Zantedeschia aethiopica "Arum lily or white lily" of the Araceae family. 🤍💛💚

Zantedeschia aethiopica "Arum lily or white lily" of the Araceae family. 🤍💛💚

Zantedeschia Aethiopica – The Elegant Arum Lily (White Calla Lily)

If you've watched the video you've seen the timeless elegance of this stunning bloom. In this post, we’ll take a deeper dive into everything you should know about Zantedeschia aethiopica - also known as Arum lily or white calla lily - from its botanical background to how to grow and care for it in your garden or home.

What Is Zantedeschia Aethiopica?

In genus Zantedeschia, of the species Aethiopica, from the family Araceae (the arum family). The common names for Zantedeschia Aethiopica are Arum lily, white calla lily, altar lily, African lily, and lily of the Nile. They are native to southern Africa - in Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini - Z. aethiopica naturally grows along stream banks, wetlands, and moist slopes.

Is it a true Lily?

Despite the common name “calla lily” or “arum lily,” Zantedeschia aethiopica is not a true lily (Lilium) nor in the true arum genus (Arum). It belongs to its own genus Zantedeschia within the Araceae family.

Appearance & Key Features

Their leaves are large, arrowhead- or spear-shaped, glossy dark green leaves. In favourable conditions, leaves may reach 30–45cm or more.

Their showy “flower” is actually a white funnel-shaped spathe (a modified leaf) wrapping around a central yellow spadix (the actual tiny flowers). The spathe may reach up to 25cm in length.

They typically bloom from spring through summer and sometimes into autumn, depending on climate.

They grow from a rhizomatous perennial (i.e. it spreads via underground rhizomes) that may remain evergreen where conditions permit, or go dormant in drier/dormant seasons.

Why It’s Popular? (and Cautions)

✅Z. aethiopica is very popular as an ornamental plant - its elegant white blooms contrast beautifully in garden beds, pond edges, or containers.

✅It’s a favourite cut flower in floristry, valued for its long stems and vase life.

✅In many places, it thrives in moist soils, boggy zones, and shallow water margins - making it useful in water gardens or damp garden zones.

❌In some regions (especially in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the U.S.), it is considered an invasive species/environmental weed because of its aggressive rhizome spread.

❌All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested. Symptoms include mouth and throat irritation, vomiting, swelling, and in severe cases breathing difficulties.

❌The sap can also irritate skin or cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

How to Grow & Care for Zantedeschia Aethiopica
(a practical care guide to help your arum lily thrive)

• They prefer full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates, partial shade during midday may help. In containers, it can be moved to a favorable position to moderate extremes.
  
  
• They need moist, well‑draining soil. It tolerates heavier, moisture-holding soils but does not like to stay waterlogged. In garden or pond-edge settings, maintain consistently damp conditions, especially during the growing season. In dryer times or periods of heat, increase watering frequency - but avoid standing water around the rhizomes.
  
  
• Plant rhizomes or tubers in spring (after frost risk) or when the ground is workable. Plant rhizome just below the soil surface, with tips pointing upward. Space plants 30-45cm apart to allow room to grow. Propagate by division of rhizomes (after a few years) - divide in early spring when new growth begins.
  
  
• Use a balanced, slow-release or liquid fertilizer during the active growth period to encourage blooms. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it may promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
  
  
• The are susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and fungal rots if conditions are too humid or stagnant. Good airflow, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal issues. Remove dead or yellowed leaves promptly to reduce disease risk.
  
  
• In milder climates, Z. aethiopica may remain semi-evergreen. In colder climates or frost-prone areas, lift and store rhizomes in a frost-free spot over winter, or mulch heavily to protect. In dormant periods, reduce watering but don’t let rhizomes dry out completely.

Iconic Uses & Aesthetic Appeal

The pure white spathe is often chosen for weddings and formal events, symbolizing purity and elegance.

Use at pond edges or in shallow water (up to 15–30cm) to create a dramatic contrast of white against green foliage and reflections.

Because of its striking form, it works well in containers (with careful water and soil management), especially for patios or balconies.

🌿 Conclusion: The Graceful Charm of the Arum Lily

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your journey with ornamental plants, Zantedeschia aethiopica - the elegant Arum lily - offers timeless beauty, striking structure, and year-round visual interest when grown in the right conditions. Its classic white spathe and lush green foliage make it a standout in both garden landscapes and floral arrangements.

From ponds and patios to wedding bouquets and water gardens, the white calla lily brings grace and symbolism wherever it grows. Just remember: while beautiful, this plant does require mindful care - and it’s best admired without ingestion due to its toxicity.

👉 Inspired by the beauty of the Arum lily? Watch the video (if you haven't already) to see Zantedeschia aethiopica in full bloom and experience its elegance up close.

👇 Don’t forget to share your own calla lily growing tips in the comments! 🌱💬

And if you're planning to plant your own, bookmark this care guide to help it thrive!