My Calla Lily is Turning Yellow – Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue

Calla lilies are prized for their lush green leaves and elegant white blooms. But when those leaves start turning yellow, it’s cause for concern.

Yellowing leaves are the most common symptom of an underlying issue. With some focused troubleshooting and care adjustments, you can get your calla lily back to good health.

Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow?

There are a few key reasons why a calla lily’s leaves may turn yellow

• Overwatering – Too much moisture suffocates the roots and hampers nutrient absorption.

• Underwatering – Dry soil prevents the roots from taking up nutrients and water.

• Poor lighting – Too much sunlight scorches the leaves, while too little light causes chlorosis.

• Nutrient deficiency – Lack of nitrogen, iron zinc, or other nutrients leads to yellowing.

• Diseases or pests – Fungal, bacterial, or viral infections as well as sap-sucking insects cause yellowing.

• Cool temperatures – Calla lilies prefer warm conditions between 60-80°F. Cooler temps cause leaf yellowing.

• Post-bloom decline – It’s normal for foliage to yellow and die back after flowering

Pinpointing the cause is the first step toward treatment.

Fixing Watering Issues

Improper watering causes many problems for calla lilies.

For overwatering:

• Space out watering to allow the soil to partially dry.
• Ensure pots and soil provide good drainage.
• Water less in cool weather when growth is slower.

For underwatering:

• Water whenever the top few inches of soil are dry.
• Soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
• Use soil amendments to improve moisture retention.

Adjusting Light Conditions

• Move plants to a shadier spot if leaves are scorched.
• Provide bright, indirect light if leaves are pale and weak.
• Rotate plants periodically for even sun exposure.
• Filter harsh sunlight with sheer curtains.

Boosting Nutrients

• Test soil to determine specific deficiencies.
• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growth.
• Work controlled-release fertilizer into potting mix for constant nutrients.
• If nitrogen deficient, use a fertilizer higher in nitrogen.

Controlling Pests and Diseases

• Isolate and discard badly infected plants to prevent spreading.
• Remove pests with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or handpicking.
• Improve air circulation and avoid excessive moisture.
• Apply copper fungicide for fungal diseases.

Adjusting Growing Conditions

• Move plants to a warmer spot if possible, avoid drafty areas.
• Group potted plants together to retain warmth.
• Make sure plants get bright, indirect light even in winter.
• Reduce water and fertilizer in cool weather.

Providing Post-Bloom Care

• Remove spent flowers but keep caring for the plant.
• Cut back old flower stalks at soil level after the blooms fade.
• Resume normal watering and fertilizing when new growth appears.

With some focused troubleshooting and care adjustments, you should see your calla lily’s foliage return to a healthy green. Be patient, as it may take a few weeks to rebound depending on the severity of the issues. Proper care will keep your calla lily thriving for years to come.