Are you worried about your calla lily's declining health? You're not alone! Many plant enthusiasts have faced the same issue, and it's often due to simple mistakes that can be easily rectified. In this article, we'll delve into the common reasons why your calla lily might be dying and provide you with expert advice on how to revive it.
Table of Contents
- Overwatering: The Most Common Cause of Death
- Underwatering: The Opposite Extreme
- Lack of Light: A Key to Photosynthesis
- Inadequate Humidity: A Tropical Plant's Needs
- Pests and Diseases: Common Culprits
- Nutrient Deficiency: Fertilization 101
- Temperature Extremes: A Delicate Balance
- Transplant Shock: A Common Issue
- Reviving Your Calla Lily: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overwatering: The Most Common Cause of Death
Calla lilies are prone to root rot, which can be fatal if left untreated. Overwatering is the leading cause of root rot, as it creates an ideal environment for fungal growth. If you're watering your calla lily too frequently, the roots may be drowning in water, causing the plant to suffocate. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels wet, wait a few days before watering again.
Underwatering: The Opposite Extreme
On the other hand, underwatering can also cause your calla lily to decline. Calla lilies need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. If the soil is too dry for an extended period, the plant may drop its leaves, turn yellow, or become limp. Be sure to water your calla lily regularly, but avoid getting waterlogged soil.
Lack of Light: A Key to Photosynthesis
Calla lilies require bright, indirect light to undergo photosynthesis. If your plant is placed in a dark corner or receives direct sunlight, it may not be getting the light it needs. Move your calla lily to a spot with filtered or dappled light, and ensure it receives at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day.
Inadequate Humidity: A Tropical Plant's Needs
Calla lilies are native to tropical regions and thrive in humid environments. If your home is dry, your calla lily may be suffering from lack of humidity. You can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles or using a humidifier nearby.
Pests and Diseases: Common Culprits
Check your calla lily regularly for signs of pests or diseases, such as spider mites, mealybugs, or root rot. Inspect the leaves, stems, and soil for any unusual growths, discoloration, or tiny insects. If you suspect an infestation, treat your plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and remove any affected areas.
Nutrient Deficiency: Fertilization 101
Calla lilies require a balanced diet of nutrients to stay healthy. If your plant is lacking essential nutrients, it may exhibit signs of deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Feed your calla lily with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
Temperature Extremes: A Delicate Balance
Calla lilies prefer temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid placing your plant near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces, or drafty windows, as temperature fluctuations can cause stress and decline.
Transplant Shock: A Common Issue
If you've recently transplanted your calla lily, it may be experiencing transplant shock. This can cause the plant to drop its leaves, turn yellow, or become limp. To minimize transplant shock, handle the roots with care, and provide your plant with bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
Reviving Your Calla Lily: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your calla lily is dying, don't give up hope! Follow these steps to revive your plant:
1. Inspect your plant: Check for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiency.
2. Adjust watering: Ensure you're not overwatering or underwatering your calla lily.
3. Provide optimal light: Move your plant to a spot with bright, indirect light.
4. Increase humidity: Use a humidifier or place your plant on a tray with water and pebbles.
5. Fertilize: Feed your calla lily with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
6. Prune: Remove any dead or dying leaves or stems to prevent the spread of disease.
7. Monitor temperature: Keep your plant away from temperature extremes.
8. Be patient: Reviving a dying calla lily takes time, so be patient and consistent with your care.
By following these expert tips and guidelines, you should be able to identify and address the underlying issues affecting your calla lily's health. Remember to stay vigilant, and with a little TLC, your plant should recover and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common reasons why my calla lily is dying?
There are several reasons why your calla lily may be dying, including overwatering, underwatering, lack of light, root bound, pests, diseases, and temperature fluctuations. It's essential to identify the underlying cause to take corrective action and save your plant.
How often should I water my calla lily?
Calla lilies prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Watering once a week is a good starting point, but this may vary depending on the humidity, temperature, and light exposure in your area.
What are the signs of overwatering in calla lilies?
Signs of overwatering in calla lilies include yellowing or droopy leaves, soft and mushy stems, and a sour or unpleasant smell from the soil. If you notice any of these signs, stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out slightly before resuming watering.
How can I prevent root rot in my calla lily?
To prevent root rot, make sure to plant your calla lily in a well-draining potting mix and avoid overwatering. You can also add a layer of perlite or vermiculite to the soil to improve drainage. Additionally, repot your calla lily every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide a larger pot if necessary.
