Calla Lily vs Elder Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Calla Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Calla Lilies are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped spathes (often mistaken for petals) that surround a central spadix. While often grown outdoors in gardens, they can be cultivated indoors with proper care. They typically reach a height of 1-3 feet. The plant features large, arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves. People grow them for their striking flowers, which come in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, and purple. They are popular as cut flowers and ornamental plants.
Elder
Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra, commonly known as Elder or Elderberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree typically growing to 5-10 meters tall. It features pinnately compound leaves and produces large, flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by clusters of small, dark purple to black berries in late summer. While primarily an outdoor plant, it is sometimes grown in large containers, though it requires significant space and is unlikely to thrive indoors long-term. People grow it for its ornamental value, edible berries (when cooked), and medicinal properties.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Calla Lily | Elder |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and berry production. |
| Watering | Every 5-7 days during the growing season, less frequently during dormancy. | Every 7-10 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 10-24°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Fast |
| Max Height | 0.3-0.9 meters | 2-3 meters (indoors, unlikely to reach full outdoor size) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is suitable. | Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 10 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly (primarily for watering, pruning, and pest control) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Calla Lily
| Scientific Name | Zantedeschia aethiopica |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Native To | South Africa |
| Also Known As | Calla Lily, Arum Lily |
| Leaves | Large, arrow-shaped or heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. They are typically 15-45 cm long and 10-25 cm wide. The leaves are smooth and have a slightly waxy texture. |
| Flowers | Can flower indoors with sufficient light and proper care. The 'flower' is a spathe, a modified leaf, that surrounds a central spadix. Spathes come in various colors, including white, yellow, pink, and purple. |
Elder
| Scientific Name | Sambucus nigra |
|---|---|
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Native To | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Also Known As | Elder, Elderberry, Black Elder, European Elder |
| Leaves | The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-9 leaflets. Each leaflet is oval to lance-shaped, with serrated edges and a dark green color. The leaves are typically 5-10 cm long. |
| Flowers | Elder produces large, flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flower clusters are typically 10-20 cm in diameter and have a sweet, floral fragrance. Flowering is rare indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Calla Lily
Elder
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Calla Lily
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide rhizomes in early spring before the growing season begins. Ensure each division has at least one eye (bud). Plant the divisions in well-draining soil. Seeds can be sown in spring, but germination can be slow and inconsistent.
Elder
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed, Layering
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take softwood cuttings in late spring or hardwood cuttings in late fall. Rooting hormone can improve success. For seeds, cold stratification is required.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Calla Lily
The Calla Lily's 'flower' is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, making it visually striking and unique. It comes in a variety of colors, adding versatility to its aesthetic appeal. Its elegant form makes it a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- ✓ Adds a touch of elegance to any room
- ✓ Provides beautiful cut flowers
- ✓ Relatively easy to propagate
- ✓ Can improve indoor air quality by removing some toxins (though not a significant air purifier)
- ✓ Offers a calming and aesthetically pleasing presence
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Elder
Elder is known for its dual purpose as both an ornamental plant and a source of edible and medicinal berries. Its distinctive flowers and berries make it easily recognizable.
- ✓ Edible berries (when cooked) for jams, pies, and wines.
- ✓ Medicinal properties (antiviral, anti-inflammatory).
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden.
- ✓ Ornamental value with attractive flowers and foliage.
- ✓ Provides habitat for wildlife.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Calla Lily
Elder
🌞 Light Requirements
Calla Lily
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Elder
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and berry production.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Calla Lily
Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season (spring and summer), but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering results in drooping leaves and dry soil.
Elder
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and dry leaf edges.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Calla Lily
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Elder
Temperature: 10-24°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Calla Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopicaSomeone who appreciates elegant flowers and is willing to provide the necessary light and humidity.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You love elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
- You can provide bright, indirect light.
- You are willing to monitor soil moisture carefully.
- You appreciate plants with attractive foliage even when not in bloom.
