Pond Calla lily rotten stem

[Greg Crawford]

I have pond Calla lily 3yrs, I winter it inside in 5 gal bucket of water and put it back in the pond late spring in RI zone 5. Just recently base of the stalks started turning brown and mushy with little white and yellow eggs(I assume) Any way to save this plant?

[HomeOwnersHub Advisor]

Your pond Calla Lily, which you've had for three years, is wintered indoors in a 5-gallon bucket of water and placed back into the pond in late spring in Rhode Island (zone 5). Recently, the base of its stalks has become brown and mushy, with apparent white and yellow egg-like structures.

Given this situation, here's how you might address the issue:

Possible Pest Infestation: The white and yellow "eggs" you mention could be a sign of pest infestation, perhaps snails or some insect laying eggs on the plant. Check the plant thoroughly for pests.

Rotting Stalks: The brown and mushy base of the stalks suggests rot, possibly from a fungal or bacterial source. This can be exacerbated by constant immersion in water, particularly if the water becomes stagnant.

Immediate Steps

:

1. Remove Affected Stalks: Trim away the brown and mushy stalks at a point above the rot. This will help prevent the spread of the issue. Sterilize your cutting tools before and after using them to avoid spreading potential pathogens.

1. Inspect and Treat for Pests: If you identify any pests, consider treating the plant with an appropriate pesticide or removing the pests manually.
2. Water Change: If you're wintering the plant in a bucket, ensure the water is clean. It might be helpful to change the water regularly or even consider wintering the plant in slightly moistened peat or sand, rather than standing water, to reduce the risk of rot.

Future Prevention

:

1. Circulation: Ensure that there's some movement in the water when wintering indoors. Stagnant water can encourage bacterial and fungal growth.

1. Water Depth: When you return the Calla Lily to the pond in the spring, make sure it's not sitting too deeply in the water. The crown of the plant should be just at or slightly below the water surface.
2. Healthy Environment: In the pond, ensure the Calla Lily is in a spot where it gets adequate sunlight and isn't crowded by other plants. This can help in keeping the plant healthy and reducing the chances of rot and infestation.
3. Consider Dividing: If your Calla Lily has grown considerably over the past three years, it might be time to consider dividing it. This can rejuvenate the plant and give you a chance to inspect the rhizomes for any signs of rot or disease.

By taking these steps, you'll likely give your Calla Lily the best chance to recover. Monitor the plant closely to see if the condition improves and adjust your care routine as necessary.