Photo: Philippe HornusCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Wild Calla Plant Care
Anchomanes difformis Engl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, uniquely shaped leaves that resemble elephant ears, this plant originates from tropical regions of Africa. Plant collectors are drawn to Anchomanes difformis for its striking foliage and rare appearance, making it a coveted addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Wild Calla?
Water Wild Calla every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Wild Calla Native To?
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Wild Calla?
Wild Calla (Anchomanes difformis) belongs to the Araceae family within the Anchomanes genus. Wild Calla is native to much of subsaharan Africa. Wild Calla is also known as African Calla.
Wild Calla displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wild Calla produces small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by a large, showy bract.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wild Calla?
Anchomanes difformis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wild Calla Need?
Wild Calla thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Wild Calla in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wild Calla Prefer?
Anchomanes difformis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Wild Calla prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wild Calla?
Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Wild Calla to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wild Calla?
Feed Wild Calla every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Wild Calla?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Wild Calla?
Wild Calla can be propagated through division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to anchomanes abbreviatus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wild Calla Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wild Calla?
Wild Calla is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wild Calla Need?
Wild Calla grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Wild Calla is native to much of subsaharan Africa. In cooler regions, grow Wild Calla as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Wild Calla is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anchomanes genus — compare its care with other Anchomanes species on PlantoScan.
Anchomanes is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Wild Calla thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anchomanes difformis Engl., family Araceae (first published in Monogr. Phan. 2: 304 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Wild Calla is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Philippe Hornus, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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