- You want a plant that can be used as a cut flower.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You struggle with overwatering plants.
- You cannot provide bright, indirect light.
- You prefer low-maintenance plants.
Elder
Sambucus nigraExperienced gardeners with outdoor space who want to grow their own elderberries.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have ample outdoor space and want to grow elderberries for culinary or medicinal purposes.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a challenging and rewarding plant.
- You appreciate the ornamental value of the flowers and foliage.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
- You are interested in a plant with a long history of traditional use.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited space, especially indoors.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You have pets or small children who might ingest toxic plant parts.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Calla Lily is rated Moderate care level, while Elder is Expert.
Calla Lily has moderate growth, while Elder grows fast.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Calla Lily Care Tips
Calla Lilies require bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil during the growing season. They need a period of dormancy in the fall and winter with reduced watering. While they can be grown indoors, providing adequate light and humidity can be challenging. Regular fertilization during the growing season is essential for healthy growth and flowering.
- Provide a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Provide bright, indirect light to encourage flowering.
- Allow the plant to enter dormancy in the fall and winter by reducing watering.
Elder Care Tips
Elder is primarily an outdoor plant and is challenging to grow indoors due to its need for full sun, large size, and dormancy requirements. It requires a very large container, careful watering, and attention to potential pest issues. Indoor growth is unlikely to be successful long-term.
- Provide full sun for optimal berry production.
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage fruiting.
- Protect from strong winds.
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Calla Lily
Elder
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Calla Lily
What are the light requirements for Calla Lily?
Calla Lilies need bright, indirect light to thrive. Insufficient light can result in fewer blooms and leggy growth. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning light. If placed in a south or west-facing window, filter the light with a sheer curtain to prevent scorching. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Avoid placing Calla Lilies in dark corners or areas with minimal light, as this will negatively impact their growth and flowering. During winter months, when light is limited, consider supplementing with a grow light to ensure adequate light levels.
How do I care for Calla Lily?
Calla Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain humidity by misting the plant regularly or using a humidifier. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to encourage blooming. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing in the fall and winter as the plant enters dormancy. Repot every one to two years in spring, using a well-draining potting mix. Prune away any yellowing or dead leaves to maintain the plant’s health and appearance. Provide a temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C) for optimal growth.
How do I propagate Calla Lily?
Calla Lilies can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, and keiki (small plantlets). For division, carefully separate rhizomes when repotting, ensuring each section has roots and at least one eye. Plant each division in its own pot with well-draining soil. For stem cuttings, take a cutting from a healthy stem and place it in water until roots develop, then plant in soil. Keiki can be removed when they have developed roots and planted separately. Maintain humidity and provide bright, indirect light for successful propagation. Ensure proper drainage to prevent rot.
Elder
What are the light requirements for Elder?
Elder trees thrive in bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate some direct morning sun, prolonged exposure to intense afternoon sun can scorch their delicate leaves. Place your indoor Elder near an east- or west-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered sunlight. If you notice the leaves becoming pale or yellowing, it may be a sign that the plant is receiving too much direct light. Conversely, if the plant becomes leggy or the leaves lose their vibrancy, it may need more light. Supplement with a grow light if natural light is insufficient, especially during the darker winter months. Monitor the plant’s growth and adjust its placement as needed to ensure optimal light exposure.
How do I care for Elder?
Provide your indoor Elder tree with bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for trees or shrubs. Maintain a stable environment, avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune regularly to maintain shape and size, removing any dead or damaged branches. Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, into a slightly larger pot. Check regularly for pests and treat promptly. Provide adequate humidity, especially during dry winter months, by misting the plant or using a humidifier. Ensure the pot has drainage holes. Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even growth.
How do I propagate Elder?
Elder can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist, well-draining potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and keep in bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in a few weeks. For air layering, wound a section of stem and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. Keep the moss moist. Once roots have formed, cut the stem below the roots and plant in a pot. Ensure the pot is appropriately sized.
Last updated: April 18, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.