Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Care, watering, light and tips for Calla lily on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Araceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Calla lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as Calla Lily or Arum Lily, is a rhizomatous perennial native to South Africa, celebrated for its elegant white, funnel-shaped spathes enclosing a yellow spadix. Its bright green, upright foliage adds a touch of sophistication to any garden or pond, making it ideal for water margins, large pots, or as a cut flower.
Native range
Southern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini)
Care tips
It prefers bright indirect light or partial shade, especially in hot climates, though it can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept consistently moist. It requires abundant and constant watering, especially during flowering, as it is a wetland plant; never let the substrate dry out completely. Use a rich, well-draining organic substrate, or it can even grow directly in water in pond baskets. A common mistake is underestimating its water needs, which can lead to wilting and lack of flowering.
How to save a dying Calla lily
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, soft and drooping leaves; no flowering; soft stems and rotten base.
- First aid
- Inspect roots: if rotten, cut affected parts with disinfected shears. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and waterlogged substrate, leading to root and rhizome rot, its main weakness.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Removing rot and ensuring good drainage is key to its recovery.