What to Do When Calla Lily Leaves Turn Yellow? The Latest Causes and Solutions

The calla lily is elegant and graceful, with pure white spathes shaped like horse hooves and emerald green leaves dotted with white spots, making it a masterpiece of both flower and foliage. It has become one of the important cut flower species on the international flower market, but during cultivation, poor management can quite easily lead to yellowing leaves. Let's take a look together at what to do when calla lily leaves turn yellow!

Yellowing leaves caused by overwatering

[Cause of yellowing] Calla lilies like moisture and must not lack water from the moment they sprout, so watering daily is best, but overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves.

[Solution] Water calla lilies as soon as the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do, but avoid overwatering at all costs.

Yellowing leaves caused by underwatering

[Cause of yellowing] Calla lilies are moisture-loving flowers, and drought with a lack of water can also easily cause leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] Be sure to keep watering and maintain adequate moisture, but also avoid getting the leaf center wet, so as to prevent soft rot.

Yellowing leaves caused by humidity that is too low

[Cause of yellowing] Calla lily growth has certain requirements for air humidity; keeping air humidity between 70-85% is ideal, and when it drops below 50% the leaves will also show yellowing.

[Solution] Water and mist frequently to keep the potting soil and environment moist, and provide moderate ventilation to keep the air fresh and circulating.

Yellowing leaves caused by overfertilizing

[Cause of yellowing] Overfertilizing calla lilies can cause concentrated fertilizer to burn the roots; this is the most common cause of calla lily leaves turning yellow.

[Solution] Fertilize calla lilies appropriately according to their growth stage.

Yellowing leaves caused by underfertilizing

[Cause of yellowing] Calla lilies are heavy feeders, and too little fertilizer will cause leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] Generally apply decomposed liquid fertilizer once every 10~15 days, and during the flowering period focus mainly on phosphorus fertilizer.

Yellowing leaves caused by temperatures that are too low

[Cause of yellowing] When growing calla lilies, pay attention to temperature; keeping it between 20-25°C is ideal. They fear cold and dislike saline-alkaline conditions, and in winter the nighttime temperature must not drop below 10°C; if it is too high or too low, the plant readily develops yellow leaves.

[Solution] When temperatures are too low, move the plant indoors to keep it warm.

Yellowing leaves caused by smoke

[Cause of yellowing] Calla lilies are easily harmed by smoke, and frequent exposure to smoke will cause leaves to turn yellow and affect flowering.

[Solution] When growing calla lilies, pay attention to air environment issues; ensure air circulation and prevent smoke exposure.