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Tropical rhizomatous plant
Araceae
Architectural tropical foliage plant
Van Noort
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Ethiopian calla lily
From bulb to bloom
Common nameUpright elephant ears
FamilyAraceae
GenusZantedeschia
Speciesaethiopica
Bulb typeRhizome
Botanical nameZantedeschia aethiopica
Quantity per pack1
Bulb size16/18
Ethiopian calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) reliably produces large pure-white spathes surrounding a creamy yellow spadix. These sculptural flowers rise above broad, glossy green, arrow-shaped foliage that gives gardens an immediate tropical character. Van Noort lists the established plant at approximately 60 cm tall and 25 cm wide. The retail package contains one size 16/18 rhizome. Summer flowering brightens substantial containers, moist borders, and cut-flower arrangements. This member of the Araceae family appreciates steady moisture during active growth, along with warmth and full sun or partial shade for dependable development.
Plant the rhizome in spring after frost once the soil has warmed. Set it flat with buds upward beneath 8 to 10 cm of rich, loose, sharply drained soil. Choose gentle sun or partial shade and space plants 120 cm apart. Water deeply to maintain even moisture without saturating the growing medium. Mature compost and diluted balanced fertilizer every two weeks support spathe production. In a container, use a pot at least 30 cm wide with effective drainage holes. Shelter emerging shoots from cold wind and acclimate them gradually outdoors so tender foliage does not scorch under sudden intense light.
Place aethiopica beside a patio, in a tropical border, or in a substantial planter where its luminous white colours can be appreciated closely. Pair it with caladiums, begonias, coleus, heucheras, and cannas to contrast dark foliage with luminous flowers. Cut spathes after their colour develops fully for long-lasting arrangements, then remove faded stems. Before the first frost, reduce watering, allow foliage to decline, and lift the rhizome. Dry it before storing it cool, dry, and frost free. Every plant part contains irritating oxalates and must not be eaten, so keep rhizomes and cut material away from children and pets.
Light and life cycle
In the garden
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Tropical perennial grown as an annual or overwintered
- Hardiness
- Zone 7
Planting and establishment
Planting guide
Planting & establishment
Planting depth
Environ 10 cm
Spacing / density
750 mm (30 in.) between plants
Planting period
Printemps; sortie après les gelées
Propagation
Division of offsets and rhizome sections in spring
Growing method
Au printemps, plantez le rhizome à environ 10 cm de profondeur dans un sol riche, au soleil ou à la mi-ombre. Gardez la terre humide pendant la croissance. Sortez la plante après les gelées et rentrez-la avant le gel en automne.
Soil and care
Soil and care
Soil & care
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture
Zantedeschia appreciates moderate to high ambient humidity during active growth but also requires steady air movement. Group plants or use a humidifier indoors instead of constantly wetting the foliage. Keep the pot away from heating vents and cold drafts. Stable humidity limits dry tips, although stagnant air combined with saturated soil encourages disease and rot.
Minimum temperature
-12 °C (10 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Régulier : garder le sol humide en croissance
Soil type
Riche en matière organique et humide
Fertilization
In spring and summer, feed every two to four weeks with diluted balanced fertilizer, or apply a controlled-release formula according to its label. Begin only after new leaves confirm root activity. Water before feeding and periodically flush container mix to limit salt accumulation. Stop feeding during dormancy or whenever low winter light markedly slows growth. Firm, evenly spaced growth indicates that the feeding rate is sufficient. White deposits on the mix or pot rim signal salt accumulation and a need for thorough flushing with plain water.
