Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Water Arum Plant Care
Calla palustris L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its heart-shaped leaves and striking white flowers, this plant hails from wetlands in North America. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and ability to thrive in boggy environments, adding a touch of elegance to water gardens or shady areas.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Arum?
Water Water Arum every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% 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.
What Is the Water Arum?
Water Arum (Calla palustris) belongs to the Araceae family within the Calla genus. Water Arum is also known as Bog Arum, Wild Calla, Dragon Arum.
Water Arum displays an upright, clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Water Arum produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Arum?
Calla palustris 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 Water Arum Need?
Water Arum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Water Arum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Arum Prefer?
Calla palustris grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Water Arum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Arum?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Water Arum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Arum?
Feed Water Arum 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 Water Arum?
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 Water Arum?
Water Arum can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds.
Is the Water Arum 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 Water Arum?
Water Arum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. 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 Water Arum Need?
Water Arum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 2a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 2a.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 2a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Water Arum 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 Calla genus — compare its care with other Calla species on PlantoScan.
Calla is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Water Arum 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: Calla palustris L., family Araceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 968 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Water Arum 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 2a – 8b, 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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