How to Care for Zantedeschia aethiopica (Calla lily)

Korean name: 칼라

Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as the calla lily, is a striking plant admired for its elegant, white, funnel-shaped flowers and lush, deep green leaves. In the home, it brings a touch of sophistication and freshness, often making a statement as a potted plant or as part of floral arrangements. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistently moist soil, making it relatively easy to care for with regular attention. While beautiful, it should be kept out of reach of pets and children, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

Key facts

Detailed care guide

Calla lily is a bulb plant with elegant, funnel-shaped white spathes that resemble flowers, often used in wedding bouquets.

Watering

Water thoroughly once the soil surface is dry. During the growing season, it's best to keep the soil from drying out. Too much water can cause root rot, turning the leaves yellow and mushy, so be careful.

Light

Bright indirect light or a spot that gets morning sun only works well. Insufficient light can cause the stems to grow long and the leaf color to fade.

Humidity

It likes moderate to high humidity. In dry conditions, the leaf tips may dry out or turn brown, so keep an eye on humidity.

Temperature

15–24°C is the right temperature. Outside this range, growth may slow or the leaves may show problems.

A common first-timer mistake

Watering too often can easily cause root rot, so be sure to check the soil surface before watering. Overwatering can turn the leaves yellow and mushy.

If you have pets

Calla lily is toxic to pets. Keep it out of reach so dogs or cats can't chew on the leaves or stems, and contact a vet right away if you suspect your pet has eaten any part of it.

Seasonal Care

In spring and summer, growth and flowering are active, so water generously to keep the soil from drying out, and feed with liquid fertilizer every two weeks. From fall into winter, growth slows, so reduce watering frequency and skip fertilizer. It's best to avoid overly dry or cold conditions.

Common Problems and Fixes

Overwatering is the most common issue, causing the leaves to yellow and turn mushy. On the other hand, letting it dry out for too long can cause the leaf tips to brown or the stems to bend, so check the soil condition regularly. Insufficient light can cause the flowers to bloom smaller or the stems to grow leggy, so keep it in a bright spot.

Repotting and Propagation

Since calla lily is a bulb plant, repotting every 1–2 years helps keep it healthy. Repot in early spring before new shoots emerge, using soil rich in organic matter with good drainage. To propagate, simply separate and plant the bulbs.

Who It's Good For

Calla lily is easy enough to manage that it suits people without much plant experience. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy its elegant blooms at home or in the office for a long time. It's moderately difficult, but with a little attention to watering and light, you can keep it healthy for years.

Written by AI from the care facts in this entry. Treat it as a starting point.

Common questions

How often should you water Zantedeschia aethiopica?

Roughly every 4 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Zantedeschia aethiopica?

You can grow it indoors.

Is Zantedeschia aethiopica safe around pets?

Toxic, so keep it well away from pets and children.

Is Zantedeschia aethiopica good for beginners?

Difficulty: Moderate.