Calla vs Tickseed Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Calla
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Zantedeschia aethiopica, commonly known as Calla Lily, is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial prized for its elegant, trumpet-shaped spathes (modified leaves) that surround a central spadix. While often called a lily, it is not a true lily. It grows from rhizomes, producing large, arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves. It is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in moist conditions. People grow it for its striking flowers, often used in bouquets and floral arrangements. It can be grown indoors, but requires specific conditions to thrive and may not flower as readily as outdoors.
Tickseed
Coreopsis spp.
Coreopsis, commonly known as Tickseed, is a genus of flowering plants prized for their daisy-like blooms in shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink. These herbaceous perennials or annuals are popular in gardens for their long blooming season, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. They typically grow in clumps or mounds, with heights ranging from 1 to 3 feet. While primarily outdoor plants, some compact varieties can be grown indoors with significant effort to replicate their preferred sunny conditions. People grow them for their vibrant colors, drought tolerance, and ease of care in outdoor settings.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Calla | Tickseed |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light to full sun outdoors. Indoors, provide bright indirect light, ideally near an east- or west-facing window. | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Watering | Every 3-7 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter. | Every 5-7 days outdoors, less frequently indoors if attempted. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 18-27°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | Indoors: 0.6-1 meter | 0.3-0.9 meters (outdoors); significantly less if grown indoors |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost is suitable. | Well-draining soil, sandy or loamy soil is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 10 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly (deadheading, watering) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Calla
| Scientific Name | Zantedeschia aethiopica |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Native To | South Africa |
| Also Known As | Calla Lily, Arum Lily, Trumpet Lily |
| Leaves | Large, arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves. The leaves can be up to 45 cm long and 25 cm wide. Some varieties have speckled or variegated leaves. |
| Flowers | Can flower indoors with proper care, but more reliably flowers outdoors. The 'flower' is a modified leaf called a spathe, which is typically white, but can also be pink, yellow, orange, or purple. The spadix, the yellow spike in the center, is where the true flowers are located. |
Tickseed
| Scientific Name | Coreopsis spp. |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native To | North and South America |
| Also Known As | Tickseed, Calliopsis |
| Leaves | Leaves vary depending on the species, but are generally lance-shaped or linear, and can be either opposite or alternate along the stem. They are typically green and may be slightly hairy or smooth. |
| Flowers | Coreopsis produces daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and pink. Flowers are typically 1-3 inches in diameter and have a prominent central disk. It rarely flowers indoors due to light requirements. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Calla
Tickseed
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Calla
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide rhizomes in early spring before new growth begins. Ensure each division has at least one eye (bud). Plant divisions in well-draining soil and keep moist. Seed propagation is possible but slower.
Tickseed
Methods: Seed, Division, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: For seeds, sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the last frost. Division is best done in spring or fall. Stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Calla
The Calla Lily is not a true lily, but a rhizomatous perennial with a unique spathe and spadix flower structure. Its elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers make it a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements. It requires a dormant period in winter to promote flowering in the following season.
- ✓ Aesthetically pleasing flowers.
- ✓ Can be used for cut flower arrangements.
- ✓ Adds a touch of elegance to any room.
- ✓ Can improve mood and reduce stress.
- ✓ Provides a sense of accomplishment through successful care.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Tickseed
Coreopsis is known for its daisy-like flowers and long blooming season, providing continuous color in the garden. Its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators make it a valuable addition to any landscape. The seed shape resembles a tick, hence the common name 'Tickseed'.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to your garden
- ✓ Provides vibrant colors and visual interest
- ✓ Relatively low maintenance once established
- ✓ Drought-tolerant, reducing water consumption
- ✓ Easy to propagate, allowing you to expand your garden
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Calla
Tickseed
🌞 Light Requirements
Calla
Bright, indirect light to full sun outdoors. Indoors, provide bright indirect light, ideally near an east- or west-facing window.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Tickseed
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Calla
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in the dormant period. Overwatering can lead to rhizome rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a foul odor. Underwatering results in wilting and browning leaf tips.
Tickseed
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and wilting, while underwatering is indicated by drooping and crispy leaves.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Calla
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Tickseed
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Calla
Zantedeschia aethiopicaExperienced plant enthusiasts seeking a flowering plant with elegant blooms, willing to provide specific care requirements.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You appreciate elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
- You can provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
- You are willing to provide a dormant period in winter.
- You are experienced with plant care and can address potential problems.
- You want a plant that can be used for cut flower arrangements.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You cannot provide bright light or consistent moisture.
- You are a beginner plant owner.
- You prefer low-maintenance plants.
Tickseed
Coreopsis spp.Gardeners looking for low-maintenance, colorful, and pollinator-attracting plants for outdoor gardens.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a low-maintenance plant for your sunny garden.
- You want to attract butterflies and bees to your yard.
- You need a drought-tolerant plant for a dry climate.
- You want a long-blooming plant that provides color throughout the summer.
- You want a plant that is easy to propagate.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited sunlight available.
- You are looking for a plant that thrives indoors without supplemental lighting.
- You live in a very cold climate where it may not survive the winter without protection.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Calla is rated Moderate care level, while Tickseed is Expert.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Calla Care Tips
Calla Lilies require bright light and consistent moisture. They can be grown indoors, but may not flower as readily as outdoors. Ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome rot. Toxicity to pets is a significant concern. Requires a dormant period in winter.
- Provide a dormant period in winter by reducing watering and keeping the plant in a cool location.
- Ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome rot.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season to promote flowering.
- Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly.
- Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth and flowering.
Tickseed Care Tips
Coreopsis is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and well-draining soil. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the high light requirements. Even with supplemental lighting, it may not thrive indoors. Maintaining proper watering and avoiding overwatering are crucial for success.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Protect from extreme cold in winter if necessary.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Calla
Tickseed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Calla
What are the light requirements for Calla?
Calla lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so avoid placing them in south-facing windows without some form of shading. An east- or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without the intensity of direct sun. If you notice the leaves becoming pale or the plant failing to bloom, it may not be receiving enough light. In such cases, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights. During the darker winter months, supplemental lighting is particularly beneficial to maintain healthy growth and encourage future blooms. Ensure the light is diffused to prevent leaf burn. Regular rotation of the plant ensures all sides receive adequate light, preventing uneven growth.
How do I care for Calla?
Calla lilies require bright, indirect light for optimal growth and blooming. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to encourage flowering. Reduce watering and fertilization during the dormant period in fall and winter. Maintain a humidity level of 50-60%. Repot annually in spring using well-draining potting mix. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites, and treat promptly if detected. Provide support for taller varieties to prevent them from bending. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth and prevent leaning towards the light source. Protect from frost and freezing temperatures.
How do I propagate Calla?
Calla lilies can be propagated by division, stem cuttings (though less common), and keiki (small plantlets that sometimes form on the plant).
Tickseed
What are the light requirements for Tickseed?
Tickseed demands abundant sunshine to flourish. Aim for a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, reduced flowering, and pale foliage. When planting Tickseed in your garden, choose a location that receives full sun exposure throughout the day. If growing in containers, place them in a sunny spot, such as a south-facing patio or balcony. If natural sunlight is limited, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights to ensure the plant receives adequate illumination. Rotate the plant occasionally to promote even growth on all sides.
How do I care for Tickseed?
Tickseed thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Plant in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Prune back the plant in late fall or early spring to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plant. Monitor for pests such as aphids and spider mites, and treat as needed. Provide adequate air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
How do I propagate Tickseed?
Tickseed can be easily propagated through division, stem cuttings, or seeds.
Last updated: April 25, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.