Calla Lily 'Ice Dancer' Zantedeschia 'Ice Dancer' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Calla Lily 'Ice Dancer' is a strikingly beautiful plant with an elegant and sophisticated appearance. The most prominent feature of this plant is its spathes, which are often mistakenly referred to as flowers. These spathes are actually modified leaves that are creamy white in color and are shaped like funnels, with a smooth and waxy texture that gives them a lustrous appearance. The true flowers are tiny and are arrayed on a central, finger-like spike called the spadix, which protrudes from the center of the spathe. The foliage of the 'Ice Dancer' is also notable. The leaves are large and arrow-shaped, with wavy or sometimes ruffled edges, giving them a dynamic and textured look. They are a deep, glossy green and can have white or lighter green speckles or variegation, adding contrast and interest to the overall visual impact of the plant. Overall, the Calla Lily 'Ice Dancer' emanates an air of luxury and grace, with its combination of sleek, white spathes and rich, verdant leaves creating a pleasing aesthetic for any setting in which the plant is placed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Ice Dancer Calla Lily, Ice Dancer Arum Lily.
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Ice Dancer' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Zantedeschia 'Ice Dancer', commonly known as Calla Lily, contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to humans. If any part of the plant is ingested, it can cause symptoms such as burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the airway can become swollen to the point of impeding breathing, which is a medical emergency.
To pets
The Calla Lily is toxic to pets due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they may exhibit symptoms including oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and can lead to swelling of the airway, presenting a risk of asphyxiation. These symptoms warrant immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces with its striking white flowers and dark green foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Long Blooming: Produces flowers for an extended period, often from late spring through late summer.
- Versatile: Suitable for planting in borders, containers, and as a focal plant in a variety of garden designs.
- Attracts Wildlife: Can attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Resilient: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a hassle-free choice for gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The striking appearance of the Calla Lily 'Ice Dancer' can be used as a photogenic subject or background in botanical photography.
- Water Garden Accent: Its ability to grow in moist conditions makes it a suitable accent in water gardens or near artificial water features.
- Educational Tool: The distinct shape and structure of the Calla Lily can be used to educate individuals about plant morphology and botany.
- Print and Dye: The sap of some Calla Lily plants has historically been used as a component in certain inks and dyes, which could potentially apply to 'Ice Dancer' as a novelty.
- Fragrance Extraction: While not commonly known for its scent, the subtle fragrance of Calla Lily 'Ice Dancer' could inspire the creation of perfumes or scented oils.
- Themed Events: This plant can be featured in winter-themed events or weddings, symbolizing purity and elegance with its white blooms.
- Gift Plant: It can be offered as a living gift that lasts longer than cut flowers, especially for celebrations like Easter or as housewarming presents.
- Art Subjects: Artists may use the distinctive look of the Calla Lily 'Ice Dancer' as inspiration or subject matter for paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
- Culinary Presentation: Although not edible, the blooms can be used as non-toxic decorations for plating and presenting high-end culinary dishes.
- Seasonal Decoration: The 'Ice Dancer' can be potted and brought indoors to add a live element to indoor winter or holiday decorations, owing to its name and pristine look.
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 'Ice Dancer' is a variety of Calla Lily, which is often associated with purity due to its clean, crisp appearance and is commonly used in religious ceremonies and weddings.
- Beauty: Calla Lilies are admired for their elegant form and stunning colors, making them a symbol of beauty and grace.
- Rebirth: As a perennial plant that emerges from a bulb, Calla Lilies symbolize rejuvenation and the promise of new life, often linked to the resurrection in Christian Easter traditions.
- Transcendence: The sleek lines and upright stance of Calla Lilies suggest a transcendence, often representing a soul's ascension or an overcoming of difficult circumstances.
- Devotion: With its deep association with weddings and faith, the Calla Lily, and by extension the 'Ice Dancer', is a symbol of commitment and unwavering devotion.
- Femininity: The shape of the Calla Lily bloom is sometimes compared to female forms, making it a representation of femininity and maternal qualities.
WaterCalla Lily 'Ice Dancer' should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be about once a week depending on environmental conditions. It's best to water this plant with roughly 16-24 ounces of water, or until the water runs freely through the drainage holes of the pot. Be careful not to overwater, as Calla Lilies are sensitive to excessive moisture and can develop root rot. During its dormant period in winter, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb decay. Always check the soil moisture level before watering as indoor heating and air can affect the drying rate of the soil.
LightCalla Lily 'Ice Dancer' thrives in bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to harsh midday sun, which can scorch its leaves. An east-facing or north-facing window would be ideal for maintaining the right light conditions. If grown outdoors, it should be in a location where it gets filtered sunlight or partial shade, especially in hot climates.
TemperatureCalla Lily 'Ice Dancer' prefers a temperature range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit during its growing season, and should not be exposed to temperatures below this range as it could harm the plant. The ideal temperatures for Calla Lily 'Ice Dancer' encourage lush growth and vibrant blooms. During dormancy in the winter, it can survive slightly cooler conditions, but never allow it to freeze.
PruningCalla Lily 'Ice Dancer' should be pruned to remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to maintain the plant's appearance. Dead or yellowing leaves should also be cut back to keep the plant healthy. Pruning is best done after the bloom period in late summer when the plant begins to go dormant, but before it is completely dormant. This pruning helps direct the plant's energy to the roots for next season's growth, instead of sustaining dying foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Calla Lily 'Ice Dancer' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 to 6.5. A mix containing peat, perlite, and compost is ideal to provide proper nutrition and drainage.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Ice Dancer' should be repotted every year or two when it becomes root-bound or the soil is depleted, typically in the spring before the growth season.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Ice Dancer' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60-70%. Mist regularly or use a humidity tray to maintain the best environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Partial sun, sheltered spot, consistent moisture.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Zantedeschia 'Ice Dancer', commonly known as Ice Dancer Calla Lily, begins its life cycle as a rhizome, typically going through a period of dormancy. Upon favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, the rhizome sprouts and establishes roots and foliage, growing into a clump of attractive, speckled, arrow-shaped leaves. The plant then develops a singular, elegant flower, characterized by a creamy-white spathe that wraps around a yellow spadix, usually during the late spring to summer months. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the flower may produce seeds. Once the flowering phase concludes, the Ice Dancer Calla Lily enters a period of senescence where leaves yellow and die back, and the plant prepares to enter dormancy again. Throughout its life, the plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes, enabling the cycle to continue with new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Zantedeschia 'Ice Dancer', commonly known as calla lily, is typically propagated through division. This is both the most popular and practical method for home gardeners and commercial propagators, primarily due to the plant's growth habit. Calla lilies form clumps of rhizomes, which can be divided in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the soil, gently brush off excess dirt, and use a sharp knife to slice the rhizomes into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growth bud. The sections are then replanted at a depth of about 3 inches (approximately 7.6 centimeters) in well-draining soil, spaced about 12 inches (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to give the new plants room to grow. With proper care, these divisions will establish themselves as new plants and can produce blooms in the following season.
