Variegated Canna Canna 'Striata' (v)

Water

Variegated Cannas should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch (approximately 0.6 gallons) of water to ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice per week. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. If it's dry to the touch, it's time to water. Reduce watering frequency in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Light

Variegated Cannas thrive in full sun conditions, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in an unobstructed southern or western exposure to ensure they receive ample light. If grown indoors, place them near a sunny window.

Temperature

Variegated Cannas prefer warm conditions and will thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F, as they are not frost-tolerant. The ideal range for promoting growth is between 70°F and 85°F.

Pruning

Prune Variegated Cannas to remove spent blooms and damaged leaves to encourage new growth and improve appearance. This should be done throughout the growing season as needed. After the first frost, cut back the foliage to a few inches above the ground to prepare for winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Canna 'Striata', commonly known as variegated canna, should be rich, well-draining, and have a pH between 6.0 to 6.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, peat or coco coir, and perlite or sand is ideal, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Regularly adding organic matter can help maintain soil fertility.

Repotting

Variegated cannas like Canna 'Striata' typically need to be repotted every 2-3 years or if they become pot-bound. It’s best to repot them in spring before the new growth starts, using a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid excess soil moisture.

Humidity & Misting

Variegated cannas thrive in moderate to high humidity levels. Ideal humidity for Canna 'Striata' ranges between 40% to 70%. They tolerate some dryness but benefit from occasional misting or a nearby humidifier if indoor air is too dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place variegated canna in bright light, keep the soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, moist soil, fertilize monthly in growth period.

• Hardiness zone

  7-11 USDA

Life cycle

Canna 'Striata', also known as Variegated Canna Lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome, which is typically planted in spring after the last frost. Once temperatures warm, the rhizome sprouts, sending up shoots and broad, striped leaves, characteristic of its variegated pattern. During late spring to early summer, Canna 'Striata' enters its flowering stage, producing tall stalks topped with vibrant flowers that can range in color, usually with a splash of yellow or red. The blooming period can last until late summer or fall, depending on the climate and care. After flowering, the plant sets seed pods, although Canna 'Striata' is often propagated by dividing the rhizomes rather than growing from seed. Once colder temperatures arrive, the plant dies back, and the rhizomes enter a period of dormancy over winter, ready to restart the cycle in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Canna 'Striata', or variegated canna lily, is most effectively propagated through division, which is typically done in the spring just before the new growing season begins. This process involves separating the rhizomes, which are the underground stems of the plant. Gardeners should carefully dig around the canna lily to lift the entire clump out of the ground, then use a sharp knife or spade to cut the rhizomes into sections, ensuring each section has at least one eye, or growth point. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters), allowing for each piece to develop into a new plant. Adequate spacing, usually around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) apart, is important to give the new plants room to grow. The newly planted rhizomes should be watered well to establish them, and they will soon begin to grow, creating a fresh display of the plant's strikingly variegated foliage and vibrant flowers.