WhatCausesCannaRhizomeRot? When digging for storage or cutting back for tidiness, keep an eye out for canna lily rot. This may happen following an especially rainy year or when cannarhizomes have multiplied and gotten tight in their planting spot. Discover how to grow dazzling canna lilies! Learn planting tips, care routines, and overwintering methods for these bold, heat-loving perennials.Space rhizomes 1-1/2 to 2 feet apart to give cannas enough room. Containers need to be at least 18 inches in diameter (per rhizome). This keeps the rhizomes moist while reducing the risk of rot. Check rhizomes monthly and discard any that begin to rot. It is true that one rotten apple, or in this case, cannarhizome, can spoil the bunch. Trouble With Stored Canna Roots (Rhizomes). Check your cannas periodically. Remove any that soften or begin to rot. Rotting can be caused by cold temperatures or by storing damaged or overly wet rhizomes. When digging for storage or cutting back for tidiness, keep an eye out for canna lily rot. ... Soil without proper drainage and too much rain (or overwatering) on a crowded bed of cannarhizomes allow fungi like Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium to enter and grow, causing decay at the base. Digging in two to four inches of well-rotted compost, aged manure, or other organic material lightens the soil structure. This preparation ensures the rhizome has access to nutrients while preventing the stagnant moisture that causes deterioration. Step-by-Step CannaRhizome Planting. Understanding Canna Lily Water Needs. Canna lilies hail from warm, moist regions and display vigorous growth during their season. Their robust rhizomes store nutrients and energy but rely heavily on consistent moisture, especially during pivotal growth phases. The correct term for it would probably be CannaRhizomes, but I think a lot of people commonly refer to them as bulbs. If you live in a colder zone, you will have to dig up and store your CannaRhizomes all winter. Southern gardeners in zone 8-11 don't have to worry about it. Propagating Canna. Cannas are readily propagated by digging up the rhizomes and dividing them for replanting. Do this early in the spring or in the fall. Carefully dig up the entire plant with a shovel, taking care not to damage the rhizomes or the roots of the mother plant. Check stored rhizomes every few weeks and remove any that show signs of rotting. Replant the rhizomes in spring after the last frost when soil temperatures reach 65°F. Growing Tips to Overwinter Cannas. Plant your Canna Lily rhizomes outdoors from late spring to early summer after the danger of frost has passed. They can also be started indoors in pots as early as a month before the average last frost date for those with shorter growing seasons. The ideal soil for canna lilies should be rich in organic matter, with plenty of compost added. This helps the cannas, often grown as perennials, by providing a hospitable environment for the cannarhizomes and canna lily bulbs. Understanding Canna Cold Sensitivity. Cannas are tropical plants that thrive in warm, sunny climates, but they are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. When exposed to frost or freezing conditions, their rhizomes—underground stems that store nutrients—can suffer damage or even die. I've seen cannarhizomes left totally immersed in water in wintry weather for months. Yet when they are fished out they look totally healthy and ready to grow. In my opinion, wetness doesn't causerhizomes to rot. Cannas die and rot if they get damaged by frost.
