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

The calla lily is elegant and graceful, with pure white spathes shaped like a horse's hoof and emerald green leaves dotted with white spots, making both its flowers and foliage outstanding. It has become one of the important cut flower varieties on the international flower market. However, during cultivation, poor management can 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 cannot lack water from the moment they sprout, so they should ideally be watered daily. However, overwatering will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

[Solution] Water calla lilies whenever the soil surface dries out, and water thoroughly each time, but never too much.

Yellowing leaves caused by underwatering

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

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

Yellowing leaves caused by low humidity

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

[Solution] Water and mist frequently to keep the potting soil and surrounding 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, which is the most common cause of yellowing calla lily leaves.

[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 can cause the leaves to turn yellow.

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

Yellowing leaves caused by low temperature

[Cause of yellowing] Temperature should be watched when growing calla lilies. It is best to keep the temperature between 20-25°C. They fear cold and dislike saline-alkaline conditions. In winter, the nighttime temperature must not drop below 10°C; if it is too high or too low, the plant is prone to yellow leaves.

[Solution] When the temperature is too low, move them indoors to keep them warm.

Yellowing leaves caused by smoke

[Cause of yellowing] Calla lilies are easily harmed by smoke. Frequent exposure to smoke will cause the 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.