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Tropical rhizomatous plant
Araceae
Architectural tropical foliage plant
Van Noort
Captain Romance calla (Zantedeschia ‘Captain Romance’)
Calla Captain Romance is a tropical rhizomatous perennial forming an upright clump about 55 cm tall and 35 cm wide. Large, glossy green, arrow-shaped leaves quickly create a lush display in a substantial container or summer border. Van Noort supplies one No 1 rhizome in a retail package. Plant after frost in rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, and protect the foliage from wind. In Quebec, bring the container indoors or lift the rhizome before cold weather. Every plant part is irritating and toxic when chewed, so keep it away from children and pets. Its vertical habit suits narrow patios when the pot remains stable and accessible for winter handling.
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Discover the plant
Common nameUpright elephant ears
FamilyAraceae
GenusZantedeschia
CultivarCaptain Romance
TypeTropical rhizomatous plant
Botanical nameZantedeschia
Captain Romance calla (Zantedeschia ‘Captain Romance’) produces elegant spathes where rich pink fades delicately toward paler edges, creating a delicate airbrushed effect. Each sculptural cup rises above glossy green foliage that is often flecked with white and remains attractive between bloom cycles. The plant develops into a refined clump approximately 45 to 60 cm tall and about 35 cm wide. From June through August, sturdy stems provide an exotic accent in containers, summer borders, and cut-flower arrangements. One Van Noort rhizome builds a balanced display when warmth, filtered light, and steady moisture are supplied throughout active growth.
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 30 to 40 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 Captain Romance beside a patio, in a tropical border, or in a substantial planter where its romantic pink 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.
In the garden
- Exposure
- Partial sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Tropical perennial grown as an annual or overwintered
- Hardiness
- Zone 10
Planting guide
Sowing & germination
Planting depth
Crown 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 in) below the surface
Spacing / density
750 mm (14 in) between plants
Best planting time
Late May or June in Quebec, once soil is warm
Propagation
Division of offsets and rhizome sections in spring
Growing method
After the last frost, wait until soil and nighttime temperatures have warmed before planting the No 1 rhizome. Choose a bright full-sun to partial-shade site protected from gusts. Loosen an area wider than the future clump and incorporate mature compost into rich, humus-filled, well-drained soil. Lay the rhizome horizontally with buds upward and the crown 25 to 50 mm below the surface; avoid deep planting that traps moisture. Space plants about 35 cm apart. Backfill without compacting, water deeply, and apply light organic mulch without covering the crown. Maintain even moisture because large leaves lose water quickly, but never leave the soil saturated. Begin moderate feeding after active growth is visible. Monitor slugs, spider mites, and wind damage. Before Quebec’s first frost, bring the container inside or lift the rhizome carefully. Clean it, let it dry briefly, then overwinter it cool, dry, and frost free. Wear gloves whenever handling the plant, and label stored material clearly. The following spring, wake the rhizome gradually in warm, barely moist mix. Increase water only after roots and shoots become active. Record planting depth and date so successful conditions can be repeated. Keep the crown visible enough to monitor firmness without exposing developing roots.
Soil and care
Soil & care
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
5°C (41°F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Water deeply after planting, then keep the growing medium evenly moist during active growth. Check soil several centimetres below the surface and irrigate when the top begins to dry, before leaves wilt. Always empty the saucer and reduce water sharply as temperatures fall or dormancy begins. Indoors, adjust frequency to actual light and warmth rather than following a fixed schedule. Room-temperature water limits shock to tropical roots, especially after the plant returns indoors. Watch leaf posture and pot weight, and water early in the day so excess moisture can drain before cooler night conditions.
Soil type
Rich, humus-filled, loose, well-drained soil supports the large leaves of Calla Captain Romance. Loam amended with compost holds even moisture while releasing excess water around the rhizome. In containers, use a quality potting mix opened with fine bark or perlite. Avoid compact clay, water-filled saucers, and cold saturated soil, which encourage rot. Refresh the upper layer of mix each spring when complete repotting is unnecessary. Test drainage after settling, keep mulch away from the crown, and replace any sour-smelling medium immediately.
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.
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.
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.
Container growing
Container growing
Recommended pot size
Heavy pot 45 to 60 cm wide and at least 40 cm deep
Choose a heavy container 45 to 60 cm wide and at least 40 cm deep with several drainage holes. This volume stabilizes the 55 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.
Bloom and dimensions
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)
Width / spread
35 cm (14 in)
Flower color
Rich pink fading to paler edges
Foliage color
Glossy green flecked with white
Foliage type
Evergreen in tropical climates; seasonal or dormant in Quebec
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 Quebec’s 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 associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
Combine Calla Captain Romance 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.
Garden use
Use Calla Captain Romance as a tropical specimen, seasonal screen, or vertical accent in a substantial container. It suits sheltered patios, entrances, courtyards, and summer borders rich in organic matter. Green foliage provides a background for flowering plants and creates an impression of abundance. In Quebec, favour an accessible position so the pot can be moved or the rhizome lifted before frost. The plant also suits very bright sunrooms when warmth, ambient humidity, and enough space for the leaves are provided. Its upright profile works particularly well against a simple wall or dark screen.
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 Quebec, 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 Quebec. Use it as an architectural element, then complement the garden with locally suitable flowering plants that supply nectar and pollen.
Outils
Compostage et écologie
