As I was headed into my local nursery the other day, an interior-plant deliveryman was unloading a van out front. Because I am perennially curious and a devout plant lover, I poked my head inside and saw the vehicle was basically a fully loaded plant-candy store with a fine selection of leaves and stems instead of chocolate and sprinkles. And because I am that kind of person, I struck up a conversation with the grower. After taking the one-minute “tour” of the truck, I asked him what his most popular plant was. You guessed it: ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia).
ZZ plant is the quiet hero of nearly any Instagram-worthy houseplant collection, the stalwart soldier in the corner of the photo frame as you scroll through thousands of s of #houseplantsofinstagram and #crazyplantlady foliage.
Turns out there’s a good reason that tropical plant Z. zamiifolia is a social media darling. After further discussion (and not even trying to pronounce the lengthy name), I was so convinced that I marched into the nursery and bought my own #zzplant. What persuaded me?
The Barletta floral plant, also known as the calla lily is prized for its graceful flowers and lush green foliage. Native to South Africa these plants can transform any outdoor space into a thriving garden oasis when cared for properly. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the key things you need to know to successfully grow Barletta floral plants outdoors for maximum beauty and enjoyment.
Choosing the Optimal Outdoor Location
Barletta floral plants thrive in outdoor garden beds and containers when given the right growing conditions. Here are some tips for picking the ideal location:
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Sunlight Barlettas prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure the spot gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best growth and flowering
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Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with organic matter is ideal. The soil should hold moisture but not get waterlogged.
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Exposure: Choose a spot with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid enclosed areas with poor airflow.
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Drainage: Ensure the soil drains well and doesn’t collect standing water, which can lead to root rot.
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Frost: In cold climates, choose a location protected from frost and freezing temperatures. Potted plants can be moved indoors over winter.
When to Plant Outdoors
Barletta floral plants can be planted outdoors in either spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Avoid summer’s heat and winter’s cold.
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Spring: Plant seedlings or divisions outdoors after the last frost date for your area.
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Fall: Plant in early fall at least 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.
Planting Tips for Success
Follow these tips when planting your Barletta floral plants:
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Dig holes twice the width and depth of the root ball.
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Carefully remove from containers without disturbing the roots.
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Place in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil.
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Backfill holes with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
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Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
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Add a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Caring for Barletta Plants Outdoors
With the right care, Barletta floral plants will thrive outdoors. Follow these growing tips:
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Watering: Water deeply once a week during summer and reduce in other seasons. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
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Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes.
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Pruning: Remove spent flowers and dead leaves. Cut back stalks after blooming finishes.
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Support: Use plant stakes or trellises to support tall varieties prone to toppling over.
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Weeding: Keep nearby weeds under control to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
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Dividing: Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or fall.
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Winter Care: Mulch around the roots for insulation or bring potted plants indoors until spring.
Achieving Maximum Flowers
With proper growing conditions, Barletta floral plants will reward you with an abundance of blooms. Here are some tips to maximize flowers:
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Ensure plants get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun equals more blooms.
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Apply fertilizer regularly during the growing season for vigorous growth.
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Provide consistent moisture, especially when plants are flowering. Drought can cause buds to drop.
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Remove spent blooms promptly to encourage reblooming. Deadheading redirects the plant’s energy into new flower production.
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Choose disease-resistant varieties like the ‘Madeira’ cultivar for prolific flowering.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
When grown outdoors, Barletta floral plants may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
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Poor flowering: This can be caused by insufficient light, irregular watering, or inadequate fertilization. Evaluate growing conditions and adjust as needed.
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Leaf spots/blight: A sign of fungal disease often caused by excess moisture. Improve drainage and avoid wetting foliage when watering.
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Root rot: Characterized by foul-smelling, mushy roots. Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Insect pests: Aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites may appear. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for treatment.
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Animal damage: Deer, rabbits, and rodents may nibble on plants. Protect with fencing or animal repellents as needed.
Growing Stunning Container Barlettas
Don’t have space for an in-ground garden? You can grow lovely Barletta floral plants in containers!
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Select a container at least 10-12 inches wide and deep with drainage holes.
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Use a quality potting mix, not garden soil which can get waterlogged.
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Situate the container in a sunny spot and rotate periodically for even growth.
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Water when the top inch of soil is dry and fertilize monthly.
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Move containers to a protected area in winter or grow as annuals in cold climates.
With the proper location, planting techniques, and care, you can successfully grow Barletta floral plants outdoors for a gorgeous and rewarding garden display. These tips will help you get the most out of these beautiful bloomers season after season. Give them what they need, and let their graceful flowers transform your landscape into a floral work of art.
Why are ZZ plants so popular?
Above: A four-inch ZZ Plant comes in a plastic nursery pot; $11 from The Sill. ZZ plant, with its wide, attractive, dark green leaves, boasts many favorable traits for offices and homes. ZZ plant tolerates neglect, is drought tolerant, and accepts low-light conditions without throwing a fit. Its waxy, smooth leaves reflect sunlight and brighten rooms. ZZ usually grows slowly to a height and width of two to three feet so it is not a plant monster that outgrows containers quickly.
ZZ plant also is an air purifier and in a NASA study, researchers found it is specifically adept at removing copious amounts of toxins such as xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air.
What is a ZZ plant?
Zamioculcas zamiifolia has been around for centuries, originating in drought-prone Africa (where it thrives outdoors). A couple of decades ago, Dutch nurseries located in South Africa saw the plant’s propagating potential and in 1996 started distributing it around the world. Since then, ZZ plants have entered hearts, homes, and offices worldwide.
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