Zantedeschia aethiopica aka Calla Lily
Taxonomy
Zantedeschia aethiopica, also known as calla lily or arum lily, is a perennial flowering plant native to southern Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini. During the blooming season, the calla lily forms an upright peduncle on which an elegant flower opens, with large basal leaf plates painted in a dark green hue and can grow up to 40 inches (100 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. At the top of the arrow is a spike-shaped inflorescence cob, which is covered in a tubular sheet spread and blooms in the autumn and lasts until the end of winter or the beginning of spring. This plant is popular and not actually a lily but more closely related to other houseplants like pothos and Monstera. The ‘flowers’ may last as long as two months and can be found both in southern Africa and on the Atlantic Ocean island of Madeira, although it is considered an invasive species in Australia and New Zealand.
Common names
Calla Lily, Arum Lily, Altar LilyHow to care for Calla Lily
Difficulty
Calla Lily presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Calla Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
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 Calla Lily prefers bright diffused 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.
Toxicity
Calla Lily is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
The Calla Lily does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
Once the Calla Lily has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
The Calla Lily displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.
Region of origin
Calla Lily’s native range is southern Africa.
Flower
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Calla Lily blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia
