Calla Lily 'Captain Odeon' Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon' (PBR) (Captain Series)
ABOUT
The Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon', commonly known as the Calla Lily from the Captain Series, showcases an elegant and sophisticated appearance. This plant is renowned for its striking funnel-shaped flowers, which are often described as spathe. The blooms exhibit a rich, deep purple hue that can add a dramatic touch to any garden or floral arrangement. These distinctive flowers spiral gracefully at the top of sturdy, upright stems, surrounded by lush green foliage. The leaves are typically arrow-shaped, exuding a glossy texture that further accentuates the vibrancy of the flowers. As it blooms, the Calla Lily 'Captain Odeon' creates a visual spectacle, with the vivid contrast between the deep purple spathes and verdant leaves making it a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Calla Lily, Arum Lily.
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon' (PBR) (Captain Series).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as calla lily, which includes the Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon', contains calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat if ingested. Symptoms of calla lily poisoning include intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and possible swelling of the throat leading to difficulty breathing. If any part of the plant is ingested, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, the calla lily is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingestion of any part of the plant can result in symptoms like oral irritation, burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing due to swelling of the throat. If you suspect your pet has ingested calla lily, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon' is known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Long Blooming Period: This variety of calla lily has a long flowering period, providing a display of vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.
- Attractive Flowers: With its striking flowers, the calla lily adds an eye-catching element to gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements.
- Versatile Plant: It can be grown both in the garden and in containers, offering flexibility for garden design and indoor decoration.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, which is beneficial for water conservation and low-water gardens.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage to flowers and foliage in areas where deer are common.
- Color Variety: The calla lily comes in a range of colors, providing options for different color schemes in garden design or events like weddings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon', commonly known as Calla Lily, can be used in crafting - the sturdy stems and attractive flowers can be incorporated into homemade paper or pressed flower art.
- In fashion, the unique shape and vibrant color of Calla Lily flowers can serve as inspiration for textile patterns, including the design of fabrics for clothing and home decor.
- Calla Lilies can be used as natural dyes, where the pigments from the flowers and stems can be extracted to color fabrics or artisanal papers.
- In photography, Calla Lilies often serve as elegant subjects or backdrops due to their sleek lines and photogenic nature, making them ideal for art and portrait photography.
- As part of educational projects or botanical studies, Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon' can be grown and observed to demonstrate plant life cycles and horticultural techniques.
- The plant can be used in culinary presentations as a non-toxic decorative element to enhance the visual appeal of dishes, although the plant itself is not edible.
- In performance arts, the Calla Lily can be utilized as a prop in theatrical productions or dance performances to create visual interest or symbolize themes.
- During storytelling or literary events, Calla Lilies can represent themes of purity, transformation, or romance within the narrative environment.
- Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon' can be used in eco-friendly funerals, where biodegradable caskets or urns are adorned with natural, compostable flowers like Calla Lilies.
- In crafting eco-jewelry, the flowers and leaves of the Calla Lily can be pressed and preserved in resin to create unique pendants and earrings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiCalla Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Calla Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity and Innocence: Calla lilies, such as Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon', often symbolize purity and innocence due to their white color and graceful shape, often used in religious ceremonies and weddings.
- Beauty: This plant is also associated with beauty, as its elegant and refined appearance makes it a popular choice in floral arrangements and gardens.
- Resurrection and Rebirth: Because calla lilies often bloom around Easter and are shaped like trumpets, they are seen as symbols of resurrection and rebirth in Christian iconography.
- Deep Admiration: Gifting someone a Calla lily can also indicate deep admiration for their uniqueness and charm.
- Commitment and Devotion: Due to its use in wedding ceremonies, the Calla lily is also associated with lifelong devotion and unwavering commitment between partners.
- Femininity and Grace: The sleek lines of the Calla lily are reminiscent of feminine forms and convey an air of grace and sophistication.
WaterCalla Lily 'Captain Odeon' should be watered adequately to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During active growth, in the spring and summer, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water should suffice. Reduce frequency in the fall and nearly stop watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, providing just enough water to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage.
LightCalla Lily 'Captain Odeon' thrives in partial shade to full sun. A spot that provides morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is ideal. Avoid intense midday sun which can scorch the leaves. Indoors, place near a window that receives bright, indirect light.
TemperatureCalla Lily 'Captain Odeon' prefers temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimally at 50 degrees Fahrenheit but will not tolerate cold temperatures well; ensure it is not exposed to temperatures below this. The ideal temperature range ensures prolific blooming and healthy growth.
PruningPrune Calla Lily 'Captain Odeon' to remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth and encourage more blooms. Pruning is best done after blooming, typically in late summer or fall. Cut back foliage when it begins to die back naturally as the plant enters dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla lily (Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon') thrives best in a well-draining, rich soil mix consisting of two parts peat moss to one part loam and one part sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be between 5.5 and 6.5, just slightly acidic, to promote healthy growth and flower production.
RepottingCalla lilies like Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon' should generally be repotted every two years to replenish the soil and give the rhizomes more space to grow. It is best to repot them after their dormant period, which usually falls in the autumn or early winter months.
Humidity & MistingCalla lilies, Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon', prefer a moderate humidity level, around 60%. They can tolerate lower humidity levels, but providing a higher humidity environment can help mimic their natural, moisture-rich habitats.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place calla lily in bright, indirect light, away from drafts.
Outdoor
Grow calla lily in partial shade, keep soil moist but not soggy.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleZantedeschia 'Captain Odeon', commonly known as calla lily, begins its life cycle as a rhizome, which is a type of underground storage stem. When conditions are favorable, typically in spring, the rhizome sprouts and the plant begins to grow, producing long-stemmed, arrow-shaped leaves and a spadix surrounded by a showy spathe that can be various colors, often seen as the plant's "flower." Throughout the spring and summer, the calla lily continues to grow, with the spathe and spadix reaching full maturity and potentially being used for cut flowers or left on the plant for ornamental purposes. After flowering, the plant will eventually go dormant, usually in late summer or early autumn, as the leaves yellow and wither away. During dormancy, the rhizomes remain underground where they store energy for the next growing season. With the return of warmer temperatures and moist conditions, the cycle repeats as the rhizomes sprout anew, and the calla lily begins another growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Zantedeschia 'Captain Odeon', commonly known as a type of Calla Lily in the Captain Series, is usually propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time to propagate is in the spring when new growth begins to emerge. During this period, the rhizomes, which are the horizontal stem structures that grow underground, can be divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point or eye. After division, the sections should be planted about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.16 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil. Care should be taken to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged, as this will promote the development of new roots and shoots, leading to successful propagation of new plants.
