Calla lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica · Araceae
📷 Eric Hunt · CC BY-SA 2.5
⚠️ Cristaux d'oxalate de calcium dans toutes les parties. Ingestion : irritation buccale intense, troubles digestifs chez chiens, chats et enfants.
The gardener's calendar
Calla lily is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Common name
- Calla or White Arum
- Family
- Araceae
- Origin
- South Africa and humid regions of southern Africa
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Blooming period
- May to September
- Mature height
- Approximately 90 cm
- Hardiness
- Tender (mild climate or container cultivation indoors in winter)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Zantedeschia aethiopica grows best when consistently wet (pond edges, damp soil). But in pots or garden beds, don't let it dry out completely in summer.
The common mistake
Growing it dry in a 'normal' garden bed: leaves turn yellow, flowers disappear.
The pro's trick
In cold regions (-5°C limit), cover the rhizomes with 15cm of mulch from November and keep them almost dry in winter (just moist, not waterlogged).
Care
Abundant watering
The Calla loves constant moisture: water regularly during growth and flowering to keep the soil consistently moist. In winter or when not flowering, reduce watering but don't let the soil dry out completely. If grown in a pot, empty standing water from saucers to prevent rhizome rot.
Light and exposure
Place your Calla in a semi-shaded or partial shade location: it tolerates indirect light and fears intense direct sunlight that would scorch the leaves. A position near an east- or west-facing window suits it perfectly.
Substrate and soil
The Calla prefers rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Use a fertile potting mix enriched with peat or coconut fiber. Drainage is crucial: add sand or perlite to prevent waterlogging despite its moisture needs.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced or phosphorus-rich fertilizer every 15 days during the growth and flowering period (May to September). Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter to allow the rhizome to rest.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove faded flowers to extend the blooming period. Cut yellowed or damaged leaves at the base. After flowering, you can cut back the plant if it looks tired, and let the foliage dry gradually before stopping watering in winter.
Pests and diseases
The Calla dreads excess water which causes rhizome or leaf rot. Ensure good air circulation around your plant to prevent fungi. Spider mites and scale insects can appear in dry air: mist the foliage regularly with soft water.
Did you know?
The white Calla is a flower rich in symbolism: in Western culture, it represents purity and is associated with weddings and peace, while in South Africa, its region of origin, it is the floral emblem of KwaZulu-Natal. Its spectacular inflorescence is not a simple flower, but a white spathe (modified bract) that envelops a pale yellow spadix containing the tiny true flowers.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- TaroColocasia esculenta
- Giant taroAlocasia macrorrhizos
- Tree PhilodendronThaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
- Anthurium roseumAnthurium roseum
- Anthurium albumAnthurium album
- ZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifolia
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.