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the stored rhizome and remove only soft tissue with a clean tool. Repot it in fresh mix as buds swell, then increase warmth, light, and watering gradually. Wait until frost has ended before outdoor acclimation; expose the plant to sun and wind in stages over one week. During summer, keep soil evenly moist, feed moderately, and rotate containers for balanced growth. Cut yellow leaves at the base while wearing gloves, monitor slugs and spider mites, and shelter broad blades from gusts. In autumn, bring the pot inside before nights remain below 12°C, or lift the rhizome before frost. Reduce water as growth slows, remove excess soil, and let the rhizome dry briefly. In winter, store a dormant rhizome cool, dry, ventilated, and frost free, or maintain a leafy plant in a warm bright room with less water. Inspect monthly for rot, excessive shrivelling, or pests. Keep the plant clearly labelled and inaccessible to children and pets at all times. Across the seasons, record emergence date, watering rhythm, and response to light so culture can be adjusted precisely the following year. At repotting, divide only offsets carrying their own roots and let every cut dry briefly before replanting. Clean the container, replace compacted mix, and verify that the crown remains firm. Increase spring moisture in small stages rather than flooding inactive roots.
Growing in containers
Container growing
Container growing
Recommended pot size
heavy pot, 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in.) in diameter and 40 cm (16 in.) or more deep
Choose a heavy container 60 cm wide and at least 40 cm deep with several drainage holes. This volume stabilizes the 60 cm plant and gives the rhizome room to form offsets. Fill it with rich, airy potting mix amended with compost and perlite or fine bark. Set the crown just below the surface and water until surplus drains freely. Position the pot in full sun to partial shade, sheltered from wind. During summer, check moisture frequently because large leaves and a warm container use water quickly, yet never leave the saucer full. Feed at diluted strength during active growth and rotate the pot regularly. Stake only if the plant leans. Before cold nights, clean the foliage, inspect for pests, and acclimate the plant indoors. Overwinter it in leaf in a warm bright room, or allow dormancy and store the rhizome cool, dry, and frost free. Repot in spring when roots fill the container, and always wear gloves while handling damaged tissue. Raise the container on feet to preserve drainage after heavy rain. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and detect spider mites early. Keep the crown free of accumulated mulch and check that drainage holes remain open throughout summer.
Growth and flowering
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
Environ 60 cm
Width / spread
Environ 25 cm
Flower color
Luminous pure white
Foliage color
Glossy green flecked with white
Foliage type
Evergreen in tropical climates; seasonal or dormant in colder Canadian regions
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Upright, architectural, clumping
Bloom period
Flowers may appear in summer on a mature, well-established plant. Typical of the aroid family, each inflorescence consists of a pale spathe surrounding a narrower spadix. It often remains discreet beneath the enormous foliage and is not guaranteed during cold-climate short season. The plant is grown primarily for leaves, so do not force flowering through excessive fertilizer. If an inflorescence appears, observe it on the plant instead of treating it as a cut flower. Remove it only after decline if conserving energy for foliage is the priority. It clearly illustrates the botanical structure characteristic of the aroid family.
Garden companions
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
Combine Calla d’Éthiopie with plants that enjoy warmth, rich soil, and steady moisture without becoming invasive. Cannas repeat its vertical habit; coleus, begonias, impatiens, and ornamental sweet potato add colour and low coverage. Papyrus or finely textured grasses provide contrast in large containers. Leave enough root space and adjust watering to each species, however. Overwinter companions separately whenever their winter requirements differ. Avoid overcrowding the main pot. Separate neighbouring containers create a comparable layered effect while simplifying repotting, pest inspection, watering, and winter storage.
Other recommended plants
Fougères et autres plantes appréciant un sol frais.
Garden use
In a cold Canadian regions garden, place Calla d’Éthiopie where its foliage can be viewed closely and sheltered from prevailing wind. A large pot beside a patio, a bright courtyard, or the centre of a tropical border suits it better than an exposed edge. Use one plant as a living sculpture, or repeat several containers to frame an entrance. Around the base, combine begonias, coleus, impatiens, or ornamental sweet potato to cover the mix without competing for height. Cannas and fine grasses extend the vertical rhythm, while purple or chartreuse foliage emphasizes the enormous green leaves. Keep about 25 cm between plants so air can circulate and each clump retains its outline. Avoid areas used by young children or pets because the plant is toxic when chewed. Finally, maintain clear access for watering and autumn transport. This seasonal role allows the display to change annually while the rhizome is safely preserved indoors. Soft evening lighting directed toward the foliage reveals prominent veins and extends the architectural effect after sunset. Avoid fixtures that produce direct heat. A dark backdrop or simple wall further clarifies the leaf outline and makes the seasonal specimen feel intentional.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
When should the rhizome be planted?
