How to Pollinate Calla lily

(Zantedeschia albomaculata)

Calla lily, also known as White spotted arum, Spotted calla

Adorned with distinctive spots, calla lily employs bees as primary pollinators. The plant employs enthralling visuals and scents, enticing these friendly pollinators to its center. The pollen transfers onto the bee when it delves into the plant's interior seeking nectar. In terms of timing, calla lily usually sees peak pollination activity during the warmer, daylight hours.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Calla Lily?

Bloom Time

Summer

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Calla Lily?

Calla lily's flowers are made up of a bright, yellow spadix enclosed by a single white or yellow spathe spotted with maroon. The flower has both male and female parts, useful in self-pollination.

Pollination in calla lily occurs primarily via insects attracted to the flower, but self-pollination is also possible due to the flower's hermaphroditic nature.

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App for Free

How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Calla Lily?

Plant Diversity

Plant different varieties of flowering plants that have different blooming schedules, to ensure there are sources of pollen and nectar available for pollinators throughout the entire growing season. Include plants that are native to the specific area, as these often attract more local pollinators.

Remove Pesticides

Avoid using pesticides, especially during flowering, as they can harm bees, beetles, and butterflies. If pests are an issue, consider using organic pest management strategies, or plant varieties that are naturally resistant to pests common in the area.

Establish Water Sources

Add shallow dishes of water or a water feature such as a birdbath in your garden or farm. Bees and butterflies need regular access to water and prefer shallow water sources. Change the water frequently to prevent mosquito breeding.

Provide Shelter

Bees, beetles, and butterflies need shelter to rest and breed. Planting hedges, bushes, and trees can provide places for them to hide from predators and adverse weather. Creating beetle-nests made of rotting wood or leaving dead wood in the corner of your garden can also be beneficial for beetles.

How Can You Determine if Calla Lily has Been Pollinated?

Pollen Presence

In calla lily, successful pollination can be indicated by the visible presence of 'dust-like' yellow or brown pollen on the spadix, which is the central spike inside the flower.

Seed Production

When pollinated, calla lily produces seeds. Look for tiny, hard green or brown seeds developing along the spadix following successful pollination.

Flower Closure

Post-pollination, the flower of calla lily may close slightly as it prepares to produce seeds. This sign is subtle but indicative of a successful pollination.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Calla Lily

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Calla Lily?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush is needed to collect and transfer pollen.

Gloves

To prevent any skin irritation due to the plant's sap, it's suggested to wear gloves.

Handheld Magnifier

A magnifying glass can be handy to see the tiny flowers within the spathe clearly.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Calla Lily?

The best time to perform hand-pollination for the calla lily is in the morning, as this is when the plant's flowers are most receptive. Equally, it's crucial to do it when the plant is in its blooming phase during spring and summer, ensuring that the male and female parts are mature.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Calla Lily

Step1: Prepare tools

First, gather all the required tools. Put on your gloves to protect your skin from the sap.

Step2: Access Attributing Flower

Locate the male flower part, the column-like structure in the center of the flower, under the magnifying glass. You're seeking to find pollen on it.

Step3: Gather Pollen

Gently scrape pollen using the small brush. Be cautious to avoid harm to the surrounding plant parts.

Step4: Transfer Pollen

Following the collection, gently deposit the pollen onto the female part, known as the stigma. To locate the stigma, look for the sticky structure around the base of the flower.

Step5: Repeat

Repeat the process on other flowers on the calla lily plant to ensure successful pollination.

Step6: Wait

Finally, wait and monitor the plant for signs of successful pollination, such as developing fruit.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Calla Lily Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Inadequate Pollinators

If calla lily flowers aren't developing seeds, lack of insect activity could be a problem. Assisting pollination manually using a soft brush to transfer pollen can aid.

Poor Pollen Quality

Pollen may not be viable due to stress, age, or disease. If the plant isn't pollinating, consider using pollen from a healthy calla lily plant.

Low Light Conditions

Light plays a crucial role in the blooming and pollination of calla lily. Low light conditions can hinder pollination. Increasing light exposure can help.