HOW TO CARE FOR CANNAS?
In the garden, plant cane rhizomes horizontally 5 inches (152.4cm) deep and cover them with a thick mulch. Leave about 2 feet (60.96cm) of space around the rhizomes. These plants do not like to be crowded and may refuse to bloom if other plants encroach.
Cut the cannas back to the ground after the first frost in the fall. In cold climates, carefully dig up the rhizome clumps and store them in peat or vermiculite overwinter at no less than 40°F (4.4°C).
You can simply bring container plants indoors in pots. Spray the rhizomes with water infrequently to keep them from drying out, but don’t let them sit in a constantly moist medium.
cannas leaves have a waxy coating that helps the plant resist fungal diseases. They are also usually resistant to pest problems, although you may find caterpillars or grasshoppers eating the leaves – just remove them by hand.
Tips
Cannas flowers rarely need tending. Water and deadhead during droughts to keep the plant blooming for as long as possible. Although cannas lilies are tropical plants, they are not hardy, although they can survive mild winters.
Once the leaves begin to break in the fall, fold them over the plant’s canopy and cover them with a thick layer of straw. Or dig up the cannas, overwinter them in a cool, frost-free place, and plant them out again the following year.
Temperature and humidity
Cannas are sensitive to low temperatures and frost, but they thrive in temperatures up to 90°F (32.2°C). In areas with relatively cool spring temperatures, cannas may start to grow slowly.
You can start them indoors in pots, then move them outside after they are actively growing and all danger of frost has passed.
cannas are perennials in zones 7 to 10, but in cooler areas, they can be grown as annuals by digging up the roots and storing them over the winter.
These plants are native to the tropics, so they will grow well in humid conditions. If you live in a dry climate, you can raise the humidity around your container plants by placing them on a tray filled with water and pebbles, making sure the bottom of the pot does not touch the water.
Moisture
Plan to water your cane once or twice a week. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. Otherwise, it will cause the plant to rot.
Light
These plants like full sun to grow vibrant foliage and flowers, but they can survive in a little shade. Just make sure the soil does not become too moist due to shade.
Soil
Cannas can tolerate a variety of soils as long as they have good drainage. They prefer rich soils with a high organic matter content. A soil pH of about 6.5 is ideal, but cannas can handle a variety of acidic to alkaline soils.
Fertilization
Cannas are fertilizer-heavy eaters. So use plenty of compost or organic fertilizer to keep your plants happy. As long as you use organic materials, you should not over-fertilize cannas. Fertilize once a month throughout the growing season, starting in early spring, with a balanced application.
