Calla Lilies: An Overview
Calla lilies are beautiful, elegant, and easy to care for. They are a popular choice for home gardeners and florists alike. Native to southern Africa, these plants have broad, arrow-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red. Despite their vibrant appearance, calla lilies are not true lilies and are instead members of the Araceae family.
Common Varieties of Calla Lilies
There are three commonly grown varieties of calla lilies:
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Zantedeschia Aethiopica (white calla lily) – this is the most common variety of calla lily, and it features large white flowers with a yellow center.
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Zantedeschia Rehmannii (pink calla lily) – this variety of calla lily has pink or magenta-colored flowers with a yellow center.
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Zantedeschia Elliottiana (yellow calla lily) – this variety of calla lily has bright yellow flowers with a yellow center.
Calla Lilies: The Symbolism
Calla lilies are often associated with purity, innocence, and rebirth, making them a popular choice of flower for weddings and funerals. They are also the traditional flower for a couple’s sixth wedding anniversary. In addition to their symbolic significance, calla lilies are also known for their medicinal properties. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, coughs, and sore throats.
Plant Care for Calla Lilies
Light Requirements
Calla lilies thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They can also tolerate some shade, but too much shade will result in weak stems and fewer flowers. If you are growing calla lilies indoors, place them near a window that receives plenty of natural light.
Soil Requirements
Calla lilies prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for calla lilies should contain equal parts of peat moss, sand, and perlite. If you are planting calla lilies in the ground, make sure the soil is well-draining and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Watering Requirements
Calla lilies like to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants when the soil feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater them. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and lead to fungal diseases. If you are growing calla lilies in a pot, make sure the container has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Fertilizer Requirements
Calla lilies are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, and apply it every two to three weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to burned foliage and reduced flower production.
Temperature Requirements
Calla lilies prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but they are not frost-tolerant. If you are growing calla lilies outdoors, make sure to bring them inside before the first frost of the season.
Pest and Disease Control
Calla lilies are generally pest and disease-resistant, but they can be susceptible to fungal diseases if they are overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If you notice any signs of fungal disease, such as yellowing leaves or a white powdery coating on the foliage, treat the plant with a fungicide.
Propagation
Calla lilies can be propagated by division or by seed. To propagate by division, dig up the entire clump of calla lilies and separate the individual bulbs. Replant the bulbs in separate containers or in the ground. To propagate by seed, collect the seed pods after the flowers have faded and plant them in a well-draining potting mix.
Conclusion
Calla lilies are a popular choice of plant for home gardeners and florists due to their beauty, elegance, and ease of care. By following the simple guidelines outlined in this article, you can provide the optimal growing conditions for your calla lilies and enjoy their vibrant flowers for years to come.