Flower Library
Calla Lilies
Zantedeschia · Araceae
Callas are the architectural flowers of the cut-flower world — a single curving silhouette that can carry a whole room. They suit minimalist modern bouquets just as well as opulent wedding pieces.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Latin name
- Zantedeschia
- Colors
- White, Cream, Pink, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Bordeaux-Black
Worth knowing: what we call the ‘flower' is actually a colored bract (spatha) wrapping the true inflorescence. That's where the flawless, almost sculptural look comes from.
There are large white callas (Aethiopica, 60–90 cm stems) and smaller colored varieties (Zantedeschia rehmannii, 35–55 cm). The colored mini callas are increasingly popular for modern bouquets.
Is Calla Lilies toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats and dogs. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat and can cause drooling, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. Keep out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Burning and irritation of the mouth and throat, heavy drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle, strip lower leaves if present.
- 02Fill the vase only 5–10 cm — stems rot if submerged deeper.
- 03Change water every 2–3 days.
- 04Stems soften over time — normal, not a defect.
- 05Keep cool, out of direct sun.
Frequently asked
- Why do my calla stems soften?
- Too deep in water. Stems absorb water and lose firmness. Solution: only 5–10 cm of water.
- How long do callas last in a vase?
- Usually 7 to 14 days. The keys are a shallow water level (5–10 cm), changing the water every 2–3 days, and a cool spot out of direct sun.
- Are callas toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. All parts of the calla contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats and dogs. When chewed they irritate the mouth and throat and can cause drooling, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. Keep the vase out of reach of pets.
- Do callas have a season?
- No, as a cut flower callas are available all year. They are grown mainly in the Netherlands, New Zealand and South Africa, so we can source them in top quality at any time.