Image: AI generated
Calla Lily Plant Care
Zantedeschia aethiopica Spreng.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as calla lily and arum lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to southern Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Calla Lily?
Water Calla Lily every 5–7 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. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Calla Lily Native To?
What Is the Calla Lily?
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) belongs to the Araceae family within the Zantedeschia genus. Calla Lily is native to southern Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini. Calla Lily is also known as Arum lily, Lily of the Nile, Pig lily.
Calla Lily displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Calla Lily produces showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Calla Lily?
Zantedeschia aethiopica requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Calla Lily Need?
Calla Lily thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Calla Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Calla Lily Prefer?
Zantedeschia aethiopica grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Calla Lily 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 Calla Lily?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Calla Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Calla Lily?
Feed Calla Lily 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 Calla Lily?
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 Calla Lily?
Calla Lily can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds.
Is the Calla Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
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 Calla Lily?
Calla Lily 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 Calla Lily Need?
Calla Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Calla Lily is native to southern Africa in Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Calla Lily 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 Zantedeschia genus — compare its care with other Zantedeschia species on PlantoScan.
Zantedeschia is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Calla Lily 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: Zantedeschia aethiopica Spreng., family Araceae (first published in Syst. Veg. 3: 765 (1826)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Calla Lily as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, 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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