4 Super Easy Fixes for the Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow


Introduction

The calla lilies are widely famous for its emerald green leaves. However, as soon as the leaves start turning yellow, things might take an ugly turn. In fact, you should be careful because it’s usually the plant’s cry for help.

But what is the mystery behind calla lily leaves turning yellow, and how can it be solved?

Well, to fix the problem, you must first find the cause. And that’s why I have gathered up the most common reasons and their solutions. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Photo of a Calla Lily Plant
Photo by Zigzagmtart

Why are the Calla Lily Leaves Turning Yellow?

To go to the root of the problem, you must first inspect the root of the plant. This is because most of the time, the problem starts from the bottom and makes its way up to the top.

So, why don’t we take a closer look at the problem?

Reason 1- A Lack of Nutrition in the Soil

The number cause for the yellow leaves is the lack of nutrition. This happens when the soil is low in iron, zinc, nitrogen, or any other nutrients.

But since iron helps with making chlorophyll, so it’s the main suspect. However, you can never be too sure. This is why you have to do a soil test.

This will tell you exactly which component is missing. Once you get the test results back, then you can make the right judgment call.

Solution- Apply Fertilizers to the Soil

Now, to solve the issue, you have to add fertilizers. But you cannot add random fertilizers. Firstly, you have to find out what nutrition is missing from the soil.

Then you have to add a fertilizer that is rich in that exact component. Only then your plant will grow upright and shed all its yellow leaves.

However, do not apply cow dung as a natural fertilizer. It has a high amount of salt in it, proving to be dangerous for your calla lilies.

OUR RECOMMENDED FERTILIZERS
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food

Jobe’s Organics 09524 Purpose Granular Fertilizer

J R Peters 52024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer

Reason 2- Overdose of Water

One more thing to be careful about is the amount of water. Yes, even the harmless water can be life-threatening for the cilia lilies.

How? Well, when you pour too much water on the soil, the roots tend to stay soaked in the water for long hours. And after a while, they start to rot in it.

Since the root stays inside the soil, you fail to notice it. So, the problem crawls up to the plant and ultimately reaches the leaves.

Lastly, they turn yellow and start to wither. Some plants also end up with curling leaves because of overwatering. 

Solution- Water Only After the Soil has Dried Up

However, the problem is not that big, so you don’t have to worry. Instead, you can simply keep an eye on the soil and only water it after it has dried up.

Now, to know that the soil is completely dried, you can stick a toothpick in it. If it comes out dry, then guess what? The ground is dry too.

But for a more permanent solution, you can replant the lilies in well-drained soil. The most recommended place is on a raised bed. If it’s indoor, you can grab a drainage pot.

Reason 3- Going into Dormancy

Sometimes the yellow leaves on calla lilies are not there because the plants are in trouble. It can also be an indication that the plant is about to enter dormancy.

This is the deep sleep that the plants take in order to conserve their energy. And the plants go into hibernation mode because of extreme weather conditions. Perhaps it became too cold for the plant. Or maybe it’s too hot.

Solution- Take Proper Care of the Plant

Nevertheless, you can fix it with a bit of care. Yep, you can simply aid the plant at the right temperature, and it’ll be good as new again.

If it’s too cold, place the plant inside your house. And if it’s too sunny, then make a shade over it. That’ll minimize sun exposure.

Reason 4- Transplantation of the Calla Lily

Did you recently buy a calla lily and put it in your garden? And then, after a few days perhaps you saw some yellow leaves.

Well, if that’s the case, then do not fear. This mainly happens because the plant can’t adjust to the new environment.

At first, it feels like the new kid in class. Instead of insecurities and shyness, it suffers from adjusting its root into the ground.

This can also happen if you plant it in a new place inside your own garden. Yep, a little misplacement can also cause a few yellow leaves.

However, there is nothing to worry about. That’s because you can fix it quite quickly. How? Well, stick around to find out the solution.

Solution- Let the Lily Settle in and Then Cut Off the Yellow Leaves

Alright, we won’t keep you waiting. We’ll jump straight into the solution. So, what do you do if you find yellow leaves due to transplantation?

The answer is nothing. Yes, that’s right, you don’t have to do anything. This is because it is completely natural to see yellow leaves in this scenario.

I will suggest you give the plant 2- or 3-weeks’ time. In time its root will settle in, and then you can trim the yellow leaves using a pruner.

Once they are out of the way, the green leaves will emerge again. And your beautiful Calla lilies will shine again.

To Conclude

To sum up, take care of the plant regularly and regulate its environment. And you see that the lilies are in good condition again.

Well, that’s all we had on calla lily leaves turning yellow. Have a fun time gardening and nurturing the plants. See you next time. Goodbye!

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Celina Nance

It’s been a life-long wish of Celina Nance to have a lawn full of colorful flower beds. But living in Arizona city, that seems kind of impossible. But Celina Nance didn’t stop and created a full-form balcony garden instead. And she often shares stuff that she does/solves/innovates throughout the journey.

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