Calla Lily 'Saigon' Zantedeschia 'Saigon' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Zantedeschia 'Saigon', commonly known as the 'Saigon' calla lily, is an ornamental plant known for its striking appearance. It has a sleek and sculptural look that is often associated with elegance and sophistication. The foliage of the 'Saigon' calla lily is a deep green, providing a vivid backdrop for its flowers. The leaves are broad and arrow-shaped with a slightly wavy edge, adding to the overall lushness of the plant. The most distinctive feature of the 'Saigon' calla lily is its blossoms, which are characteristically funnel-shaped and gracefully curved. The flowers have a smooth and waxy texture, with a color palette that typically includes a rich, creamy shade often transitioning at the spathe's edge to a blush of soft pink or hints of purple. This gradient of color provides a subtle yet captivating visual interest. The spadix, which is the spike at the flower's center, is usually a complementary shade that stands out against the spathe's creamy hue, potentially taking on pale yellow to golden tones that contribute to the dramatic effect. 'Saigon' calla lilies exude an elegant charm that makes them popular both in gardens and as cut flowers in floral arrangements. They are often associated with purity and beauty, which contributes to their frequent use in weddings and ceremonial events. With proper care, these plants can produce their stunning blooms that can captivate any plant enthusiast or passerby.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Saigon Calla Lily, Saigon Arum Lily
Common names
Zantedeschia 'Saigon' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Calla Lily is toxic to humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of poisoning include a burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and nausea. In severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea can occur. It is important to handle the plant with care and ensure that it is not consumed.
To pets
The Calla Lily is also toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which, if ingested, can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue. Pets might also paw at their faces due to the discomfort. If any part of the plant is ingested by a pet, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow – Zantedeschia 'Saigon', commonly known as the Calla Lily, is relatively simple to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
- Aesthetic appeal – This variety features elegant and vibrant flowers that enhance the visual appeal of any garden or indoor space.
- Low maintenance – Calla Lilies typically require minimal care, making them suitable for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Long blooming season – They bloom for a protracted period, often from late spring through summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Drought-tolerant – Once established, these plants can survive short periods of drought, making them ideal for climates with occasional water shortages.
- Container friendly – Calla Lilies can be easily grown in pots or containers, making them suitable for balconies, patios, or indoor settings.
- Attracts pollinators – The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential for the pollination of many plants.
- Versatile – Zantedeschia 'Saigon' can be used in a variety of garden designs, including formal, modern, or cottage gardens.
- Cut flower – The blooms make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life, perfect for floral arrangements and bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zantedeschia 'Saigon', also known as Calla Lily, can be used in eco-friendly burials where the bulbs are offered as sustainable grave markers that grow and blossom with time.
- The cut flowers of the Calla Lily are sometimes used in art and photography for their elegant curves and striking appearance to create visually engaging compositions.
- Calla Lilies are used in fashion design as an inspiration for prints and patterns in fabrics because of their unique shape and vibrant colors.
- In crafts, the Calla Lily’s distinct trumpet-shaped blooms can be replicated using materials like crepe paper or clay for decorative purposes.
- Calla Lily leaves can be used as natural coloring sheets for children; when pressed with a paper and a hammer, the green pigments create interesting patterns.
- These plants can be used in theme gardens where the focus is on monochromatic planting—pairing different shades of one color together, such as a purple and lavender Calla Lily theme garden.
- Calla Lily bulbs are sometimes used in culinary presentations, such as carving them for garnishes at upscale events, although they are not edible.
- The Calla Lily’s shape can inspire design for housewares, such as candle holders, vases, or serving pitchers that mimic its fluid contours.
- The plants can be incorporated into ponds or water garden settings for aesthetic purposes, although they are not aquatic plants and should not be submerged.
- They are used in color therapy and visual arts as a symbol of purity and tranquility, which can help in creating spaces intended to promote mental wellness.
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 Zantedeschia 'Saigon', commonly known as the Calla Lily, is often associated with purity due to its sleek, trumpet-shaped bloom and clean appearance.
- Beauty: The elegant form and captivating beauty of the Calla Lily make it a symbol of magnificent beauty in various cultures.
- Faith: With its sturdy stem and graceful bloom, the Calla Lily is often seen as a symbol of faith and steadfastness.
- Rebirth and Resurrection: The Calla Lily's perennial nature and its ability to bloom seasonally are symbolic of rebirth and the resurrection, making it a common Easter flower.
- Marriage and Devotion: Due to its beautiful and delicate structure, the Calla Lily is frequently used in weddings to represent marriage and the devotion between partners.
- Transcendence: The uplifting shape of the Calla Lily bloom can represent transcendence, overcoming obstacles, and the journey towards enlightenment.
WaterThe Calla Lily, commonly known as Zantedeschia 'Saigon', should be watered thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, about once a week during its growing season. It is important for the soil to be moist but not saturated. Providing approximately one quart (32 ounces) of water per watering session should suffice, but always check the soil moisture before watering again to avoid overwatering. During the dormant season, reduce watering to every other week, ensuring the soil doesn't completely dry out. Always use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant's roots.
LightCalla Lilies like Zantedeschia 'Saigon' thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. The best spot for them would be in a room with a window that receives plenty of natural light but shielded from the harsh afternoon sun. They can tolerate some direct morning sunlight, but too much direct light can scorch their leaves, so be aware of the light conditions throughout the day.
TemperatureCalla lilies, such as Zantedeschia 'Saigon', prefer temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a maximum temperature up to about 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum temperature down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the plant in the ideal temperature range encourages healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Zantedeschia 'Saigon', or Calla Lily, to remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning is after flowering, typically in late summer or fall. Pruning is not often required, but deadheading the faded flowers can promote additional blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla Lily 'Saigon' prefers a well-draining potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7. A mix of loam, peat, and perlite or sand aids in proper drainage and root aeration.
RepottingCalla Lily 'Saigon' generally requires repotting every two years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth, ideally during its dormancy period after flowering has ceased.
Humidity & MistingCalla Lily 'Saigon' thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, around 60% to 70%, to mimic its natural tropical habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, with high humidity, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Grow in partial shade, well-drained soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Zantedeschia 'Saigon', commonly known as Calla Lily 'Saigon', begins its life cycle as a rhizome, which is a type of bulb. When conditions are right, typically in spring, the rhizome sprouts and produces arrow-shaped leaves and a single flower spath, which is the trademark funnel-shaped bloom. The flowering stage can last several weeks, during which pollination can occur, usually aided by insects. After flowering, the plant enters a period of seed maturation, where the fertilized flowers develop into seed capsules if pollination has been successful. Once the seeds are mature, they can be dispersed to produce new plants, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, with the onset of cooler temperatures or less favorable conditions, the Calla Lily 'Saigon' enters a period of dormancy where the foliage dies back and the plant conserves energy in the rhizome for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early summer
The Zantedeschia 'Saigon', commonly known as the Calla Lily 'Saigon', is most commonly propagated by division, which is best done when the plant is dormant in late autumn or early spring. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of rhizomes and gently separate them, making sure each division has at least one growth point. Cut away any rotted or damaged sections with a clean, sharp knife. Plant the divisions immediately at a depth of about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters), allowing ample space for the plant to grow. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage root development. This method typically yields a good number of new plants relatively quickly and is an effective way to expand your collection or refresh an older clump that has become overgrown or less vigorous.
