Golden Arum Lily Zantedeschia elliottiana
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Golden Arum Lily or Golden Calla Lily, this plant is striking for its lush, glossy green foliage and the vivid yellow, chalice-shaped flowers it produces. The leaves are heart-shaped and sometimes carry a speckled pattern. The vibrant blooms, which are actually bracts or modified leaves, wrap around a finger-like protrusion called a spadix, a common characteristic among plants in its family. This central spadix is generally a pale yellow to cream color, contrasting with the bright yellow of the surrounding bract. The bracts are smooth and come to a gentle point at the top, curving elegantly as they encapsulate the spadix. The overall appearance of the plant is one of tropical elegance, with its bold colors and glossy foliage creating an aesthetic appeal that is highly prized in gardens and floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Golden Arum, Yellow Arum, Yellow Calla Lily, Elliott's Calla.
Common names
Richardia elliottiana, Richardia hastata, Zantedeschia hastata.
ToxicityTo humans
Calla lily, as commonly known, contains insoluble calcium oxalates which are toxic to humans. If ingested, chewing any part of the plant can release these crystals causing tissue damage and symptoms such as intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and possible swelling of the throat leading to breathing difficulties.
To pets
Calla lily is also toxic to pets due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates. If a pet chews or ingests any part of the plant, it can result in oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, swelling of the upper airway may occur, causing difficulty breathing.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Spread
1 foot [0.30 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Zantedeschia elliottiana, commonly known as Golden Calla Lily, adds a bright and elegant touch to gardens and homes with its striking yellow trumpet-shaped flowers and attractive foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Golden Calla Lily is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, which makes it a great option for novice gardeners.
- Garden Design: It serves as an excellent accent plant for mixed borders or can be used as focal points in container gardens, adding structure and color contrast to garden designs.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers of the Golden Calla Lily are long-lasting when cut and are highly prized for their beauty in floral arrangements.
- Pollinator Attraction: Golden Calla Lilies attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health and biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant blooms in late spring to early summer, offering seasonal interest and a splash of color at a time when many other plants are not yet in flower.
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: Calla lily's striking shape and vibrant color make it a popular choice for photographers looking for a natural element in still life and fine art photography.
- Print and Pattern Design: The calla lily's distinct form is often used in textile and wallpaper patterns for interior design.
- Wedding Decor: Beyond bouquets, calla lilies are used to adorn wedding cakes, as table centerpieces, and even incorporated into bridal hair accessories.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers may use calla lilies to help students study the structure of a monocotyledonous flower.
- Culinary Garnish: While not edible, the calla lily can be used as a non-toxic decorative garnish on sophisticated dishes in high-end culinary presentations.
- Artistic Muse: The elegant form of the calla lily has inspired many artists and sculptors, often serving as a subject for sculptures and paintings.
- Craft Material: Dried calla lily flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making potpourris or ornaments.
- Floral Arrangement Classes: The calla lily is a common flower used in teaching the art of floral design due to its ease of handling and arranging.
- Fashion Inspiration: Calla lilies have influenced fashion designers who mimic the flower's shape and color in dresses and accessories.
- Ink Production: Historically, some plants' sap has been used to make inks, and calla lily's sap could potentially be used in a similar way for natural dye or ink production.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Calla Lily is associated with purity and innocence in Feng Shui, and it is thought to bring a sense of balance and harmony to a space. Placing Calla Lilies in the living room can promote a peaceful environment and in the bedroom, they symbolize a flourishing relationship. However, as with all plants, ensure they are healthy and well-maintained to keep positive energy flowing.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Calla Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Zantedeschia elliottiana, commonly known as Calla Lily, is often associated with beauty due to its elegant and graceful flower shape.
- Purity: The clean lines and the bright yellow spadix of the Calla Lily suggest innocence and purity, making it a popular choice for bridal bouquets.
- Femininity: The soft contours of the Calla Lily are reminiscent of feminine qualities and are often linked to the ideas of fertility and womanhood.
- Resurrection: With its trumpet-like shape, the Calla Lily is sometimes used in religious contexts to symbolize the resurrection and the idea of life after death.
- Transcendence: The flower's ability to rise above the murky water from which it grows is symbolic of transcendence and overcoming difficult circumstances.
- Rebirth: As a plant that returns each year after a period of dormancy, the Calla Lily represents rebirth and new beginnings.
WaterFor the Calla Lily, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, which might be once a week, depending on the environment. During dormancy, reduce watering to prevent the rhizomes from rotting. When you water, add enough so that it just starts to seep out of the drainage holes, which could be about 1-2 gallons for a mature plant in a large pot, less for smaller pots.
LightThe Calla Lily thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It's best placed in a spot where it can receive this light for most of the day; however, you should avoid direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, which can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureCalla Lilies prefer temperatures between 60-75°F for optimal growth. They can survive temperature dips down to approximately 50°F but should not be exposed to temperatures below that. The ideal condition keeps the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents, which can cause stress.
PruningPruning the Calla Lily involves removing spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and prevent disease. It's best to prune any dead or damaged tissue as soon as it's noticed. The optimum time for major pruning is after flowering has ceased, or in the fall before the plant enters dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCalla lily requires well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mix of loam, sand, and peat is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and aeration. Adding organic matter like compost can enhance soil fertility and structure for better growth.
RepottingCalla lilies should be repotted every two years or when they become root-bound. Early spring, before the growing season starts, is the best time to repot these plants to minimize stress and promote healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingCalla lily thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-60%. Consistent humidity helps keep the leaves healthy and supports vibrant flower production without additional watering needs.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place calla lily in bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant calla lily in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleCalla lily (Zantedeschia elliottiana) begins its life cycle with the germination of rhizomes, typically in early spring. Once the threat of frost has passed, shoots emerge from the rhizomes, developing into broad, arrow-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it produces a spadix surrounded by a colorful spathe, which is often mistaken for a flower but is actually a modified leaf. After pollination, possibly by insects attracted to the spathe's bright color, the spadix produces berries containing seeds. As the growing season progresses, the plant accumulates nutrients in the rhizome before the foliage dies back in late autumn. During winter, the rhizomes enter a dormant period, conserving energy to restart the cycle in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Calla Lily (Zantedeschia elliottiana) is by dividing the rhizomes. This is generally done in the fall after the foliage has died back or in early spring before growth begins. First, carefully dig up the clumps of rhizomes, making sure to minimize damage to the roots. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes so that each piece has at least one growth eye or bud. Dust the cut surfaces with fungicide to prevent rot and infection. Then, plant the divisions about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, taking care to space them about a foot (roughly 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings adequately to establish them.
