
- Separate and replant the canes every 3-4 years so that the plants do not overgrow and invasively.
- When you're ready to replant the canes in the spring, use a sharp knife to carefully divide them so that each individual piece contains a good deal of rhizome and an eye.
