Hey plant lovers! I’ve been growing calla lilies for years in my garden and let me tell you – those mysterious white spots on their leaves can really freak you out! But before you panic let’s dive into what’s actually going on with your beloved plants.
The Two Types of White Spots: Natural vs. Problematic
Here’s something interesting I discovered – not all white spots are bad news! Let me break it down for you
Natural White Spots (The Good Kind)
- Some calla lily varieties naturally have white spots called “maculates”
- These spots are actually part of the plant’s beauty
- If your spots look decorative and the plant is healthy, you’ve got nothing to worry about!
Fungal White Spots (The Bad Kind)
- Caused by leaf blight fungus (Stagonosporopsis curtisii)
- Spots start small but grow larger over time
- Often have darker borders
- Can spread to other leaves quickly
How to Tell if Your Spots are a Problem
I know it can be tricky to figure out which type of spots you’re dealing with Here’s my quick checklist
Problem Spots Will Show:
- Irregular white or tan patches
- Spots that grow and merge together
- Yellowing leaves
- Brown edges developing
- Deformed flowers
- Stunted growth
My Tried-and-True Treatment Plan
If you’ve got the bad kind of spots, don’t worry! Here’s what I do to treat them:
-
Fix the Air Flow
- Space out your plants
- Trim overcrowded areas
- Use small fans if needed
-
Change Your Watering Habits
- Water at soil level only
- Stop overhead watering immediately
- Water early in the day
- Let soil partially dry between waterings
-
Use the Right Fungicides
- Look for these active ingredients:
- Chlorothalonil
- Mancozeb
- Myclobutanil
- Thiophanate-methyl
- Look for these active ingredients:
-
Clean Up Your Act
- Remove infected leaves
- Clean up fallen debris
- Sterilize your tools
Prevention Tips That Actually Work
Listen, I’ve learned these lessons the hard way. Here’s what really works to prevent white spots:
-
Pick resistant varieties like:
- ‘Green Goddess’
- ‘Black Star’
- ‘Pink Diamond’
- ‘Ben Vernooij’
- ‘Captain Ventura’
-
Get your watering game right:
- Use drip irrigation
- Water in the morning
- Keep leaves dry
-
Give plants some breathing room:
- Space them properly
- Avoid overcrowding
- Trim when needed
Common Mistakes (I’ve Made Them All!)
We all mess up sometimes. Here are some biggies to avoid:
- Continuing overhead watering (guilty!)
- Planting callas too close together
- Leaving dead leaves lying around
- Over-fertilizing with nitrogen
- Stopping treatment too early
When to Actually Worry
Look, not every spot needs immediate attention. But here’s when you should take action:
- Spots are spreading rapidly
- Leaves are yellowing and dying
- Plant growth is stunted
- Flowers are deformed
- Multiple plants are affected
Final Thoughts
After years of growing these gorgeous plants, I’ve learned that white spots aren’t always a death sentence for your calla lilies. Sometimes they’re just part of the plant’s natural beauty, and when they’re not, most problems are totally fixable with the right care.
Remember, every garden has its challenges, and these spots are just one of many we face as plant parents. Keep an eye on your plants, act quickly when needed, and don’t forget to enjoy their beauty – spots and all!
Have you dealt with white spots on your calla lilies? What worked for you? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear your experience!
Need help with your calla lilies? Feel free to reach out with questions in the comments section below!
Taxonomy Scientific name
Spotted Calla Lily needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
Does your plant get direct sunlight? No Yes
Select the pot size
Greg is a plant care intelligence that has learned how plants work so you can grow with confidence!
How to fertilize Spotted Calla Lily
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Spotted Calla Lily after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Spotted Calla Lily prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Spotted Calla Lily requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Spotted Calla Lily is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Spotted Calla Lily is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.
Spotted Calla Lily prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
Spotted Calla Lily is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.
Spotted Calla Lily should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Spotted Calla Lily is native to southern Africa.
USDA Hardiness Zone Spotted Calla Lily can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Spotted Calla Lily, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Calla Lily Care Guide – Picking, Placing, and Parenting Your Plant
FAQ
How to treat calla lily white spots on leaves?
Fungal diseases can be a significant threat to calla lilies. Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and can be treated with fungicides or a baking soda solution. Rust manifests as orange or brown spots on leaves; removing affected leaves and applying fungicides can help.
How do you fix white spots on leaves?
Baking soda solution: Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon liquid soap such as Castile soap (not detergent) in 1 gallon of water. Spray liberally, getting top and bottom leaf surfaces and any affected areas.
How do you take care of a white spotted calla lily?
This tropical plant prefers temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees F. Calla lily thrives in humid and moist conditions and may need protection from hot afternoon sun. Plants will go dormant when temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. Don’t allow rhizomes to freeze.
How to get rid of white spots on peace lily leaves?
Fungicide treatment: Apply a suitable fungicide following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. Repeat application may be necessary for severe infections. How to Prevent White blotch on Peace lily? Ensure appropriate spacing between Peace lily and other plants to facilitate airflow and reduce humidity levels.