Calla Lily Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero' (PBR) (Captain Series)
ABOUT
Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero' (PBR) from the Captain Series, commonly known as Calla Lily, showcases a strikingly elegant appearance. It features a spade-shaped flower commonly called a spathe, which gracefully wraps around the central finger-like structure known as a spadix. The spathe is often a deep, velvety purple hue, offering a luxurious look, while the spadix typically emerges in a contrasting, subtly lighter color, drawing attention to the unique form of the bloom. The plant's foliage complements its vibrant flowers with large, arrow-shaped leaves that provide a lush, green backdrop. These leaves may have spotted or speckled patterns that add texture and interest to the overall appearance of the Calla Lily. The stems are sturdy and sleek, elevating the blooms with a statuesque quality, giving the flower a dramatic effect in garden displays or as cut flowers in floral arrangements. Overall, the Captain Marrero Calla Lily is admired for its sophisticated and sculptural flowers, rich coloring, and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae.
Synonyms
Captain Marrero Calla Lily, Captain Marrero Arum Lily.
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero'
ToxicityTo humans
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero') is toxic when ingested and can cause symptoms including irritation of the mouth and throat, intense burning, irritated eyes, and gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, dehydration and difficulty swallowing may occur due to swelling of the throat.
To pets
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero') is also toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Ingestion can result in symptoms similar to those in humans, including oral irritation, pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, it can lead to significant dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero' is relatively easy to care for and can thrive with minimal attention once established.
- Attractive Flowers: It produces elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers that add a sophisticated touch to any garden or bouquet.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a lengthy flowering phase which provides continuous color and interest in the garden for an extended period.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for use in borders, containers, and as a cut flower, making it a versatile addition to various garden designs.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it shows a degree of tolerance to dry conditions, requiring less watering than many other plants.
- Deer Resistant: Less attractive to deer, which can help prevent damage to the plant and garden.
- Compact Size: The plant maintains a moderate size, making it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces where larger plants would be overwhelming.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural pest repellent: The Calla lily can sometimes be planted among vegetable gardens to help deter certain pests due to its toxicity.
- In art and photography: With their unique shape and vibrant colors, Calla lilies are commonly used as subjects or inspiration for various art and photography projects.
- As a teaching tool: Botany educators may use Calla lilies to demonstrate the parts of a flower, including spathes and spadices to students.
- Cultural symbols: Calla lilies can represent purity and sympathy, making them significant in various cultural events and ceremonies beyond their ornamental uses.
- Floral arrangements: The distinct form of Calla lilies makes them a popular choice for avant-garde and modern floral designs, often used in hotel lobbies and corporate events.
- Wedding decor: Though not unusual, Calla lilies are extensively used in bridal bouquets and table centerpieces due to their elegant appearance, symbolizing marital bliss.
- Fashion industry: Calla lily motifs are found in clothing designs and accessories for their sleek and graceful contours that imply sophistication.
- Cake decoration: The flowers and shape of Calla lilies can be recreated in sugarcraft, making them a popular decorative element for cakes, especially wedding cakes.
- Home crafts: Craft enthusiasts can use dried or silk Calla lilies to create wreaths, ornaments, or other home décor items.
- Eco-friendly coffins: Calla lilies are sometimes used in the creation of biodegradable coffins for green burials as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Calla Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Calla Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The Zantedeschia, more commonly known as Calla Lily, often symbolizes purity due to its waxy-white flowers that appear spotless and pristine.
- Beauty: With its graceful and elegant form, the Calla Lily is associated with beauty, often used in art and fashion for its visually appealing lines.
- Rebirth and resurrection: Because they bloom in the spring, Calla Lilies symbolize rebirth and can represent resurrection, particularly around Easter.
- Faith and devotion: The Calla Lily is also tied to faith and devotion, making it a common flower in religious ceremonies and weddings.
- Transcendence: The smooth contours spiraling upwards can signify transcending above challenges or stepping into an improved state of being.
- Marital bliss: Due to their association with weddings and purity, Calla Lilies can symbolize marital happiness and enduring passion.
- Overcoming challenges: Their ability to flourish in various conditions can represent triumph over adversity or difficulties.
WaterThe Calla lily should be kept in moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. You can water once the top inch of soil feels dry, which may equate to watering once a week or more frequently during hot, dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as standing water can cause root rot. Typically, you'll want to use about one gallon of water every seven to ten days, adjusting for climate and indoor conditions. During winter, water sparingly, just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
LightCalla lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them in a spot where they receive plenty of light but are shielded from harsh direct midday sun which can scorch their leaves. An east- or west-facing windowsill is ideal as it provides the moderate light conditions that these plants prefer for best growth and bloom.
TemperatureCalla lilies prefer a temperature range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, maintain consistent temperatures within this range for healthy growth.
PruningIn order to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage more blooms, deadhead spent flowers of the Calla lily as needed. After flowering, reduce watering to allow the plant to die back naturally. The best time for pruning is after blooms have faded and leaves begin to yellow, typically in late summer or fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla Lilies prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A mix of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part loamy garden soil works well.
RepottingCalla Lilies should be repotted every two to three years or when they outgrow their pots, usually in spring before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lilies thrive at a humidity level between 50-60%, which is higher than average indoor levels, so you may need a humidifier or regular misting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Calla Lilies near a bright window, avoiding direct sunlight, and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Calla Lilies in partial shade and protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero', commonly known as Captain Marrero calla lily, begins its life cycle as a rhizome or tuber, which is planted in rich, well-drained soil. After planting, the tuber will sprout and grow leaves and stems in a process called vegetative growth, which is followed by the development of the trademark funnel-shaped spathes and spadices, marking the flowering stage. Once pollinated, typically by insects, the spadices produce berries that contain seeds, signifying the plant's reproductive phase. After flowering and seed production, the plant enters a dormancy period, where the foliage dies back, and the plant conserves energy in its tuber. Environmental cues like temperature and daylight trigger the plant to break dormancy and restart the cycle with new vegetative growth. Throughout its life, Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero' may also propagate asexually through division of the tuber, creating genetically identical clones of the parent plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Zantedeschia 'Captain Marrero', commonly known as Calla Lily, is typically propagated through division of its rhizomes. This is commonly done in the early spring as plants are emerging from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of rhizomes and gently separate them, making sure that each division has at least one growth point or eye. Replant the divisions immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm), keeping the growing tips just at or slightly above soil level. Water the newly planted rhizomes thoroughly to settle the soil around them. Division helps to rejuvenate older plants and increase the number of plants for your garden or for sharing with fellow gardeners.
