Calla Lily 'Qatar' Zantedeschia 'Qatar'

Water

Calla lilies, including the Zantedeschia 'Qatar', should be watered deeply to saturate the root zone, generally requiring about 1 inch of water once a week. During active growth periods in spring and summer, they may need more frequent watering, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out. It's preferable to use about half a gallon for a medium-sized plant each time you water, adjusting for the plant size and environmental conditions.

Light

Calla lilies prefer bright, indirect light and should be placed in a location where they can receive this exposure without being subjected to harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. An ideal spot might be near a north or east-facing window with plenty of light, or shaded by a sheer curtain if situated near more sun-intensive southern or western exposures. Avoid placing them in low light areas, as this can lead to poor growth and fewer blooms.

Temperature

Calla lilies thrive best at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures below that as it can cause damage to the plant. The upper temperature threshold is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, beyond which plants may experience stress. These temperatures ensure healthy growth and blooming.

Pruning

Calla lilies benefit from pruning to remove spent flowers and yellowed or dead leaves, which encourages further blooming and maintains the plant's appearance. Prune as necessary during the growing season, cutting back to the base of the stem using clean, sharp shears. The best time for pruning is after the blooms have faded, which typically occurs at the end of the summer.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the Calla Lily 'Qatar', the best soil mix is well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mixture of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part garden soil is ideal.

Repotting

Calla Lily 'Qatar' should be repotted every two years to replenish soil nutrients and accommodate root growth; springtime is the optimal period for repotting.

Humidity & Misting

Calla Lily 'Qatar' thrives best in high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% and 70%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade and ensure soil is moist.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Zantedeschia 'Qatar', commonly known as the Calla Lily 'Qatar', begins its life cycle as a tuber, which, once planted in warm, well-drained soil, will sprout into a shoot. It progresses into a vegetative stage where long-stemmed, arrow-shaped leaves emerge, followed by the development of a distinctive funnel-like "flower," which is actually a colored spathe surrounding a spadix. During its blooming phase, which occurs in late spring to summer, it attracts pollinators with its showy spathe and spadix, where pollination occurs for sexual reproduction. After flowering, it enters a dormancy phase, particularly in cooler climates, where the foliage dies back and the tuber rests until the next growing season. If the conditions are favorable, the plant may produce seeds after the flowers have been pollinated, which can be dispersed and germinate to form new plants. The cycle repeats annually, with tubers potentially multiplying beneath the soil to give rise to new shoots each year.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Zantedeschia 'Qatar', commonly known as the Calla Lily, is by dividing its rhizomes, typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant from the soil and carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has at least one growth node or eye. The divisions should then be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 cm), spaced approximately 12 inches (30 cm) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish roots, being careful not to overwater as Calla Lilies do not like soggy soil. With proper care, these divisions will develop into healthy, blooming plants.