Zantedeschia aethiopica (zan-teh-DESK-ee-uh ee-thee-OH-pih-kuh), commonly known as White calla lily, is a common florist’s calla around the world.
Despite its common name, White calla lily, Zantedeschia Aethiopica is not a true lily.
Instead, it’s a clump-forming herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennial that belongs to the genus Zantedeschia and is a member of the Araceae family, also known as the Arums (Jack-in-the-pulpit) family.
Zantedeschia Aethiopica belongs alongside many favored ornamental houseplants like philodendron, monstera, dieffenbachia, and Alocasia.
The genus name Zantedeschia originated in honor of Giovanni Zantedeschi (1773-1846), an important Italian physician and botanist.
Moreover, the species name Aethiopica references its origins, as the word means South African.
Zantedeschia aethiopica is native to southern Africa, most commonly in Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, and Eswatini.
Although, this plant has also been widely grown and naturalized in different countries worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, coastal California, Tanzania, and Kenya.
This semi-evergreen perennial also abundantly grows in wetlands, stream banks, open woodlands, swamps, coastal marshes, old homesteads, and montane grasslands.
Zantedeschia aethiopica is prized for its large, pure white funnel-shaped spathes and arrow-shaped leaves that grow atop leafless stalks.
Other common household names of Zantedeschia aethiopica include:
- African lily
- Arum lily
- Altar Lily
- Brosimun aethiopica
- Calla aethiopica
- Cally lily
- Egyptian Lily
- Florist’s Calla
- Garden Calla
- Lily Of The Nile
- Pig Lily
- Richardia
- Trumpet Lil
- White Arum Lily
An interesting fact about Zantedeschia aethiopica is that it was the previous national flower of Saint Helena island.
However, it was changed to Trochetiopsis Ebenus in 2011 when a national poll asked whether the Ebony flower should be the national flower. The result was 87%, hence the change.
Moreover, some cultivars of Zantedeschia aethiopica have won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. They are:
- ‘Crowborough’
- ‘Green Goddess’
Quick Facts On Zantedeschia Aethiopica
- Family: Araceae
- Light: Full sun, bright sunlight, or partial shade
- Temperature: 55° to 65° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Regular watering needs
- Fertilizer: High phosphorus fertilizer
- Propagation: Seeds or division
- Common Problems: Japanese beetles, rhizome rot, leaf-spot disease, botrytis
Zantedeschia Aethiopica – Calla Lily Care
How Big Does White Calla Lily Grow?
Zantedeschia aethiopica typically grows about 2′ to 3′ feet tall with a spread of 1′ to
The white calla lily has a medium growth rate, reaching maturity in about 5 to 10 years.
When Does White Calla Lily Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Zantedeschia aethiopica is a sought-after flowering plant because of its noteworthy blooms. It features large, pure-white funnel-shaped spathes or a single sheathing bract enclosing a yellow spadix or the finger-like stalks at the center.
The white spathes grow with dark green foliage clumps of glossy green, arrow-shaped leaves reaching 18″ inches long.
The white calla lily blooms are borne atop a leafless stalk and are usually followed by clusters of yellow-orange berries.
You may witness the beautiful white calla lily flowers appearing from June to July, but some species may bloom from August to January.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Zantedeschia aethiopica thrives in full sun to partial shade locations.
This plant prefers full sun in cooler areas and does best in the shade in hotter areas.
For the full sun, the white calla lily requires 6 hours or more of direct sunlight daily and only 2 to 6 hours a day in partial shade.
It’s also best to provide a sheltered area with a west–facing or south–facing aspect for best growth results.
White calla lilies grow well in temperatures ranging from 55° to 65° degrees Fahrenheit for ideal growing conditions.
White calla lilies are also frost-tender, herbaceous perennials that can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11.
They are winter hardy to USDA Zone 8 but may need protection to survive USDA zone 7.
Moreover, any temperature below 41° degrees Fahrenheit can injure or even potentially kill white calla lilies.
How And When To Water And Fertilize White Calla Lily?
As a water-loving flowering plant, Zantedeschia aethiopica requires regular watering needs.
It grows best in areas near water sources or locations with moist conditions, such as in the mud, marshy areas, or pond edges.
In addition, white calla lilies can even withstand up to 12″ inches of water, as they are water-loving plants that work well in a rain garden or along pond margins.
You can use the ‘thumb technique’ to ensure you’re providing the right amount of water for your white calla lily.
You only need to insert your finger and determine the appropriate watering needs by observing if the soil is moist or dry.
However, it’s important never to allow water to sit in if you’re growing white calla lilies in a container as it cause rot.
For feeding, use a high phosphorus fertilizer every two weeks to encourage great growth.
What Is The Best Soil For Zantedeschia Aethiopica, And When Should You Transplant?
Zantedeschia aethiopica thrives in moisture-retentive soil organically rich with organic matter like humus, leaf mold, and rotted manure.
A soil amended with loam (silt), sand, and clay will also give the right soil conditions a white calla lily needs.
A standard potting soil is also a good soil mix for white calla lilies. However, ensure it doesn’t have too much fertilizer.
In the winter, it’s best to apply a good mulch later to overwinter the plant and allow a more healthy, clump-forming growth in the coming season.
The best time to transplant Zantedeschia aethiopica is when the threat of frost has finally passed, which is usually the spring, and the soil is beginning to warm.
Remember to dig a hole about 4″ inches deep when transplanting white calla lily rhizomes and place them within about 12″ to 12″ inches apart.
Does Zantedeschia Aethiopica Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Pruning Zantedeschia aethiopica is unnecessary but you may trim overgrown foliage to maintain a tidy appearance.
You must also cut off any foliage blackened by frosts.
How To Propagate White Calla Lily?
White calla lilies can be propagated by two methods:
- Seeds
- Division
Although white calla lilies can be propagated by seed, it takes longer for the plants to establish and flower, usually taking 2 to 3 years.
That’s why propagation through division is the most common method of creating new white calla lily plants because it’s easier.
Remember that the ideal time to divide white calla lilies is in the early spring, late summer, or early fall after flowering.
This will ensure no damage because the danger of frost has already passed.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, remove the entire clump from the ground.
- Then, break the clump apart, leaving some “eyes” or growing buds on each piece.
- After that, let each one dry out and callus for a day or two.
Zantedeschia Aethiopica Pests And Diseases
Zantedeschia Aethiopica is generally problem-free but may occasionally succumb to troubles, such as:
- Japanese beetles
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Mealybugs
- Rhizome rot
- Leaf-spot disease
- Botrytis
Therefore, any parts of a plant that show signs of an infestation should be pruned and disposed of.
Infected plants can also be treated with insecticidal soap and Neem oil.
Uses Of Arum Lily
Arum lilies provide large, spectacular white flowers that make a perfect addition to your garden, mixed plantings, patio, borders, and landscapes.
Since they usually grow in moist, marshy areas, they are ideally suited to ponds, hillsides, or slopes, rewarding you with a splash of the dazzling display.
Arum lilies can also be grown in containers or pots, making them an excellent indoor houseplant.
They can also be used as cut flowers, enjoying their lovely bloom in a tall, slender vase.
You can also use their flowers for beautiful flower arrangements and bouquets.
However, it’s important to remember that arum lilies contain calcium oxalate, which can poison pets, including cats and dogs.
This is why it’s crucial to handle arum lilies properly and keep away from pets as much as possible.
Look for signs that may indicate ingestion, such as:
- Mouth irritation
- Swelling of mouth, lips, tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stomach pain
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea