Canna Lily / Indian Shot
Canna indica
description
Canna Lily is a bold rhizomatous plant combining broad tropical leaves with bright flowers.
benefits
- Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
- Flowering
- Suitable for containers
How to care for Canna Lily
sunlight
In its tropical habitat, canna lily grows in open, sunny places with plenty of warmth. Give it the brightest position you have for strong stems, richly coloured leaves, and the best flowering.
Full sun
Aim for about 6 or more hours of direct sun daily. Outdoors, a south or west facing spot is ideal. Indoors, place it close to an unobstructed sunny window. It can tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot climates, but will flower less and may grow lankier.
watering
Keep Canna Lily evenly moist while it is making leaves and flowers. Water deeply, then let the top 2-3 cm of soil dry before watering again, rather than leaving the rhizome in constantly wet soil.
Active growth - spring to early autumn
In pots, expect to water about 2-4 times a week in warm, sunny weather, and possibly daily during heat. In the ground, give a deep soak about once a week, or twice weekly in hot, dry spells. Check the soil first: water when the upper layer is dry but the root ball still feels lightly moist.
Cooler, lower-light months
As growth slows, water roughly every 1-2 weeks, only after the soil has dried farther down the pot. If the rhizome is stored dormant for winter, keep it dry rather than watering it.
Light, heat, wind, pot size, porous terracotta, and a fast-draining mix make soil dry faster. Cool conditions, shade, and a larger pot slow drying.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Canna lilies come from warm, often humid tropical and subtropical habitats. They grow well in average household air, but look their best with moderate humidity, especially while making large new leaves.
Acceptable minimum
Below this, leaf edges may turn brown or papery, new leaves can tear as they unfurl, and growth may slow. Hot sun, heating, air conditioning, and windy balconies dry the air faster.
- Group plants together or use a humidifier nearby.
- Set the pot on a pebble tray with water, keeping the pot base above the waterline.
- Good airflow still matters: do not keep leaves constantly wet in a crowded, cool spot.
temperature
Active growth
Winter minimum
Native to warm tropical and subtropical regions, canna lily grows best with steady warmth. Growth slows in cool weather, so keep potted plants above 10°C (50°F) and protect the rhizomes from freezing.
nutrition
April - September
Feed every 2-4 weeks while new leaves and flower stems are actively growing. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at about half the label strength, especially for container-grown plants. Stop feeding when growth slows in cool weather or the rhizomes are dormant.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports the large, lush leaves that make cannas so striking. A balanced fertilizer provides enough without pushing soft, floppy growth.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy stems and flowering. Regular balanced feeding is usually sufficient for healthy blooms.
soil
Rich, moisture-retentive, well-draining soil
Canna lilies grow best in fertile soil that stays evenly moist without becoming heavy or airless around the rhizomes. Mix garden soil or potting mix with compost, then add perlite or coarse grit for drainage, especially in containers.
pH 6,0 - 6,5
This is slightly acidic soil, which helps cannas access nutrients for strong leafy growth and flowering. Most quality potting mixes and compost-rich garden soils fall close to this range, so major adjustment is rarely needed.