Zantedeschia ODORATA

Zantedeschia ODORATA - Fragrant arum lily, Sweet calla lily, Scented calla.

Zantedeschia is a genus in the Araceae family, comprising 8 recognized species distributed in central and southern Africa. Representatives of the genus are found in marshy and riparian habitats, in wet meadows, along the banks of streams and ponds, as well as in areas with pronounced seasonal humidity.

The genus is characterized by perennial herbaceous plants with robust underground rhizomes or thickened underground organs, forming dense clumps. Leaves are basal, on long fleshy petioles, most often sagittate or lanceolate, smooth, firm, in some species with spotting. The inflorescence is typical of aroids and consists of a spadix surrounded by a large spathe.

The flowers in Zantedeschia are small and arranged on the spadix, while the ornamental effect is created specifically by the spathe, which in different species can be white, cream, yellow, pink, or purple. After flowering, fleshy berries are formed, inside which rounded or slightly angular seeds develop. In some species, an alternation of active growth and a dormant period is pronounced.

Zantedeschia odorata is a compact rhizomatous plant that forms a neat clump of basal leaves. The leaves are arrow-shaped or heart-shaped, firm, bright green, on long petioles, looking more elegant and smaller in size than those of the classic white calla lily. The rhizome is creeping, eventually producing new shoots, allowing the plant to spread.

Flowering occurs during the warm season. The inflorescence consists of a yellow or cream spadix and a pale spathe, which is usually white or creamy white, sometimes with a subtle tint. The main feature of the species is the pronounced pleasant fragrance of the inflorescences, which is noticeable more clearly than in many other Zantedeschia species. After flowering, berries with seeds may form, but in cultivation this does not always occur.

Zantedeschia odorata is known specifically for the fragrance of its flowers - a rare trait among calla lilies, which are more often prized for the shape and color of the spathe. The species is considered more compact and graceful, making it suitable for container culture and small garden compositions. In Zantedeschia collections, it is kept as an unusual 'fragrant' species, and during flowering it becomes especially attractive due to the combination of the strict shape of the inflorescence and a soft scent.

Seeds form inside fleshy berries ripening under a greening spathe, and after cleaning they usually have a grayish or gray-brown color, a dense seed coat, and a rounded or slightly angular shape. The fruit pulp is completely removed before sowing. Scarification and stratification are usually not required. Prior to sowing, short soaking can be performed, first in warm water at 50-60 °C (122-140 °F) for a few minutes, then in a 1% potassium permanganate solution for 1-2 hours. Growth stimulants may additionally be used, such as SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminosol, Epin, or Zircon.

Sowing is carried out in spring. A clean, loose seedling substrate with the addition of perlite or fine sand is used. Seeds are sown sparsely, since seedlings form fleshy roots early, and are covered with a light layer of soil. Moistening is done from a spray bottle or by careful drenching. The container is kept in a mini-greenhouse or under film at a temperature of about 21 °C (70 °F), in bright diffuse light, with regular ventilation. Waterlogging and complete drying out of the sowings are impermissible.

The first sprouts usually appear in 2-3 weeks. The most typical germination period is several weeks. The maximum germination period can reach 4-6 weeks. After sprouts appear, the covering is removed gradually, and seedlings are provided with stable humidity and good lighting without overheating. Pricking out is carried out once the plants become large enough for safe repotting, taking into account that their young root system is fleshy and sensitive to damage.

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For most Zantedeschia species, bright lighting with protection from scorching midday sun is used, especially in indoor culture and in hot regions. Placement on east, west, or southeast-facing windows is considered best, and in the garden - in spots with morning sun or light partial shade. In insufficient light, flowering weakens, petioles stretch, and leaves become less dense.

During the active season, a temperature of around 18-25 °C (64-77 °F) is maintained. In winter, for indoor plants, keeping within 10-16 °C (50-61 °F) is desirable if the species enters relative dormancy, although under stable humidity and mild conditions Zantedeschia aethiopica can retain foliage longer. Temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) are undesirable, as leaf and rhizome tissues are damaged by cold.

Watering during the growth period is carried out abundantly, as the plant prefers constantly slightly moist soil and poorly tolerates complete desiccation. Soft or settled water is used. When grown in a pot, stagnation of water without air access is not permitted, although a brief very wet condition is tolerated better than drying out. In dry air, leaves may lose turgor and dry out along the edges, so higher air humidity is tolerated well. The leaf surface is periodically cleaned of dust.

A nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive, but breathable substrate with the addition of perlite, leaf mold, humus, and a small amount of coarse sand is used for planting. Drainage is necessarily placed on the bottom. Spacious pots are used, as rhizomes expand quickly. Repotting is carried out as the container fills, usually once every 1-2 years. During the active growth period, fertilizer solutions with an emphasis on flowering crops are applied once every 2 weeks. Spent peduncles and old leaves are promptly removed.

In addition to rhizome division, which is used very often for the genus, Zantedeschia can also reproduce by seeds. During division, sections with renewal buds are slightly dried and then planted in moderately moist soil.