Calla lily, plant care and growing guide

Zantedeschia, also called Calla lily, is a genus of perennial, herbaceous plants, native to South Africa, including only 8 species. It can reach heights between 50-100 cm. At the top of each stem is a flower made up of a spadix and a spathe of different colors (white, yellow, pink, lilac). The leaves are dark-green, glossy, and have a sagittal shape.

Species and cultivars

Zantedeschia aethiopica and Zatedeschia pentlandii. There are species from this genus that have rhizomes and white inflorescences.
Zantedeschia albomaculata. It has tubers, green leaves with white spots, and a sharp tip. The flowers are white and slightly green at the base.
Zantedeschia elliottiana is also a species with tubers, and it has cordiform, green leaves with white spots. The flowers can be yellow, pink, or purple.
Zantedeschia rehmannii. It has tubers, lanceolate leaves, and pink or purple flowers.

Environmental conditions

Substrate. It must drain the water very well. A layer of gravel can be added at the base of the pot in order to prevent the clogging of the water holes.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Temperature. Zantedeschia needs an average temperature of 16-18° C and a substrate that is rich in humus, with a pH of 5-5.6.

Watering

Because Calla does not tolerate very well long periods without water, it is recommended to water it moderately, but not excessively. Watering should be done whenever the soil is dry at the surface.

Fertilization

During the active growth period, you can add a specific fertilizer for decorative plants.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Repotting

It should be done whenever needed, and the partial replacement of the substrate must be done annually, at the end of the dormancy period. Calla blooms from autumn to spring, but it also needs a period of rest. Dormancy is recommended in summer so that in autumn, it can form new leaves and flowers.

Propagation

Calla is a species that can be propagated through rhizomes/tubers, but also through seeds (which is more difficult). When the Calla enters the state of dormancy, you can divide and replant the tubers/rhizomes in order to multiply it. They should not be buried very deep in the substrate, as this will make it difficult to enter the vegetation period. In case of propagation through seeds, they must be sown in spring, at a distance of 8 cm between them. The seeds germinate in a few weeks, but they need a constant temperature of about 21° C. This way, flowering will happen after 2-3 years.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Diseases and pests

Excessive moisture in the substrate can cause various diseases, which can be treated with specific fungicides. It is recommended that the affected parts be removed, as well as changing the pot or substrate, if necessary.
Among the pests that can infest the plant, the most common are mites and whiteflies, and they can be controlled with specific insecticides.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
In addition:
  • Zantedeschia is sensitive to very low temperatures.
  • In autumn, before the plant enters the dormancy period, the leaves and stems must be cut, thus stimulating a more abundant flowering. It is very important to cut only the yellowed leaves, not the green ones. The stems should be cut from the base, very close to the root.
  • Caution! All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals, and after handling may occur skin irritation or vomiting.
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Calla lily, plant care and growing guide
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