Calla Lily Care: Dormancy, Yellowing Leaves, and Fertilizer Tips

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) come in two main types, each with different habits. Understanding which you have prevents panic when leaves yellow.

Know Your Calla

• Colored hybrids (pink, yellow, orange, maroon): Bloom late spring/early summer, then foliage yellows and plant goes dormant for ~90 days. This is normal!
• White calla (Z. aethiopica): Larger, blooms longer, foliage persists most of summer; more cold-tolerant.

Common Issue: Over-Fertilizing

Callas need little fertilizer. A handful of bone meal at planting is ideal. Excess nitrogen (especially from concentrated fertilizer in the planting hole) burns roots, causing yellow leaves.

Fixing Yellowing After Recent Planting

If you just planted and added fertilizer, sprinkle bone meal around the base and water well. Do not dig up—the disturbance adds stress. In future, mix composted manure into the bed before planting and top-dress with bone meal.

Water & Drainage

Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Good drainage is essential to prevent rot.