Bog arum Calla palustris
ABOUT
C. palustris is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial with broadly heart-shaped, glossy leaves and white flower spathes to 25cm in length in summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Bog Arum, Marsh Calla, Wild Calla, Water-arum, Water Dragon
Common names
Callaion palustre, Calla ovatifolia, Callaion ovatifolium, Dracunculus paludosus, Provenzalia palustris.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Calla palustris, commonly known as the Water-arum, produces striking flowers that can enhance the beauty of natural water garden settings.
- Wildlife Habitat: The Water-arum provides shelter and breeding grounds for various aquatic creatures, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Erosion Control: The root system of the Water-arum helps stabilize the soil around bodies of water, reducing erosion.
- Water Quality: The plant can absorb excess nutrients from the water, helping to prevent the proliferation of harmful algae blooms.
- Educational Use: The Water-arum's unique features make it an interesting subject for botanical studies and education about wetland environments.
- Ornamental Landscaping: With its lush foliage and unique flowers, Water-arum is used as an ornamental plant in appropriate water garden settings.
- Cultural Significance: In some regions, the Water-arum holds cultural value and is incorporated into art and folklore.
- Food Source: Parts of the plant may be consumed by various wildlife, serving as an important link in the aquatic food chain.
Medical Properties- Antirheumatic: Traditional use in some cultures for treating rheumatic pain.
- Antiseptic: Applied to wounds in some folk medicine practices to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
- Astringent: Used in some traditional medicines to contract skin tissues and reduce bleeding.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Calla palustris, commonly known as the Water Arum, can be used as a natural water filter in ponds and water gardens to help maintain clean water by absorbing excess nutrients.
- The plants are sometimes used in cold water aquariums, providing shelter and oxygenation for aquatic life.
- The roots of the Water Arum can be applied as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a yellowish-brown tint.
- The sturdy leaves of the plant can be crafted into biodegradable plates or food wrappers by indigenous communities.
- In some cultures, dried and flattened leaves of Water Arum are used as a rudimentary writing surface for short-term notes.
- Water Arum has been used in landscaping to create a 'bog garden', mimicking the wetland habitat and supporting local wildlife.
- The plant can be used in educational settings, such as schools and nature centers, to teach about wetland ecosystems and plant biology.
- Photographers and artists often use Water Arum as a subject or backdrop for their work due to its striking appearance.
- Children in rural areas sometimes fashion the hollow stems of the Water Arum into simple musical instruments or whistles.
- Due to its dense growth, Water Arum can serve as a natural erosion control on the banks of streams and ponds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Water arum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Water arum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity and Innocence: The calla lily, with its clean, trumpet-shaped bloom, often symbolizes purity and innocence, making it a popular choice for weddings and christenings.
- Beauty: The elegant shape and smooth lines of the calla lily's flower represent beauty in many cultures, which is why it's often featured in art and design.
- Resurrection and Rebirth: In Christian symbolism, the calla lily is associated with the resurrection of Jesus because of its trumpet-like shape, suggesting triumph over death.
- Commitment and Faithfulness: Because calla lilies are often used in wedding bouquets, they have come to represent deep commitment and faithfulness between partners.
- Transition and Growth: The life cycle of the calla lily, which blooms and then retreats, can symbolize periods of transition and personal growth in a person's life.
WaterThe Bog Arum prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering the Bog Arum every few days to maintain the necessary moisture level. In terms of water quantity, this generally equates to approximately 16-32 ounces per watering, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. During particularly hot or dry periods, the Bog Arum may require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Always check the moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
LightBog Arum thrives best in partial shade to full sun, making it versatile in terms of lighting conditions. Ideally, place the Bog Arum in a spot where it receives filtered sunlight for part of the day, or bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight, especially during the intense midday hours, should be avoided to protect the Bog Arum from leaf scorch.
TemperatureBog Arum prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain healthy growth, keep the Bog Arum away from cold drafts and extreme heat sources which can stress the plant.
PruningPruning the Bog Arum is not generally required for health reasons but may be done to maintain shape or remove dead foliage. Prune as needed, typically after flowering, to tidy the plant and encourage new growth. Use sharp, clean shears to make clean cuts, which will help prevent any potential disease issues.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBog Arum thrives in acidic soil with pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. A mixture of peat, sand, and loamy soil is ideal, maintaining wet or boggy conditions that mimic its native swampy habitat.
RepottingBog Arum typically does not need frequent repotting; it's best to repot once every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, ensuring you use an appropriate soil mix that supports its moisture needs.
Humidity & MistingBog Arum requires high humidity levels, ideally above 60%, as it naturally grows in swampy, marsh-like environments. It will thrive in consistently moist air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Maintain high humidity and indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep moist.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleCalla palustris, commonly known as the water-arum or bog arum, begins its life cycle as a seed, often germinating in the muddy substrate of freshwater habitats. Upon germination, it develops into a juvenile plant, with roots anchoring into the waterlogged soil and a rosette of floating heart-shaped leaves emerging. The plant then matures and produces its distinguishing feature: a spathe and spadix, the latter of which is a spike-like inflorescence that forms the actual flowers of the plant. After pollination, which is typically facilitated by insects, the plant produces berries that are typically green and turn to reddish-orange as they mature. Each berry contains several seeds, which are eventually dispersed by water, and sometimes by waterfowl, to new locations where they can germinate and start the cycle anew. During the winter, water-arum dies back to its rhizomes, which remain dormant until the conditions become favorable for regrowth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Water Arum or Calla palustris can be propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time to propagate by division is in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. To do this, carefully lift the plant from the soil and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point. These divisions should then be planted in containers filled with a mix of peat and perlite or directly into a boggy soil area, maintaining the same soil depth as they were previously grown. Water well after planting, and maintain consistently moist conditions as the new plants become established.
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