Calas are the flowers of a herbaceous stem plant that is known by other common or vernacular names such as: water lily, alcatraz, cartridge, pitcher flower and others; depending on the region where it is distributed. To unify all these names in a single species we can call it by its scientific name Zantedeschia ethiopica. It is a species native to Africa and is currently widely distributed and used ornamentally.
Characteristics of the coves
The Cove (Zantedeschia ethiopica) is native to South Africa, it is a herbaceous plant belonging to the botanical family Araceae. For its beauty it is used is the species of the genus Zantedeschia, more distributed to use as an ornamental plant and naturalized in different parts of the planet. In the central and northern region of the European continent they call it colloquially "calla", unlike other areas that call it by its vernacular name of alcatraz, "Ethiopia cove", "Ethiopia ring", "water lily", " calla lily”, “cartridge”, “jug flower” and other names.
Although it is a plant that grows in the wild in tropical regions, it is a plant that can withstand moderate frosts. They are considered an aquatic plant because they grow on the margins or banks of bodies of water, without having to be submerged in the river or lagoon. Other species of that genus develop as deep plants and floating plants.
The stem of the Calla (Zantedeschia ethiopica) is a large oblong rhizome, its leaves are large, reaching an average height of one and a half meters, these plants grow forming dense groups or masses of Calas plants. It has basal leaves, petiolate and sagittate. It is distinguished by its attractive and exotic flowers, at the beginning of spring the flowering of the Calas occurs and 2 to 3 flowers are born per bulb. It has a simple monoecious inflorescence, measuring 7 centimeters or more, its calyx is arranged in the form of a funnel and it has an erect spadix.
It is a perennial plant that sprouts every year, it grows on the margins of bodies of water, for this reason if it is cultivated it must be provided with sufficient water during its life cycle, the fluctuation of the water level can vary according to the stage of life it is going through, that is, during the flowering season it needs more water and when the flowering period is over, the amount of water required is less.
Its botanical name of Zantedeschia aethiopica, According to the literature consulted, the exact origin of the name of the genus is unknown. Zantedeschia, some authors point out that it is the name of its discoverer Giovanni Zantedeschi, who lived between the years (1773-1846), who was a physicist and botanist. Likewise, they make the exception that the name comes from Francesco Zantedeschia (1798-1873), who was also a physicist, botanist and doctor, he himself wrote about the Cala flower in the year 1825.
Meaning of the coves
The name "Cala" of the species (Zantedeschia aethiopica), it is the most widespread where it is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The same began to be used from the Victorian era in the society of England, being the name given to this plant and that appears in the work "The language of flowers" published in 1879 and written by Miss Corruthers of Inverness , author who made an English version of the book written by Mme. Charlotte de la Tour written in 1818 under the title “Le Langage des Fleurs”.
The term "Cala" originates from the Greek "kalos" which means beautiful, according to this meaning, in the language of flowers, this Cala flower is associated with a symbol of finesse and elegance, which also represents beauty. and stability. In agreement, the authors of the books were related to certain feelings or intentions related to the lovers who through them expressed their feelings, with Calas flowers or other species with beautiful flowers.
In addition to this meaning, Calas flowers are linked with purity, compassion and good luck. Therefore, when you give the flowers of Calas or the plant, you are expressing your sympathy, admiration, candor or wish for good luck to the person who receives it. Regardless of what color the flower of the gifted Cala is, whether it is white, red, or pink, they all have the same meaning, unlike other plant species, whose meaning varies depending on the color of their flowers.
crops of Zantedeschia ethiopica
Since it was naturalized in various countries for use as ornamental plants, horticultural growers have made several crosses obtaining hybrids, leading to the creation of many varieties of Calas plants that come from the same species, although they vary in the color of their flowers. . Some examples are: they are “Apple Court Babe”, “Childsiana”, “Gigantea”, “Glow”, “Marshmallow”, “Mr Sam”, “Pershore Fantasia”, “Whipped Cream”, “White Mischief”, among others.
Care
Calas plants develop a rhizome-like stem that grows horizontally and from which dense and abundant roots develop. If you want to grow a Cala plant at home, you have to select a large and deep pot, because it is a semi-aquatic plant, it can be kept a little submerged in water. When planted in a pot, it can be placed on the edge of paths and corners with good ambient humidity, where light reaches it indirectly.
To cultivate the Calas in the garden, you have to choose a place where sunlight reaches indirectly, the soil is deep and with good drainage. When sowing it, the rhizome must be buried at a depth of approximately two or three fingers deep. They can also be grown near the edge of a pond in a pot and the base of the pot in the water.
ground conditions
The soil where the Calas are planted preferably has to be porous, light and very humid. When growing in a pot, it is suggested to choose a substrate with fertilizer or organic matter and, if it is planted directly in the garden, it is recommended to mix the garden soil with fertilized soil or with peat. Cala plants in the wild grow near bodies of water and, because of this, the soil must have sufficient moisture and also be well drained. If you have a pond in your garden, Calla Lilies are the right plants to plant on the edge of it.
Luminosity
This plant is convenient to plant in places with a little shade, in case of good humidity, Calas plants adapt well in places with good sunlight. This must be taken into account in places with high temperatures, light and low humidity. In case of cultivating Calas and a place with a lot of shade was chosen for the plant, its flowering will be scarce and the leaves will be larger, which for some people may be attractive. Take this into consideration if you want more flowers.
