Calla Lily: The Graceful Bloom
Calla lilies are graceful, trumpet-shaped flowers known for their sleek, minimalist beauty and symbolic meaning. They represent purity, elegance, and devotion, making them a favorite choice for weddings, religious ceremonies, and sophisticated floral arrangements. Originally from South Africa, calla lilies thrive in warm climates and are available in a variety of colors, including classic white, deep purple, pink, yellow, and orange. Their sculptural form and smooth, waxy petals make them a stunning addition to both modern and traditional floral designs.
COMMON NAME
Calla Lily
BOTANICAL NAME
Zantedeschia spp.
ORIGIN
South Africa
PEOPLE ALSO CALL IT
Arum Lily
FLOWERING TIME
Spring to summer (March to July)
ASPECT
Full sun to partial shade
SYMBOLISM
Purity, elegance, devotion, new beginnings
Care Tips for Cut Calla Lilies in a Vase
Trim Stems at an Angle: Cut the stems diagonally before placing them in water to allow better hydration.
Use Fresh Water and Change Regularly: Refresh the water every two days to prevent bacterial buildup.
Avoid Overfilling the Vase: Calla lilies prefer shallow water, as too much can cause their stems to become mushy.
Keep in a Cool Spot: Store the vase in a cool area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to prolong their vase life.
Handle Gently: The smooth petals and flexible stems are delicate and bruise easily, so handle them with care.
Symbolism & Meaning
Calla lilies are deeply symbolic flowers, often representing purity, rebirth, and devotion. White calla lilies are a classic symbol of innocence and are frequently used in weddings and religious ceremonies. Other colours convey different meanings: pink represents admiration, yellow symbolizes gratitude, purple signifies royalty, and red or deep orange embodies passion and strength. Their association with new beginnings makes them a meaningful choice for life milestones, including marriages, baptisms, and remembrance events.
Types of Calla Lilies
Calla lilies come in various colours and sizes, with some varieties standing out for their unique hues and forms. Zantedeschia aethiopica, the classic white calla lily, is the most well-known and widely used in formal arrangements. Miniature Calla Lilies come in a wide range of vibrant shades, including pink, yellow, and burgundy, and are popular for bouquets. Black Calla Lilies, such as ‘Black Star’ or ‘Schwarzwalder,’ feature deep purple, almost black blooms, adding an air of mystery and sophistication. With their refined beauty and strong symbolism, calla lilies are a timeless favourite for elegant floral displays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calla Lilies
Potted calla lilies can bloom for 6 to 12 weeks indoors, depending on their care and environment. After blooming, the foliage will die back, but with proper care, the bulbs can be kept for the next growing season.
Light: Place them in bright, indirect light to promote blooming. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight.
Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 15–24°C.
Humidity: Calla lilies enjoy moderate humidity; misting can help in dry environments.
Fertilising: Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during active growth.
Dormancy: After flowering, the leaves will yellow and die back. Reduce watering and allow the plant to rest for 2-3 months before repotting or reviving growth.
Yes, calla lilies are perennials in warm climates, where they return each year. In cooler climates, they are often grown as annuals or their bulbs are lifted and stored for replanting.
Choose a location with well-draining soil and partial to full sun.
Plant bulbs 5-10 cm deep, with the growing tip facing up.
Space bulbs about 30 cm apart to allow for growth.
Water thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil evenly moist.
Expect growth in 2-3 weeks with blooms appearing after 8-12 weeks.
Outdoors: Plant calla lily bulbs in spring, after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are above 15°C.
Indoors: You can plant them anytime but provide warmth and proper light conditions for growth.
Yes, calla lilies are toxic to cats. They contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. Keep them out of reach of pets.
Yes, calla lilies are also toxic to dogs. If a dog chews on or ingests parts of the plant, it may experience similar symptoms: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth and throat.