Calla Lily 'Captain Lido' Zantedeschia 'Captain Lido' (PBR) (Captain Series)

Names

• Family

  Araceae

• Synonyms

  Calla Lily, Arum Lily, Captain Lido Calla Lily.

• Common names

  Zantedeschia 'Captain Lido'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Calla lily, the common name for Zantedeschia 'Captain Lido', is toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of poisoning may include intense burning and irritation of the lips, mouth, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and possible swelling, which can lead to difficulty breathing. Ingesting parts of the plant can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Seeking medical attention is recommended if any part of the plant is accidentally consumed.

• To pets

  Calla lily, the common name for Zantedeschia 'Captain Lido', is also toxic to pets such as cats and dogs if ingested. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to difficulty breathing due to swelling. If a pet consumes any part of the calla lily, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  1.6 feet (50 cm)

• Spread

  1 feet (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  9

• Native area

  South Africa

General Benefits

• Easy to grow - 'Captain Lido' is known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate in a variety of conditions.
• Vibrant flowers - The plant produces bright and colorful spathes that add visual appeal to any garden setting.
• Long blooming period - It has a prolonged flowering season, providing color from late spring to early summer.
• Attracts pollinators - The flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
• Compact size - It is suitable for small gardens, patios, or balconies due to its relatively compact growth habit.
• Great for cut flowers - The blooms have a long vase life, making them ideal for floral arrangements.
• Container-friendly - Can be successfully grown in containers, allowing for versatility in placement and design within the garden or home.
• Drought-tolerant - Once established, 'Captain Lido' has good drought tolerance, requiring minimal watering.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Crafts: The spathes (flower-like parts) of Calla lilies can be dried and used in various craft projects, such as creating decorative wreaths or adding an elegant touch to homemade greeting cards.
• Photography: Calla lilies, with their smooth lines and vibrant colors, are excellent subjects for photography, often used by photographers to practice macro and still-life shots.
• Fashion inspiration: The elegant form of Calla lilies has inspired fashion designers to create dresses and accessories that mimic their sleek curves and bold colors.
• Wedding décor: Beyond the common use as bridal bouquets, Calla lilies can be used to create unique centerpieces or decorations for wedding arches and pathways.
• Water gardens: Calla lilies can be planted in pots submerged in shallow water, adding an exotic touch to water gardens or features.
• Educational purposes: These plants can be used in botany classes to teach about plant anatomy and pollination, as the flower structure makes it easy to identify different parts.
• Culinary presentation: Although not edible, the flowers can be used as a non-toxic garnish for elegant food plating in high-end restaurants, but they should not be consumed.
• Art subjects: Calla lilies are often used by artists as subjects in paintings, drawings, and sculptures due to their distinctive shape and aesthetic appeal.
• Prop for events: In theatrical plays or operas, Calla lilies could be used as part of the set design to symbolize purity, death, or other thematic elements.
• Theme gardens: Calla lilies can be a key element in theme gardens, for example, a white garden, where plants with white blooms or foliage are exclusively used to create a serene, monochromatic space.

Feng Shui

The Calla Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Calla Lily is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Purity – The striking white blooms of the calla lily symbolize purity and innocence, often associated with new beginnings and weddings.
• Beauty – The elegant and sleek shape of the calla lily flower represents beauty and magnificence, making it a popular choice in floral arrangements.
• Resurrection – Due to its trumpet-shaped blooms that recall trumpets used to herald triumph, the calla lily is often used as a symbol of rebirth and resurrection around the time of Easter.
• Faith and Devotion – The calla lily's sturdiness and ability to bloom in a variety of conditions is seen as a representation of faithful and devoted love.
• Transcendence – The calla lily's growth toward the sky is symbolic of overcoming challenges and striving towards the sublime, often found in works of art and literature.