Calla lilies with their elegant white flowers and lush green leaves, are a gorgeous addition to any garden. But when those vibrant leaves start turning yellow it can be cause for concern.
A calla lily turning yellow is often a sign of an underlying issue with the plant’s care. The good news is, with some troubleshooting and adjusted care, you can get your calla lily’s foliage back to its beautiful green hues.
Why Calla Lily Leaves Turn Yellow
There are a few key reasons why the leaves on your calla lily may be turning yellow
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Overwatering – Too much moisture around the roots can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. This damages the root system and prevents proper nutrient uptake, resulting in yellowing leaves.
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Underwatering – On the flip side, allowing the soil to completely dry out can also cause yellowing. The plant becomes stressed and cannot take up nutrients effectively.
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Poor drainage – Calla lilies need well-draining soil Soil that is too compacted or retains too much moisture can lead to root rot and yellow leaves.
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Light issues – Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, while too little light prevents proper photosynthesis. Both extremes can cause discoloration.
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Nutrient deficiencies – Lack of key nutrients like nitrogen, iron, magnesium, and zinc leads to chlorosis (yellowing). This is especially common in alkaline soils.
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Pest or disease problems – Infestations of pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites can all feed on and damage the leaves. Diseases like botrytis may also be to blame.
Correcting Moisture Issues
Moisture stress, from both under and overwatering, is one of the most common causes of yellowing calla leaves. To fix this:
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Water only when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Use your finger to check the moisture level.
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When watering, soak the soil thoroughly until some water drains from the bottom. This encourages deep root growth.
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Never allow pots or planters to sit in water. Drainage is critical. Consider repotting if drainage is poor.
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For outdoor plants, add organic mulch like bark chips around the base to retain soil moisture.
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Group plants together to raise the ambient humidity if growing indoors. Mist leaves occasionally.
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Move plants out of direct sun and windy locations which accelerate moisture loss from the soil.
Improving Soil Nutrition
Nutrient deficiencies often manifest as yellowing leaves. Use a balanced fertilizer to provide key macro and micronutrients:
- Nitrogen for lush green growth
- Phosphorus for root and flower development
- Potassium for disease resistance
- Magnesium and iron for preventing interveinal chlorosis
- Manganese and zinc for overall plant health
Slow release fertilizers or weekly weak liquid feeds are ideal for calla lilies. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots, worsening the problem.
Test the soil pH annually – callas prefer a slightly acidic pH between 6.0-6.5. Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH in alkaline soils.
Replant in fresh potting mix every 2-3 years to refresh nutrient levels if growing in containers.
Controlling Pests and Diseases
Check leaves, stems, and the undersides of leaves routinely for any signs of infestation:
- Small insects like aphids, thrips, or spider mites
- Slugs or snails leaving behind slime trails or chewed foliage
- White fungal patches or gray fuzzy mold on leaves
Isolate and treat affected plants. For pests, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic pesticides. Remove badly damaged leaves.
For fungal issues, improve airflow and reduce watering. Apply copper fungicide if needed. Remove and destroy severely diseased foliage.
Preventative neem oil or sulfur sprays deter pests and fungal problems before they take hold. Maintain good growing conditions for healthy, resistant plants.
Providing Proper Light
Calla lilies thrive in bright, indirect light:
- Outdoors, plant in part sun avoiding hot, direct afternoon sun
- Indoors, place near an east facing window or a few feet from a south or west window
- Rotate pots regularly so all sides get equal light exposure
- Add sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight streaming through windows
- Supplement with grow lights if indoor light is inadequate
If light is too dim, the leaves will become spindly and weak. Too much light causes leaf scorching and sunburn. Find the right balance based on your growing conditions.
Troubleshooting Other Issues
- Repot in fresh potting mix if roots are likely pot bound or diseased. Discard any rotted rhizomes.
- Maintain indoor humidity around 60% to deter leaf tip browning and fungal issues.
- Keep indoor temperatures moderate, between 65-75°F. Avoid drafty locations.
