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Calla Lily · Zantedeschia aethiopica

Why are there bugs on my Calla Lily?

Pests like aphids love to hide on the tender new growth of Calla Lilies. Check the undersides of leaves and the flower stems for tiny, clustered insects.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check the flower buds for sticky residue.
  3. Examine the stems for tiny moving dots.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustering on new stems and buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Wash the plant gently with a steady stream of water to knock the bugs off. Follow up by wiping the leaves with a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine, silky webbing appears between the leaves or stems. The leaves may look speckled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant, as mites dislike moisture. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs and mites.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your calla 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.

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When to worry

A few bugs can be managed easily, but a full infestation can weaken the plant quickly. Treat the plant as soon as you spot the first few insects.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your plant weekly for any signs of pests. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them down occasionally with a damp cloth.

Calla Lily: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your calla 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.

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Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my plant?
If left untreated, a heavy infestation can drain the plant of nutrients and cause it to decline. Catching them early makes them very easy to manage.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?
Usually, no. Simple mechanical removal with water and mild soap is often enough to clear up an aphid problem on a Calla Lily.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Calla Lily

Back to the Calla Lily guide

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.