Does it need full sun?

It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade in hotter climates.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it makes a lovely container plant if kept consistently moist.

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.

Another photo of Calla Lily — Photo by Siphiwe Bright Zengele (CC BY) via iNaturalist

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 7 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: -5 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
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 if eaten, causing 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 children as the leaves and stems contain irritating sap that can cause pain if handled or chewed.
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 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, deciduous
Flowers: white, 10 to 25cm
Fruit: green, yellow, Late summer

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Root RotCommon
Soft RotCommon
Botrytis BlightUncommon
Slugs and SnailsUncommon
ThripsUncommon

By symptom

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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.

Group these with other moisture loving plants to create a cohesive bog garden aesthetic.

Grows well with

Hostas — They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Ferns — They provide a lush, textural contrast in damp garden beds.

Similar species

Golden Calla — It has similar growth habits but features yellow spathes.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Zantedeschia
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Southern Africa
Conservation: This species is common and not of conservation concern.

It grows naturally in marshy areas and along stream banks where it has constant access to moisture.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: cut flowers, pond margins, container gardens

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Moisture: 8/9
Nutrients: 6/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade in hotter climates.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, it makes a lovely container plant if kept consistently moist.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Italian botanist Giovanni Zantedeschi, while the species name refers to its origin in Ethiopia, though it is actually native to southern Africa.

Good to know

It is the national flower of Saint Helena.
Despite the common name, it is not a true lily.
It thrives in very wet soil and can even grow in shallow water.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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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.