- Stake tall stems properly to prevent damage from toppling over, especially when in bloom.
- Calla lilies are toxic if ingested, so keep away from pets and kids. Wear gloves when handling.
- Remove spent flowers and yellowed leaves promptly to maintain plant vigor and encourage new growth.
With some adjustment to your care routine, you can nurse your calla lily’s leaves back to a lush green. Consistent moisture, balanced feeding, and ideal lighting will keep new foliage looking its best. Be diligent about checking for pests or diseases and take prompt action to resolve any issues found. With proper care, your calla’s beautiful blooms will be paired with vibrant, healthy leaves all season long.
Adjusting Watering and Soil Management
Lets dive right in. Watering is a bit like Goldilocks porridge. Its got to be just right. Too much, and your Calla Lilys roots will be swimming laps. Too little, and theyll be gasping for a drink.
The key is consistent moisture. Dont let the soil dry out completely, but dont let it get waterlogged either. Think of it as a well-moistened sponge.
How do you know when to water? Simple. Stick your finger or a chopstick into the soil. If it comes out dry, its time to water. If its wet, hold off.
When you do water, make sure its enough to see some liquid escape from the drainage hole. But remember, no plant likes “wet feet”. Discard any excess water in the saucer to prevent root rot.
Now, lets talk about soil management. Your Calla Lily isnt just thirsty, its hungry too. And it doesnt want junk food. It needs a balanced diet of nutrients.
Use a balanced fertilizer to keep your plant healthy. But dont go overboard. Over-fertilization can be just as harmful as under-fertilization.
If your Calla Lilys leaves are turning yellow, it might be a sign of nutrient deficiency. In this case, consider applying a zinc spray or adding nitrogen to the soil.
Remember, its not just about feeding your plant, its about feeding it right. So, test your soil periodically to ensure its getting the nutrients it needs.
In the end, its all about balance. Balanced watering, balanced nutrients. Get these right, and youll be well on your way to keeping your Calla Lilys leaves a vibrant, healthy green.
Pest Control and Disease Management
Aphids, slugs, and spider mites are the usual suspects when it comes to pest infestations in Calla Lilies. Theyre like the mischievous teenagers of the plant world, causing all sorts of trouble.
To show these pests the door, use a mild insecticidal soap or horticultural oil like neem oil. Its like giving them an eviction notice, but with a pleasant, soapy scent.
Calla Lilies can also be affected by bacterial soft rot and botrytis. These diseases are the plant equivalent of a really bad flu.
Bacterial soft rot affects the rhizomes, turning them into a mushy, brown mess. Botrytis, on the other hand, is a fungal disease that causes a filmy grey mold to grow over the plants petals, stems, and leaves. Its like your Calla Lily decided to dress up as a ghost for Halloween, but in a very uncool way.
To combat these diseases, avoid overwatering and ensure your plants have ample air circulation. Its like giving your plant a personal bubble – it needs space to breathe.
Why Are My Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow
FAQ
How do you fix yellow leaves on calla lilies?
Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow, often starting at the bottom of the plant. Solution: Adjust watering practices to avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Check for signs of nutrient deficiency and apply a balanced fertilizer if needed. Move the plant to a brighter location if it is receiving insufficient light.
How do you revive a dying Calla Lily?
How can I revive a dying calla lily plant after cutting it? Take them out of the ground. Repot them and fertilize them. They’ll grow again within the same season. Use something that is higher in potassium. Fertilize them every two weeks. Store bulbs in a cool dry place. Keep the bulb in soil.
How to tell if calla lilies are overwatered?
Symptoms of Overwatering
When leaves start to look more yellow than a highlighter, it’s time to put the watering can down. Root rot is another grim reaper for calla lilies, with roots turning into a soggy mess—think of it as the plant equivalent of waterlogged bread.
Why is my yellow Calla Lily turning green?
A yellow calla lily turning green is usually a normal part of its life cycle, particularly as the flower matures or prepares for dormancy.