Why are the leaves on my calla lily turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on calla lilies can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, too much direct sunlight, or a lack of nutrients. Check the soil moisture, adjust your watering schedule accordingly, and consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer.
Can I save my calla lily if it's already yellow and wilted?
If your calla lily is already yellow and wilted, it may be possible to save it by pruning the damaged leaves, adjusting your watering schedule, and providing optimal growing conditions. However, if the damage is severe, it may be best to propagate a new plant from the rhizome or start with a fresh bulb.
How much light does my calla lily need?
Calla lilies prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched, so it's best to provide filtered or dappled light, especially during the hottest part of the day.
What is the ideal temperature for my calla lily?
Calla lilies prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and no lower than 55°F (13°C) at night. Avoid placing your plant near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces, or drafty windows.
How often should I fertilize my calla lily?
Fertilize your calla lily during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. You can fertilize once a month, but it's not necessary to fertilize during the dormant season (fall and winter).
What pests can affect my calla lily?
Common pests that can affect calla lilies include spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids. Check your plant regularly for signs of infestation, such as tiny eggs, webs, or actual pests on the leaves or stems. Isolate infected plants, and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions.
How can I prevent pests from infesting my calla lily?
To prevent pests from infesting your calla lily, maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands before handling the plant, and avoid overwatering, which can attract pests. Inspect your plant regularly, and isolate new plants for a few weeks before introducing them to your indoor garden.
What diseases can affect my calla lily?
Common diseases that can affect calla lilies include root rot, leaf spot, and crown rot. These diseases are often caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, or contaminated soil. Treat fungal diseases with a fungicide, and bacterial diseases with a bactericide, according to the product's instructions.
How can I propagate my calla lily?
Calla lilies can be propagated through rhizome division or seed. To divide the rhizome, wait until the plant is dormant, then carefully dig up the rhizome, and separate the offsets. Replant the offsets in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Can I grow calla lilies outdoors?
Yes, calla lilies can be grown outdoors in zones 8-10, where the temperature remains above 40°F (4°C). Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant the rhizome 2-3 inches deep, and water regularly during the growing season.
How often should I repot my calla lily?
Calla lilies typically need to be repotted every 2-3 years, as the rhizome can become pot-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, and use fresh, well-draining potting mix.
What is the best potting mix for my calla lily?
The best potting mix for calla lilies is a well-draining mix that contains a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Avoid using regular garden soil, as it can compact and prevent proper drainage.
Can I grow calla lilies in a terrarium?
Yes, calla lilies can be grown in a terrarium, but it's essential to provide good air circulation and avoid overwatering. Choose a terrarium with a wide mouth, and add a layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.
Why are the flowers on my calla lily not blooming?
If the flowers on your calla lily are not blooming, it may be due to a lack of light, inadequate fertilization, or insufficient water. Check the growing conditions, and adjust accordingly. It may also take some time for the plant to mature and produce flowers.
How long do calla lily flowers last?
Calla lily flowers can last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the variety and growing conditions. After the flowers have faded, you can cut back the flower spike to encourage new growth and prevent seed production.
Can I grow calla lilies in a hanging basket?
Yes, calla lilies can be grown in a hanging basket, but it's essential to choose a basket with good drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Avoid overwatering, and fertilize sparingly to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Why are the leaves on my calla lily becoming leggy?
Leggy leaves on calla lilies can be caused by a lack of light, overfertilization, or inadequate pruning. Prune the leaves to maintain a bushy shape, and provide optimal growing conditions, including bright, indirect light and balanced fertilization.
Can I grow calla lilies in a container with other plants?
Yes, calla lilies can be grown in a container with other plants, but it's essential to choose plants with similar growing conditions and light requirements. Avoid overcrowding the container, and ensure that each plant has enough space to grow and receive adequate light and water.
How can I keep my calla lily pest-free during the winter months?
To keep your calla lily pest-free during the winter months, reduce watering, and avoid fertilizing. Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests, and treat promptly if necessary. Consider storing your plant in a cool, dark place to induce dormancy.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
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Bird Of Paradise
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Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
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Blue Rain Plant
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Blue Torch Cactus
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Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
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Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
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Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
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Chinese Ape
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Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
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Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
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Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
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Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
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Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
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Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
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Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
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Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
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Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
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Rhipsalis Occidentalis
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Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
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Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
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Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
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Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.