Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
- Check for signs of aphids which spread viruses.
- Look for mottled patterns on the leaves.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The lower leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for more than 10 days.
What to do: Check the top inch of soil before watering. If it is still damp, wait another 2 to 3 days. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so the bulb does not sit in water.
Lily Mosaic Virus
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves show a mottled, patchy yellow and green pattern, and the plant may look stunted or twisted. This is often spread by aphids.
What to do: There is no cure for this virus. You must remove and destroy the affected plant to prevent it from spreading to your other lilies.
Find out what's wrong with your tiger lily
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
It is normal for the bottom leaves to yellow as the plant finishes its blooming cycle. However, if the yellowing is mottled or happens while the plant is still growing, it is a concern.
Stopping it coming back
Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and keep aphids under control to prevent virus transmission.
Tiger Lily: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your tiger lily and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with mosaic virus?
- No, once a lily has the mosaic virus, it cannot be cured. It is best to remove it to protect your healthy plants.
- Is yellowing always bad?
- No, as the season ends, the entire plant will naturally turn yellow and brown. This is just the plant going dormant for winter.
More problems with Tiger Lily
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.