Zantedeschia aka Zazu Calla Lily

Taxonomy

Zantedeschia, a genus of eight herbaceous, perennial flowering plants, belongs to the family Araceae and is native to southern Africa. These plants can be found from South Africa to Malawi and have been introduced to all continents except Antarctica. While Zantedeschia is commonly known as arum lily, calla, or calla lily, it is not a true lily, Arum, or Calla. Despite this, the vibrant flowers and foliage of Zantedeschia species and cultivars are highly prized and widely cultivated for their ornamental value. With arrow-shaped, fleshy, mid-green leaves adorned with scattered silvery spots, these tuberous perennials can reach a height of 50cm. The flowers of Zantedeschia start yellow at the base and gradually transition to shades of orange and red at the top. Although not classified as true lilies, the calla lily, a member of the Zantedeschia genus, is an extraordinary plant with a variety of colors to choose from. Growing from rhizomes, calla lilies are perfect for beds, borders, and even containers. They can thrive outdoors or be grown as houseplants in a sunny window. By following these tips, you can ensure that your calla lilies flourish and add a touch of brilliance to your garden.

Common names

Zazu Calla Lily, Calla Lily

How to care for Zazu Calla Lily

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Zazu Calla Lily, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Zazu Calla Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Zazu Calla Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Zazu Calla Lily prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Zazu Calla Lily plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The Zazu Calla Lily is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Zazu Calla Lily should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Zazu Calla Lily’s native range is southern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia