Calla Lily.

En un coup d'œil

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Perennial

Light

Bright indirect light

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

90 to 120 cm

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 8 to 10

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Entretien

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the plant receives plenty of bright light to encourage those beautiful blooms.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist at all times without letting it dry out completely.

Feeding

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Remove spent flowers and yellowing foliage to keep the plant tidy.

Repotting

Repot in the spring if the rhizomes become too crowded in the container.

Soil

Rich, well draining potting mix

Soil pH

6.0 to 6.5

Temperature

10 to 24°C

Humidity

50 to 70%

Drought tolerance

low

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years.

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Sécurité

People

The plant is toxic to humans and pets due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause burning and swelling of the mouth and throat.

Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested as it contains calcium oxalate crystals.

Children

Keep this plant away from small children and pets, as chewing on any part of the plant causes immediate, painful irritation.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is generally not considered a major airborne allergen.

Edibility

All parts of this plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause severe irritation and swelling if ingested.

Comment l'identifier

• Large arrow shaped deep green leaves
• Showy white funnel shaped spathes
• Bright yellow central spadix
• Sturdy succulent like stems

Height

0.6 to 1.2m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

white, 10 to 25cm

Problèmes courants

• Soft rot — Bacterial infection causing the rhizomes to turn mushy and foul smelling.
• Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.

La cultiver

Propagation

division, seed

When to plant

spring

Overwintering

In colder regions, dig up the rhizomes after the first frost, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.

In containers

It grows very well in containers, provided you use a large pot that retains moisture well.

Pair this plant with other moisture loving species that enjoy rich, organic soil.

Bonnes associations

• Hosta — They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
• Ferns — Ferns provide a lovely textural contrast in damp, shady spots.

À éloigner de

• Succulents — Succulents require dry soil and will rot if planted with this moisture loving plant.

Espèces similaires

• Golden Calla — It has similar flower structure but features yellow spathes and spotted leaves.

Science

Family

Araceae

Genus

Zantedeschia

Order

Alismatales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

Southern Africa.

Conservation

It is not currently of conservation concern, though it is considered invasive in some regions outside its native range.

It grows naturally in marshes and along stream banks where its roots can stay constantly moist.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Uses

ornamental cut flower, bog garden plant, container specimen

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

Does it need full sun?

It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade.

Can I grow it in water?

Yes, it grows well in shallow water or very damp soil.

D'où vient le nom

The genus honors Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi, while the species name aethiopica refers to its origin in southern Africa.

Bon à savoir

• Despite the name, it is not a true lily.
• It is the national flower of Ethiopia.
• The plant is a popular choice for wedding bouquets.
• It thrives in very moist, even waterlogged, soil.