Calla Lily

Common Names: Calla Lily

Botanical Name:  Zantedeschia

Zantedeschia Description

Zantedeschia, commonly known as Calla Lily, is renowned for its elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy arrow-shaped leaves. This plant is a favorite in both gardens and as a cut flower due to its striking appearance and variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and deep purple.

Zantedeschia plants produce tall stems that culminate in a single flower, which is actually a colored spathe (often mistaken for a petal) surrounding a central spadix. The real flowers are tiny and located on the spadix. The spathes can be glossy and smooth or textured depending on the variety. Zantedeschia can be grown outdoors in mild climates or indoors as a potted plant.

Care Plan for Zantedeschia

Light: Zantedeschia thrives in bright, indirect light. If grown indoors, a spot near a window that receives filtered sunlight is ideal. Direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves and flowers, so it should be avoided.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, but be cautious not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. During the dormant period in winter, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Humidity: Average home humidity is generally sufficient for Zantedeschia, but they do appreciate higher humidity environments. If the edges of the leaves start to brown, consider increasing the humidity around the plant.

Temperature: Zantedeschia prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid placing the plant near heating vents or air conditioners.

Child and Pet Safety: Zantedeschia is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe irritation of the mouth, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. It's crucial to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.

General Tips: Fertilize every four to six weeks during the growing season with a high-potassium fertilizer to encourage blooming. After the blooming period, reduce feeding as the plant prepares for dormancy. Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy and to focus its energy on new growth. If leaves yellow or die back during the dormant season, reduce watering and allow the plant to rest.