Calla Lily

Scientific Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica

Plant Family: Araceae

Native Region: Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland)

Calla Lily

Brief Description

An herbaceous perennial with large, arrow-shaped green leaves that are often speckled with white transparent spots. It produces characteristic white spathe flowers with a yellow spadix.

Care Instructions

Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use well-draining soil and fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Bright indirect light is best; it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but needs partial shade in hot regions (approx. 4-6 hours of light).

Watering

Requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It is semi-aquatic in nature. Yellowing leaves can indicate over-watering or poor drainage.

Soil

Rich, moist, well-draining soil high in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.6 to 6.5).

Hardiness Zone

8-10 (USDA)

Growth Habit

Perennial rhizomatous herb; typically grows 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide at a moderate rate.

Bloom Season

Late spring to mid-summer; produces a large white funnel-shaped spathe with a central yellow spike.

Toxicity

Highly toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense mouth irritation, swelling, and digestive distress if ingested.

Propagation

Most commonly propagated by dividing the rhizomes during the dormant season (winter or early spring) or by seed.

Common Pests & Issues

Susceptible to bacterial soft rot if soil is too wet, aphids, and spider mites. Potted plants may suffer from leaf burn if exposed to direct, harsh afternoon sun.

Similar Species

Zantedeschia albomaculata (Spotted Calla Lily) which also has white spots but usually smaller blooms, and various hybrid 'Zantedeschia' cultivars that come in many colors.

Interesting Facts

Despite its name, it is not a true lily (Liliaceae). It is the national flower of Saint Helena and has been used extensively as a symbol of Irish Republicanism since the 1920s.

Created At: 2026-05-31T12:00:51.432036