Calla Lily

Long lasting solitary thick 5 inch long (13 cm) petaled flower that has a funnel-shaped cone (spathe) around a long yellow spike (spadix) bearing the flowers themselves. Very thick and soft stems. Flowers are usually white. But hybrid ‘mini-callas’ have a range of other colors including natural green varieties.

Family: Araceae
Species: Zantedeschia aethiopica
Origin: Native to Southern and Eastern Africa
Symbolizes: The Calla Lily is known to symbolize beauty, purity, innocence, holiness, and faithfulness.
Also Known As: Calla, Zantedeschia, Arum Aethiopicum, and Arum Lily.

Care, Handling & Design

Temperature: 34-38 F (1-3 C)
Humidity: 75-85%
Water: Medium water quality. Avoid softened water.
Vase Life: 4- 10 days

What to Look for When Purchasing

Harvesting stage is when the spathe has opened enough so that the spadix can be seen. The spadix (the thick fleshy inflorescence inside the showy spathe) should be visible at the time of purchase. Also, the stems should stand firm and should not be slimy. Look for bruising or mechanical damage due to improper packaging and handling. Also look for brown tips of the spathe. When purchasing Calla Lilies look for pliable stems – if they snap when bent, the flowers are past their prime. Also be sure the flowers are smooth, firm, and wrinkle free. Lastly be sure there is no pollen on the stamen. This forms as the flowers age and is a sign they aren’t fresh. Unlike other lilies, calla lilies do not have a scent.

Foam Info

Stem ends are thick but soft which can make it difficult to handle in foam. Stem burn and leaf yellowing can be a problem in foam. Use low density foam like OASIS® Springtime Floral Foam Maxlife.

Design Tips

Stems are extremely soft. Although you can use with foam, Callas will last longer when arranged in a vase. Callas make a dramatic statement all on their own or can mix with other flowers for an elegant, upscale look. Callas are beautiful, feminine, and elegant flowers perfect for weddings. Calla Lilies’ stems are typically long and thick (except for mini-Callas). It is therefore important to secure floral foam appropriately when making arrangements. If needed, Callas may be opened gently by hand to uncurl the spathe. Their large sturdy stems make them an ideal candidate for large vase arrangements or single flowers for wedding rose ceremonies. keep in mind that the Calla Lily stems may drip for a while after cutting stems. Callas are also commonly used at funerals. Calla lily sap will stain clothing, but the stain won’t appear until after laundering. If using calla lilies in bouquets or boutonnieres, be sure to cover the stems ends.

Ethylene Sensitivity

Low

Pest & Disease Information

Botrytis on flowers.

Troubleshooting

If flowers were harvested too early, they may not fully open. Browning of the edges of the spathe is a common disorder. Commercial Calla products can prevent it. The end of the stems can split and curl a bit. It is believed to be due osmotic pressure in cells and soft cuticle. Some report that sugar based solution such as flower food can reduce this. Handle Callas as little as possible, especially the flower heads. If at all possible only hold your Calla Lilies by the stem. This will reduce/avoid physical damage.

Product Usage

For optimal care of Calla Lily, please reference the chart of products below. Make sure to select your region to see which products are available.

BreedersGrowersBouquet OperationsTransportersWholesalersFloristsEvent Planners & DesignersSupermarkets & Club StoresEcommerce & DropshippersFlower Enthusiasts
Clean & Disinfect
FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner
FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner
FloraLife® D.L.D. Cleaner
FloraLife® D.L.D. Cleaner 
FloraLife® Floral Cleaner
FloraLife® Floral Cleaner 
FloraLife® Cleaner
FloraLife® Cleaner  
FloraLife® Cleaner Plus
FloraLife® Cleaner Plus   
FloraLife® STRIP-IT® Cleaner
FloraLife® STRIP-IT® Cleaner        
Hydrate
FloraLife® Express Clear 100
FloraLife® Express Clear 100       
FloraLife HydraFlor® 100
FloraLife HydraFlor® 100      
Floralife® Hydraflor Clear Ultra 100
Floralife® Hydraflor Clear Ultra 100      
FloraLife® Hydrate Hydrangea
FloraLife® Hydrate Hydrangea          
FloraLife® Hydrate Plus 100
FloraLife® Hydrate Plus 100        
FloraLife® Hydrate Universal 100
FloraLife® Hydrate Universal 100        
FloraLife® PRG
FloraLife® PRG 
FloraLife® Quick Dip
FloraLife® Quick Dip    
Treat
EthylBloc™ Tablet
EthylBloc™ Tablet     
EthylBloc™ Truck Kit
EthylBloc™ Truck Kit    
FloraLife® EthylGuard 100
FloraLife® EthylGuard 100        
FloraLife® EthylGuard ULTRA 100
FloraLife® EthylGuard ULTRA 100        
FloraLife® Shield ULTRA
FloraLife® Shield ULTRA        
Store & Transport
FloraLife® 200
FloraLife® 200   
FloraLife® Clear 200
FloraLife® Clear 200   
FloraLife® Clear ULTRA 200
FloraLife® Clear ULTRA 200   
FloraLife® Clear 200 eZ Dose®
FloraLife® Clear 200 eZ Dose®   
FloraLife® Clear Rose 200
FloraLife® Clear Rose 200          
FloraLife® Express 200 eZ Dose®
FloraLife® Express 200 eZ Dose®   
FloraLife® Express Clear 200
FloraLife® Express Clear 200   
FloraLife® Bouquet Wrap
FloraLife® Bouquet Wrap   
Feed
FloraLife Crystal Clear®
FloraLife Crystal Clear®      
FloraLife Crystal Clear® ULTRA
FloraLife Crystal Clear® ULTRA      
FloraLife® Clear 300
FloraLife® Clear 300      
FloraLife® Express Universal 300
FloraLife® Express Universal 300      
FloraLife® Express ULTRA 300
FloraLife® Express ULTRA 300      
FloraLife® Floral Foam Food 300
FloraLife® Floral Foam Food 300      
FloraLife® Flower Food 300
FloraLife® Flower Food 300      
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300      
FloraLife® Special Blend 300
FloraLife® Special Blend 300      
Finish
FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory
FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory   
FloraLife® ForEver Green
FloraLife® ForEver Green          
FloraLife® HydroSpray
FloraLife® HydroSpray    
FloraLife® LeafShine
FloraLife® LeafShine   
FloraLife® LeafShine Silicone Free
FloraLife® LeafShine Silicone Free   
Dose
FloraLife® Blend Center
FloraLife® Blend Center 
FloraLife® Aquablend Injector
FloraLife® Aquablend Injector 
Customer Care
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Packets
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Packets  
FloraLife Crystal Clear® Packets
FloraLife Crystal Clear® Packets  
FloraLife® Universal 300 Packets
FloraLife® Universal 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Flower Food 300 Packets
FloraLife® Flower Food 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300 Packets
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Flower Food Recyclable Paper Packets
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Flower Food Recyclable Paper Packets  
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Flower Food Improved Moisture Barrier Recyclable Paper Packets
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Flower Food Improved Moisture Barrier Recyclable Paper Packets  
Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit
Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit         
FloraLife® Surface Cleaner
FloraLife® Surface Cleaner         
FloraLife® Quick Dip
FloraLife® Quick Dip         
FloraLife® Flower Food
FloraLife® Flower Food         
FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray
FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray