Why does your Zantedeschia Captain Kelso have sudden leaf drop? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Calla Lilies are sensitive to saturated soil; excess moisture triggers fungal pathogens like Phytophthora that decay the rhizome, leading to a rapid loss of foliage. As roots die, they can no longer support the plant's transpiration needs, causing sudden leaf senescence.
Zantedeschia varieties are tropical/subtropical and highly sensitive to sudden temperature drops below 50°F (10°C). A cold draft or sudden drop in ambient temperature can cause the plant to enter an emergency dormancy, shedding leaves rapidly.
A lack of available nitrogen prevents the production of chlorophyll, which can lead to rapid yellowing and abscission of older leaves. This is common in Callas grown in exhausted potting mixes or containers with minimal fertilization.
High humidity combined with poor air circulation can promote Botrytis cinerea, which causes lesions on the foliage that eventually lead to stem weakness and leaf drop. This is particularly common in the dense, humid microclimates often found around Calla Lily clumps.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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