The Effect of Different Growth Media on Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)

Calla lily (Zantedeschia spp.) from the family of Araceae is an herbaceous perennial flowering plant commercially usedasa cut flower andfor green spaces. No research has studied the effects of different growth media on the calla lily. This study mainly aimed to investigate the effects of different growth media on growth parameters and nutritional status of the calla lily. The experimental design was laid as a randomized complete block design with three replications conducted in a semi-mechanized greenhouse (%RH= 70 ± 5, Temp= 24 ± 4 °C) during 2019-2020. The treatments included 13 growth media composed of perlite and cocopeat at ratios of 80:20, 60:60, 40:60, and 20:80, perlite and peat moss at ratios of 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80, fine-grained perlite and perlite at ratios of 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25, fine-grained perlite alone, and perlite alone. The changes in the ratio of perlite to cocopeat from 80:20 to 20:80 increased shoot weight compared to perlite lonely. The changes from 80:20 to 40:60 of perlite to cocopeat raised leaf length, width, and number. Increasing cocopeat or peat moss to perlite led to an increase in rhizome diameter. However, this increase was lower in higher proportions of them. The ratios of 80:20, 60:40, and 40:60 of perlite to peat moss increased leaf nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium contents. The use of different growth media (perlite, cocopeat, and peat moss) were suitable for this plant due to the better supply of the essential elements.