Tips and Tricks of Plant Care

Why Are My Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow?

If you are consistently thinking Why Are My Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow? Then stop stressing and find reasons & solutions in this guide.

When your calla lily’s leaves turn yellow, it means something might be wrong with the plant. Healthy calla lily leaves are usually a beautiful deep green color. However, if you notice yellowing leaves, don’t worry! There are several common issues that can cause this, and fortunately, they can be easily resolved. By understanding why are my calla lily leaves turning yellow and taking appropriate action, you can save your precious calla lilies.

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6 Common Reasons Behind Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow

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If you notice that your calla lily leaves are turning yellow, it’s important to investigate the root of the problem. Yellow leaves indicate issues with the plant’s roots, which can be caused by various factors.

1. Lack of Nutrients

When you see Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow, which is referred to as chlorosis, it can be a result of a nutrient deficiency in the soil. The most common deficiencies are in nutrients like nitrogen, iron, zinc, or other trace elements.

There are two possibilities: either the soil is deficient in these elements, or there is something in the roots that is preventing proper nutrient absorption.

Solution: To determine the exact cause, you can contact your local extension service and inquire about soil testing. If this issue occurs due to nutrient deficiency, fix it by fertilizing your plant with a well-balanced fertilizer specifically designed for bulbs. Alternatively, you can opt for organic solutions like using bone meal or compost as alternatives.

2. Improper Watering Habits

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Insufficient or excessive watering can be the reason behind Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow.

  • In the case of overwatering, the extra moisture in their roots can cause them to rot. This makes it harder for the plants to take in nutrients, which often leads to their leaves turning yellow.
  • Calla lilies are tropical plants that can handle dry periods, but if they dry out too much, their leaves may turn yellow and eventually brown.

Solution: To determine if you’re watering your plant correctly, insert your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it indicates the need for more water. On the other hand, if it feels soggy, you are overwatering it. Aim for balance by finding the right amount of water and adjusting your watering accordingly.

Note: Calla lilies prefer moist soil, so if you live in an area with high rainfall, you may not need to add any additional water yourself.

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3. Root Rot

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Root rot is another common cause of Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow. These plants dislike having their roots consistently soaked in water puddles. When there is excessive moisture, the roots can start rotting, leading to other diseases and causing the leaves to wither.

Solution: To effectively prevent root rot in your calla lily, ensure that it is planted in well-draining soil. Another helpful measure is to reduce watering frequency. When transplanting the calla lily, take care not to bury the base of the stem too deeply, as this can promote root rot. If you are using a container, always opt for a plant pot with drainage holes.

4. Pest Infestation

Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow can hinder blooming as well. Caterpillar nibbles or pest infestations like snails and slugs are common culprits. While the damage is usually not fatal, protecting the plants from these pests is important for their health and appearance.

Solution: To safeguard your calla lilies from caterpillars, you can employ various measures. This includes using pesticides or manually removing them from the plants.

For deterring snails and slugs, a practical approach is to create a barrier between the plants and pests using materials like copper tape or stakes coated with Vaseline. Additionally, organic methods like utilizing beer or eggshells can deter snails and slugs from your plants.

5. Uneven Soil pH

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If your Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow, it may indicate an imbalanced soil pH. It affects nutrient absorption, and most of these plants thrive in slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.0).

Solution: Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and make necessary amendments to restore balance. By balancing the soil pH, your Calla Lily plant will be able to access the necessary nutrients, and the yellowing of the leaves should stop.

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6. Environmental Stress

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Excessive sun exposure can lead to the yellowing of Calla Lily leaves due to heat stress, drying out of the leaves, and hindered nutrient absorption. Proper shade and adequate watering are essential to prevent leaf yellowing and ensure plant health.

Solution: To prevent these problems, it is important to shield your plants from excessive sun exposure and ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

Read about Common Bird of Paradise Problems and Solutions Guide

FAQs 

Q1: Can I save my calla lilies if the leaves have already turned yellow?

A: In most cases, calla lilies can recover from yellowing leaves with the proper care. Trim off the yellowed foliage, adjust watering and fertilizing practices, and ensure they receive adequate light. New healthy growth should emerge in due course.

Q2: Are yellow leaves on calla lilies always a cause for concern?

A: Not necessarily. Some yellowing of lower leaves is normal as the plant matures. However, widespread yellowing or rapid discoloration can indicate underlying issues that need attention.

Q3: Should I repot my calla lilies if the leaves turn yellow?

A: If you suspect the Calla Lily Leaves are Turning Yellow due to poor soil quality or root bound. Repotting your calla lilies into fresh, well-draining soil can help improve their overall health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Shaz Holms, a passionate gardening enthusiast and Arizona arborist. With 15 years of experience, he not only owns a thriving nursery but has also penned numerous insightful articles on gardening. His green thumb and writing prowess combine to create bountiful content for all plant lovers.

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