Calla Lily

Basic Information

Common Name: Calla Lily

Scientific Name: Zantedeschia aethiopica

Native Habitat: Southern Africa, specifically Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The Calla Lily, Zantedeschia aethiopica, boasts a history intertwined with both natural beauty and human admiration. Its journey began in the wetlands and damp areas of Southern Africa, where it flourished long before European contact. The plant, with its elegant, trumpet-shaped spathes and bold, lance-shaped leaves, likely captivated indigenous peoples who lived in its native range. However, the precise details of its early interaction with humans before European colonization are largely undocumented.

The first recorded introduction of the Calla Lily to Europe dates back to the 17th century. The plant was brought to the continent, likely by Dutch and other European explorers and traders who were active in Southern Africa. Botanical gardens and wealthy individuals were among the first to cultivate it. The plant quickly gained favor for its striking appearance and ease of cultivation, becoming a popular ornamental in greenhouses and gardens.

During the Victorian era, the Calla Lily became highly symbolic. Its elegant form and pure white color were associated with purity, innocence, and rebirth. It was frequently used in floral arrangements for weddings, funerals, and other significant events, solidifying its place in cultural traditions. The Victorian era also saw the development of early cultivars, with growers selecting for larger blooms and enhanced aesthetics.

The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed an expansion of Calla Lily cultivation and the introduction of a wider range of varieties. Breeders have experimented with colors beyond the traditional white, creating cultivars with shades of yellow, pink, orange, and even deep burgundy. The Calla Lily’s popularity has transcended its historical association with formal occasions, becoming a beloved choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening. It is now a globally recognized plant, gracing gardens and homes across various climates and continents. While the exact individuals or organizations involved in the initial cultivation are often lost to history, the Calla Lily’s enduring appeal is a testament to the enduring power of natural beauty and human appreciation for it. The plant’s cultivation has, through the centuries, become a global industry, and breeders continue to create new and exciting varieties that captivate plant lovers worldwide.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

The Calla Lily has several fascinating adaptations that contribute to its survival. Its rhizomatous root system acts as a storage organ, providing the plant with resources to survive periods of drought or dormancy. The large, waxy leaves, which are often a deep green, maximize sunlight absorption for photosynthesis. The spathe, the plant’s showy, petal-like structure, acts as a visual attractant, drawing pollinators to the inconspicuous spadix (the central, spike-like structure that bears the flowers). The spadix houses the actual flowers and ensures efficient pollination. The plant’s preference for wet environments is reflected in its ability to thrive in boggy conditions, and its natural habitat provides the necessary conditions for optimum growth and development.

Propagation Methods

Calla Lilies can be propagated through several methods:

• Division: The most common method, involving dividing the rhizomes during the dormant period (late summer/early autumn) and replanting the divisions.
• Seed: Seed propagation is possible, but it can take several years for the plant to flower. Seeds are usually sown in spring.
• Offsets: Sometimes, the plant produces smaller “offsets” or daughter plants that can be separated from the parent plant and potted up.

Toxicology

All parts of the Calla Lily contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested. For humans, this can result in oral irritation, burning sensation in the mouth, excessive salivation, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. For pets, like cats and dogs, the symptoms are similar, including drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. It’s important to keep Calla Lilies out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion is suspected, contact a poison control center or veterinarian immediately.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Mealybugs

Diseases:

• Bacterial Soft Rot
• Rhizome Rot
• Leaf Spot

Other:

• Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering or underwatering, or a lack of nutrients.
• Browning tips: Usually caused by low humidity or insufficient watering.
• Failure to bloom: Can be caused by insufficient light, improper dormancy, or over-fertilization.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

The pure white variety of the Zantedeschia aethiopica, being a classic, is widely available and not considered rare. However, certain cultivars with unique colors, patterns, or specific variegations can be more difficult to find and are, therefore, rarer. The availability often depends on the specific breeder, the location, and demand. Furthermore, unique hybrids and cultivars often have limited propagation and availability, increasing their rarity.

Value:

Factors influencing the market value include the cultivar type (rare colors or patterns command a higher price), plant size, the quality of the variegation (if any), the overall health and vigor of the specimen, and current collector trends. Mature, established plants are typically more valuable than younger plants. Plants with particularly well-defined and stable variegation patterns often fetch higher prices. The provenance, or the history of the plant, can sometimes impact its value, especially if it’s a named cultivar with a well-documented origin. Additionally, high-demand cultivars within collector circles can significantly impact market value.