With its elegant, sculptural form, the Calla Lily brings a touch of modern art to any garden or home. This stunning flower, known as Cup-of-milk (Zantedeschia), is a timeless symbol of sophistication often featured in bouquets and high-end floral designs.
Its famous funnel-shaped “flower” and glossy, arrow-shaped leaves create a look of pure elegance. This guide will show you exactly how to plant, grow, and care for these beautiful Zantedeschia, so you can enjoy their unique beauty year after year.
What is the Cup-of-milk Plant? An Icon of Elegance
While most people know it as the Calla Lily, the Cup-of-milk plant is not a true lily at all. This elegant plant, with its roots in Southern Africa, has a unique structure that makes it stand out in any garden or vase.
The beautiful, trumpet-shaped part we admire is not actually a flower. It is a special, colorful leaf called a spathe. The real flowers are tiny and are found on the yellow spike in the center, known as the spadix. This unique anatomy gives the Zantedeschia its signature sculptural look.
Common Types of Zantedeschia
When choosing a Zantedeschia, you will generally find two main types. Each has its own distinct characteristics and care needs.
First is the classic white Cup-of-milk (Zantedeschia aethiopica). This variety is larger, more robust, and loves moist conditions. It is the hardy, timeless choice for garden beds. The second group includes the vibrant, modern hybrids. These smaller plants come in a rainbow of colors like yellow, pink, orange, and deep purple, and are perfect for pots.
How to Plant Your Zantedeschia for Stunning Blooms
Planting your Zantedeschia correctly is the first step toward a season of beautiful, elegant flowers. These plants grow from rhizomes, which look like small, lumpy bulbs. Follow these simple steps to get them started right.
When and Where to Plant
The best time to plant your Zantedeschia rhizomes is in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed. The right location is key and depends on the variety you are growing.
Do calla lilies like sun or shade? The classic white Cup-of-milk (Z. aethiopica) does best in partial shade, especially in areas with hot afternoons. The colorful hybrids, however, need more light and thrive in full sun to light afternoon shade.
Soil Preparation
Zantedeschia plants love soil that is rich in organic matter and stays consistently moist but still drains well. Poor drainage can cause the rhizomes to rot. Before planting, improve your garden soil by mixing in a generous amount of compost or peat moss.
Planting Rhizomes (In-Ground and in Pots)
When you look at your Zantedeschia rhizome, you will see small bumps or sprouts on one side. These are the “eyes” or growing points, and they should always be facing up when you plant.
- In the Garden: Dig holes about 4 inches deep and place one rhizome in each hole. Make sure to space them about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow.
- In Pots: Choose a container with excellent drainage holes. Plant the rhizome 4 inches deep in a high-quality potting mix.
Essential Care for a Thriving Cup-of-milk Plant
To keep your Cup-of-milk plant healthy and producing those gorgeous blooms, consistent care is key. Follow these simple guidelines for watering, feeding, and winter preparation to ensure your Zantedeschia looks its best all season long.
Watering Needs
Zantedeschia plants are thirsty and love consistent moisture throughout their growing season. It’s important to never let the soil dry out completely. Check the soil regularly and water whenever the top inch feels dry to the touch.
The classic white Cup-of-milk, Z. aethiopica, loves water so much that it can even thrive in boggy soil or at the shallow, muddy edge of a pond.
Fertilizing for More Blooms
To encourage a steady supply of elegant blooms, feed your plant every two to four weeks while it is actively growing. A balanced liquid fertilizer works perfectly for both garden and potted plants.
For the best results, choose a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen. This tells the plant to put its energy into making flowers instead of just growing more leaves.
Overwintering and Dormancy
Proper winter care is crucial for enjoying your Zantedeschia for years to come. In areas colder than USDA Zone 8, the rhizomes will not survive the winter in the ground.
After the first light frost has blackened the foliage, carefully dig up the rhizomes. Let them cure in a dry spot for a few days, then store them in a paper bag with peat moss in a cool, dark place like a garage. For potted plants, simply stop watering and move the pot to a protected spot.
How do you care for Zantedeschia in pots?
Caring for Zantedeschia in pots is easy and very rewarding. Here’s how to ensure your container-grown Cup-of-milk thrives:
- Choose the Right Pot: Select a container that is large enough for the plant and has excellent drainage holes.
- Use Good Soil: Fill the pot with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix.
- Water Consistently: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Check it often, as pots dry out quickly.
- Feed Regularly: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to fuel blooming.
- Provide Winter Care: In the fall, stop watering and move the pot to a cool, dark spot like a garage to let it rest for the winter.
Common Zantedeschia Pests and Diseases
Thankfully, the Cup-of-milk plant is quite resilient and does not suffer from many issues. When problems do arise, they are usually easy to manage.
The most common problem you might face is rhizome rot. This is almost always caused by soil that is too wet or does not drain properly, so be careful not to overwater.
Occasionally, you may notice common garden pests like aphids or spider mites on the leaves. A gentle spray of insecticidal soap is usually all that is needed to handle these visitors and keep your Zantedeschia healthy.
FAQ: Your Cup-of-milk (Zantedeschia) Questions Answered
Here are quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about growing the beautiful and elegant Zantedeschia.
Is Zantedeschia an indoor or outdoor plant?
It can be both! Zantedeschia grows beautifully outdoors in garden beds or pots during the warm season. In areas with cold winters, you can grow it as a lovely indoor houseplant or simply dig up the rhizomes in the fall and store them indoors until spring.
Is Zantedeschia a perennial or annual?
Zantedeschia is a tender perennial. This means that in warm climates (USDA Zones 8-10), it will grow back every year like a perennial. In colder climates, it is often treated like an annual because it won’t survive the freezing temperatures unless you bring it inside for winter.
How do you care for Zantedeschia in pots?
Caring for potted Zantedeschia is straightforward. Use a pot with good drainage, keep the soil consistently moist, and feed it regularly while it’s growing. For winter, simply stop watering and move the pot to a cool, dark place to rest.
Do calla lilies like sun or shade?
It depends on the type. The classic, large white Cup-of-milk prefers partial shade, especially in the afternoon. The colorful hybrids in shades of yellow, pink, and orange need more light and bloom best with at least six hours of full sun each day.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Elegance of Your Cup-of-milk
The Cup-of-milk (Zantedeschia) is a truly special plant that brings a touch of sleek, modern elegance to any setting. With its unique form and stunning colors, it is a rewarding addition for any gardener.
By providing consistent water, giving it the right amount of sunlight for its type, and following the simple steps for winter care, you can enjoy these sophisticated blooms for years to come. Go ahead and add this graceful flower to your garden or home—you will be so glad you did.