Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.

Can low light cause yellow leaves?

Yes, if the plant does not get enough bright indirect light, it may struggle to photosynthesize and start yellowing. Move it to a brighter spot if the light is too dim.

Calla Lily: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the top inch of soil with your finger.
Check the drainage holes for standing water.
Inspect the base of the stems for any signs of mushiness.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy to the touch. You might also notice a damp, musty smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and start to feel crispy or brittle at the edges. The soil will pull away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the bottom drainage holes. Maintain a consistent schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days to keep the soil evenly moist.

Yellow leaves 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.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die back as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to newer leaves or the whole plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged by checking the moisture level before every watering.

Calla Lily: yellow leaves? 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This helps the plant focus its energy on healthy new growth.
Can low light cause yellow leaves?: Yes, if the plant does not get enough bright indirect light, it may struggle to photosynthesize and start yellowing. Move it to a brighter spot if the light is too dim.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Calla Lily leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your calla lily?