Plant the No 1 rhizome after all danger of frost, generally in late May or June in colder Canadian regions, once both soil and nights are genuinely warm. Choose a bright full-sun to partial-shade position protected from wind. Lay the rhizome horizontally with buds facing upward and the crown 25 to 50 mm below the surface. Rich, moist, well-drained soil prevents drying without trapping water. Irrigate deeply, then be patient because slow emergence does not necessarily indicate a problem. Avoid saturating a rhizome that remains dormant. In containers, begin growth under warm shelter and gradually acclimate the foliage before its final outdoor placement.
How should this Zantedeschia be overwintered?
Before the first frost, bring the pot inside or lift the rhizome. To keep the plant leafy, place it in a warm, bright, humid room away from drafts, then reduce watering slightly and stop feeding if growth slows. For dormant storage, let foliage decline, cut it back while wearing gloves, clean the rhizome gently, and allow it to dry briefly. Store it in a ventilated container under cool, dry, frost-free conditions. Inspect monthly for rot, mould, or excessive shrivelling. Label the material clearly and keep it inaccessible to children and pets because every plant part is toxic when chewed. Check stored material monthly, maintain ventilation, and remove any soft section with a sterile tool before damage spreads.
What light produces the best leaves?
Provide bright light in full sun to partial shade. Gentle morning sun encourages sturdy growth, while light shade protects leaves during very hot afternoons. An acclimated plant can receive more sun when soil remains moist, but never move an indoor-grown specimen abruptly into a scorching site. Increase exposure over one week to prevent burns. Shelter the clump from wind as well, because large blades tear easily. Indoors, position the pot near a bright window without touching cold glass. Rotate it regularly to maintain an upright, balanced habit, and watch moisture closely as increasing light raises water use. A simple windbreak can preserve intact margins without reducing the bright, filtered light needed for vigorous growth.
Why do the leaves turn yellow?
One older leaf may yellow naturally as a new leaf develops. Several yellow leaves at once, however, commonly indicate saturated mix, blocked drainage, sudden cold, insufficient light, or stressed roots. Check soil deeply and empty the saucer before adding water. Inspect roots if odour or a soft base accompanies yellowing. In winter, reduce irrigation as growth slows. Brown tips may instead signal dry air, irregular watering, or salt accumulation. Remove only fully yellow leaves with a clean tool while wearing gloves, then correct the cause instead of automatically applying fertilizer. Stable warmth, light, moisture, and airflow usually restore balanced growth.
Is the plant safe for pets?
No. Zantedeschia contains calcium oxalate crystals that strongly irritate the mouth and other tissue when any part is chewed or swallowed. Position the pot where cats, dogs, and young children cannot reach it. Wear gloves when planting, dividing, or cutting leaves, especially whenever sap could touch skin. Wash hands and tools afterwards, and never confuse this ornamental product with an edible plant. If a person or animal bites the plant and develops pain, drooling, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, promptly contact a poison centre, medical professional, or veterinarian. Keep stored rhizomes labelled and equally inaccessible during winter. Store dormant rhizomes in a ventilated labelled container and wear gloves again when spring planting begins.
Wildlife and pets
Wildlife & precautions
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
Discreet summer flowers may receive insect visitors when the plant reaches maturity, but this Zantedeschia is grown primarily for foliage and is not a major wildlife resource in colder Canadian regions. Use it as an architectural element, then complement the garden with locally suitable flowering plants that supply nectar and pollen.
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