Calla Lily 'Qatar' Zantedeschia 'Qatar'
ABOUT
The Zantedeschia 'Qatar', commonly known as the calla lily, is an elegant and striking plant known for its distinctive funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms typically boast a deep and vivid hue, creating a dramatic contrast against the plant's lush foliage. The flowers possess a smooth and waxy texture, gracefully wrapping around a central, finger-like spadix which is prominent in the flower's core. Beyond the blooms, the calla lily displays broad and glossy leaves that are arrow-shaped, sometimes with lighter spots or streaks, providing a verdant backdrop to the vibrant flowers. This plant exudes a sense of refined beauty with its sleek lines and rich color palette, making it a popular choice for ornamental purposes in various settings.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Araceae
Synonyms
Calla Lily, Arum Lily
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Qatar'
- Toxicity
To humans
Zantedeschia 'Qatar' is a cultivar of Calla Lily. All parts of the Calla Lily are toxic to humans if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Eating any part of the plant can cause severe burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue. Symptoms of poisoning may include difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, dehydration and difficulty in breathing may occur due to swelling of the throat.
To pets
Calla Lily is equally toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, similar symptoms to those in humans can occur, including drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral pain, decreased appetite, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms, including swelling of the airways, which could be life-threatening. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if a pet has ingested Calla Lily.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and tropical allure to gardens and indoor spaces with its striking flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Requires relatively little care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Versatility: Can be grown both indoors as a potted plant and outdoors in borders or as a focal point.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, which is beneficial in water-restricted areas.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers for extended periods, often throughout the summer, providing continuous visual interest.
- Attracts Wildlife: Flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Zantedeschia 'Qatar', commonly known as calla lily, can be used as a model organism in genetic studies due to its distinctive flower structure and variety of colors.
- Calla lilies are sometimes used in tattoo art, symbolizing purity and resurrection, and can inspire unique and elegant designs.
- In some cultures, calla lilies are employed as a natural pest deterrent around homes and gardens, though their efficacy is anecdotal.
- Dried calla lily flowers can be used in decorative wreaths and arrangements for crafting purposes.
- The thick, waxy leaves of calla lilies can be used as natural molds for casting delicate shapes in arts and crafts projects.
- Calla lilies are used as living gifts to convey deep emotions, as they are long-lasting compared to cut flowers.
- These plants can be part of a water garden ecosystem, providing aesthetic appeal while contributing to the overall health of the aquatic environment.
- In photography, calla lilies are often used as subjects due to their smooth curves and simplicity, making them ideal for practicing composition and lighting techniques.
- Calla lily blooms can be used in the culinary industry as natural containers for serving appetizers or desserts, though caution is needed as parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
- For eco-friendly burials, biodegradable calla lily urns are used as a beautiful, environmentally sustainable choice for holding ashes.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Calla Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Calla Lily is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Purity: The Zantedeschia, commonly known as calla lily, symbolizes purity due to its pristine and elegant white flowers.
- Magnificence: Its striking trumpet-like shape and poise reflect a sense of magnificence and beauty.
- Rebirth: As the calla lily often blooms around Easter, it is associated with resurrection and new beginnings.
- Commitment: Its durability as a cut flower makes it emblematic of enduring commitment, commonly used in weddings.
- Overcoming Challenges: The calla lily’s ability to grow in diverse conditions symbolizes triumph over hardships.
- 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.