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.

Plant guide

Calla Lily.

Zantedeschia aethiopica

Pronounced zan-te-DES-kee-uh ee-thee-OH-pih-kuh

Also known as Altar-Lily, Arum Lily, Arun Lily, Calla lily, Common Arum, Common Arum Lily, Egyption Lily, Florist's Calla

The Calla Lily is a stunning plant known for its elegant, trumpet shaped spathes. It thrives in moist environments and adds a touch of sophistication to any space. These plants are actually rhizomatous perennials that appreciate consistent moisture.

At a glance

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

Care

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

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant has become crowded and stopped blooming well.
Water runs straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

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.

How to identify it

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

Common problems

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.

Growing it

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.

Rhizome Division

Carefully dig up the plant during its dormant period.
Gently separate the rhizome clumps with a clean, sharp knife.
Ensure each section has at least one healthy growth point.
Replant the divisions in moist, rich soil.

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

Grows well with

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

Keep away from

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

Similar species

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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

Good to know

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.

Is your calla lily looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.