Temperature
Callas, water lilies or alcatraz, is a species of plant that likes slightly warm temperatures, around 14°C to 20°C, which is the ideal temperature for growing plants of this species. This noble plant can resist low temperatures close to 0°C or a little less. However, it does not withstand strong frosts. During the winter season, if you think there is a risk of frost and it could affect the Cala plant that is planted in a pot, the best thing to do is to take it to a place protected from the elements until the season changes.
Irrigation
It is a plant that likes moist soil, due to this when growing Calas you have to keep the substrate slightly moist during its vegetative season and when it enters the flowering season it likes fairly moist soil. When the autumn season arrives and the flowers have already withered, it is convenient to reduce the frequency of irrigation until it is suspended when the winter season arrives. Irrigation is suggested to be resumed from the spring season.
Fertilization
The fertilization or fertilization with organic matter or organic fertilizer is suggested to be applied at the beginning of the spring season in order to promote the formation of new vegetative shoots during the spring season, after having been dormant during the winter season. In case of acquiring the manure or fertilizer in a specialized commercial house, the one used for aquatic plants is suggested. If you want to make it at home, you can do it with a base of soil from the garden, sand, clay, peat and organic compost.
It is also suggested to fertilize every two weeks or 15 days in the flowering phase, this fertilization or fertilization will be suspended in autumn, because the plant returns to rest during the winter season. The fertilizer must supply the following macroelements: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P, K), in the same proportions, and also microelements.
Callas Pruning
Calla plants are suggested to remove withered flowers and dry leaves or that are attacked by pests or are sick. In the autumn season at the end of flowering, the plant is cut near the base of its rhizome at ground level. If you want to increase the flowering, the flowers are cut as they wither. The flowers can be collected to prepare flower arrangements, the flowers of this species (Zantedeschia aethiopica) They stay alive for several days in a vase.
Propagation
Calla plants reproduce sexually and asexually. The first from the sowing of its seeds and the second way is more effective for this type of plants and is done by separating the new bulbs that have sprouted and grow on their rhizome. This is suggested to be done in the fall season when the leaves are cut at ground level and the plant is prepared for winter. The entire rhizome is removed, any new growths or shoots are pruned, and the plant is reseeded.
Pests
It is a disease-resistant plant, but nevertheless its fleshy leaves are very desirable for snail and slug pests. These plants are sometimes attacked by aphids.
Cultivation
People who are fond of gardening can grow Calla plants in pots or in the garden of their houses, preparing places similar to nature. Calla lilies can be grown in pots with an organic medium by professional horticulturists for sale as pot plants and can be grown indoors or outdoors. You can also plant in growing boards with organic or inorganic medium if you are working with hydroponics to be grown for cut flowers.
Cultivation in pot or garden
You have to choose a planting medium or light substrate that has good water retention, with an acidic pH between 5,5 to 6. The culture medium is suggested to be moist without becoming waterlogged and the rhizomes are planted about 5 centimeters apart. deep. This must be taken into account, because the roots of the Cala are born above the rhizome and then go down.
The recommended temperature has to be between 20°C and 25°C for the plant to produce new shoots. It is suggested to place it in a semi-shaded place and in case of planting several pots they have to be separated as the leaves grow. As in nature it behaves like a semi-aquatic plant, during the time you grow it, you can leave the irrigation water in the base of the pot for a while, especially in summer.
If you are going to plant Callas in the garden: Calla plants grown in pots can be used or you can also plant the rhizome directly into the garden soil. In the case that the Cala plants that are grown in pots are transplanted, the place and the way of distributing them in the selected place are chosen. When transplanting, holes the size of the pot where they are planted are opened, with the aim that when they are removed from the pots they fit with the root ball and the roots are not damaged.
In case of planting the rhizomes directly in the ground, plant them at a depth of 5 centimeters. The soil has to be kept with good moisture if you waterlog the soil. This plant is suitable for placing it in hedges along paths or flowerbeds and also for placing it in semi-shaded places. The soil is good if it is rich in humus, peat, sand and a little clay, so that it has a light consistency and holds water.
Nursery cultivation
The cultivation of Cala in a nursery by professionals, all the steps are carried out at an industrial level: selection of the varietal material, amount of plantation, substrate or suitable culture medium for these plants, mechanized irrigation, fertilization, control of climatic factors: temperature, humidity of the environment, ventilation and luminosity.
Container-grown plants are planted in well-draining, colored, textured pots that are attractive at the time of sale. The planting of the Calas (Zantedeschia aethiopica), It is planned with the objective of having material cultivated at different times of the year. If they grow it as a cut flower, they are placed on benches with organic substrate or growing medium or in an inorganic substrate with perlite if you work with the hydroponic cultivation method.
Professional horticulturists will select different varieties of the species Zantedeschia aethiopica, according to the market study carried out and the target population to which they are directed. For Cala plants planted in pots, very floriferous varieties are selected, which grow in a harmonious way both the length of their leaves and the length of their floral scapes. For cut flower plants, select varieties with longer flower stems that can be used for flower arrangements.
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