Calla Lily 'Captain Reno' Zantedeschia 'Captain Reno' (PBR) (Captain Series)
ABOUT
The plant known as Captain Reno is a striking variety that stands out for its distinctive flowers. These blooms have a unique, funnel-like shape and are characterized by their vibrant color, which is a deep, rich shade of pink. The outer part of the flower, which can be described as a spathe, is waxy and glossy, enveloping the central finger-like spadix. The spathe gracefully curves over, providing a dramatic backdrop to the spadix, which contrasts in color, being a paler shade. This creates a sophisticated and eye-catching display. The foliage of Captain Reno is equally attractive, consisting of large, glossy leaves that are deep green in color. The leaves are arrow-shaped, with a strong, upright stance, and form a lush backdrop for the flamboyant flowers. The overall impression given by Captain Reno is one of exotic elegance, with its combination of vivid, showy flowers and ornamental foliage creating a visually stunning display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Captain Reno Calla Lily, Captain Reno Arum Lily
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Captain Reno' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Calla Lily, including the Zantedeschia 'Captain Reno', contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to humans. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as irritation of the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, and nausea. In severe cases, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even difficulty breathing, which requires medical attention.
To pets
Calla Lily, like the Zantedeschia 'Captain Reno', is toxic to pets due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. In animals, ingesting any part of the plant may lead to similar symptoms as in humans, such as oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and can cause significant distress. In severe cases, it could potentially lead to dehydration, anorexia, and other complications. If you suspect your pet has ingested calla lily, you should contact a veterinarian promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: With its beautiful, large spathes in a striking color, the calla lily adds aesthetic value to gardens and homes.
- Versatile Landscaping: The plant can be used in beds, borders, and as a focal point in gardens, offering various design possibilities.
- Container Gardening: Ideal for pots and containers, it makes an excellent choice for balconies, patios, and indoor settings.
- Low Maintenance: Calla lilies are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep, which is ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: They have a prolonged flowering season, providing colorful displays for an extended period.
- Attracts Pollinators: These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are long-lasting when cut and are popular in floral arrangements, adding elegance to any setting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zantedeschia, also known as calla lily, can be used in textile design, imparting its elegant shape and forms onto fabric patterns and prints for clothing or home décor.
- The distinctive shape of the calla lily's spathes can be used in design and architecture as a source of inspiration for modern and organic forms in decorative elements or furniture.
- Calla lilies are popular in educational settings, such as botany and art classes, for studying plant structure and practicing drawing skills due to their simple yet striking form.
- With its robust stems and attractive form, the calla lily can be employed in eco-friendly jewelry design, such as being cast in metal or used as a mold for pendants and earrings.
- The spathes of the calla lily are perfect for creating natural biodegradable confetti or decorative elements for eco-friendly events and weddings.
- Using calla lily flowers in photography can provide a dramatic and elegant subject for still-life compositions or thematic photoshoots.
- The plant's leaves can be used in crafting for imprinting patterns on clay or ceramics, transferring their distinct shape and vein texture onto the material.
- Calla lilies can serve as natural indicators of seasonal change when planted in gardens, as they bloom at specific times of the year.
- These flowers are often utilized in color therapy and psychological studies due to their intense pigmentation and variety of hues, which can evoke different emotions and responses.
- In culinary arts, though not traditionally edible, calla lily flowers can be crystallized or used as a decorative, non-toxic garnish for dishes, provided all parts are confirmed safe and pesticide-free.
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 and Innocence: Calla lilies, which the Zantedeschia 'Captain Reno' belongs to, are often associated with purity and innocence, largely due to their elegant and clean appearance.
- Beauty: The striking look of the calla lily makes it a symbol of beauty in many cultures, representing the idea that true beauty encompasses both simplicity and grace.
- Faith and Purity of Thought: As a symbol of faith, the calla lily is sometimes used to represent a commitment to a belief or faith. Purity of thought comes from the flower's clean lines, suggesting clarity and focus.
- Rebirth and Resurrection: The calla lily has a strong association with resurrection due to its trumpet-like shape, which can be likened to a horn signalling triumph over death.
- Transcendence: Its sleek, soaring shape gives the impression of ascendance or transcendence, often inspiring thoughts of overcoming obstacles or reaching towards greater heights.
- Marriage and Devotion: In the context of weddings, calla lilies symbolize marital bliss and enduring devotion between partners.
- Divine Light: Calla lilies can also symbolize divine light as their shape can mirror a beacon or a source of light, thus representing guidance or an embodiment of the sacred.
WaterCalla Lilies, including the Zantedeschia 'Captain Reno', prefer consistent moisture and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This generally means providing water every few days, depending on the local climate and the plant's environment. Aim to water deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, using approximately one gallon of water per plant each time you water. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering frequency should be increased. However, in the dormant winter period, watering should be reduced to prevent rot, only keeping the soil slightly moist.
LightCalla Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. They should be placed in a spot that receives dappled sunlight or partial shade, especially in the afternoon. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's ideal to position them where they are shielded from the harsh midday sun. A north-facing or east-facing window provides the best lighting conditions indoors.
TemperatureCalla Lilies are comfortable in a temperature range from around 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees but should be protected from frost. Ideally, keep them in an environment that doesn't drop below 50 degrees at night to maintain healthy growth. Extreme temperatures above 75 degrees may cause the plant stress, so it's important to avoid placing your Calla Lily near heat sources or in very hot, enclosed spaces.
PruningPruning Calla Lilies involves removing spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage more flowers and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune as needed throughout the growing season by cutting back stems to the base of the plant. The best time for pruning is when flowers start to fade and wilt. Regular deadheading will stimulate the plant to produce new blooms and can be done every few weeks during the blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla Lily 'Captain Reno' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and perlite or sand can provide the ideal structure and nutrients. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent bulb rot.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Captain Reno' should be repotted every two to three years or when you notice slowing growth due to root crowding. Spring is the best time to repot just before the new growing season.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Captain Reno' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. Consistent humidity encourages healthy growth and flowering, but ensure good air circulation to prevent diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleZantedeschia 'Captain Reno', commonly known as a Calla Lily, begins its life cycle when a rhizome is planted in moist, well-drained soil during early spring or late autumn. The plant then emerges from dormancy with the onset of warmer temperatures, producing spear-like foliage that unfurls into broad, arrow-shaped leaves. Following the foliage, a spathaceous inflorescence, known for its striking appearance, develops with a central spadix surrounded by a colored spathe that may vary in hue. After the flowering period, which usually occurs in late spring or early summer, the plant will set seed if pollination has occurred, completing its reproductive phase. Throughout the summer, the Calla Lily continues to grow vegetatively, absorbing nutrients and storing energy in the rhizome for the next season. As temperatures cool and daylight shortens, the plant will enter a period of dormancy, with foliage dying back, and the rhizome remaining underground to rest until the cycle recommences with the return of warm weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The Zantedeschia 'Captain Reno', commonly known as the 'Captain Reno' calla lily, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Division involves splitting the rhizomes or bulbs during the plant's dormancy period, which is usually in the fall after the foliage has died back or in early spring before growth resumes. To propagate by division, carefully unearth the clump of rhizomes and gently separate them, making sure each section has at least one growth point or eye. Replant the divisions immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) in well-draining soil, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 45.7 centimeters) apart, to ensure ample room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows for the clonal reproduction of 'Captain Reno' calla lilies, maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant.
