Calla palustris aka Peace Lilly
Taxonomy
Calla palustris is a deciduous or partially evergreen rhizomatous aquatic perennial with glossy dark green, heart-shaped leaves and showy white flower spathes to 25cm in length in summer, sometimes followed by dull red berries. This species is native to Alaska, Canada, the northern United States, northern Europe, and northern Asia, and can be found in shallow waters of bogs, rivers, lakes, ponds, or swamps, forming colonies. It is commonly known as bog arum, marsh calla, wild calla, squaw claw and water-arum and is a member of theAraceae family.
Common names
Peace Lilly, Wild Calla, Wild Calla Lily, Bog ArumHow to care for Peace Lilly
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Peace Lilly is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Peace Lilly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Peace Lilly is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Wild Calla is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Wild Calla Lily with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Peace Lilly with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
Lighting
Peace Lilly requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Wild Calla is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Peace Lilly to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Peace Lilly is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Peace Lilly grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Peace Lilly’s native range is Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].
More info:
Wikipedia
