How To Save A Sunburnt Calla Lily

If you've ever noticed your calla lily looking a bit crispy and worse for wear, it might be suffering from a sunburn. Yes, plants can get sunburned too! While it might seem like a daunting issue, don't worry. We've got you covered with ways to nurse your sunburnt calla lily back to health.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to save your sunburnt calla lily. From recognizing the signs of sunburn to adjusting its care routine, we'll guide you step-by-step to ensure your beloved plant makes a full recovery.

Spotting the Signs of Sunburn on Your Calla Lily

Before you jump into action, it’s important to know what sunburn looks like on a calla lily. You might notice a few telltale signs that your plant has had too much fun in the sun:

• Brown or white patches: These are often the most obvious signs. The leaves may develop brown or even white patches where the sun has damaged the cells.
• Crispy edges: The edges of the leaves can become dry and crispy, indicating that they're scorched.
• Yellowing leaves: While yellowing can be due to several factors, sunburn is a common culprit if it follows a particularly sunny spell.

Once you’ve identified these signs, it’s time to move on to the next step: protecting your plant from further damage.

Relocating Your Calla Lily

If your calla lily is sunburnt, the first thing you need to do is move it to a shadier spot. But don't just shove it into a dark corner! Calla lilies still need plenty of light, just not direct sunlight. A bright, indirect light spot is ideal. Think of it like moving from the beach to a nice shady umbrella spot.

Here are some options for relocating your calla lily:

• Near a north-facing window: This will provide bright, indirect light without harsh sun rays.
• Behind sheer curtains: Curtains can act as a filter, letting in soft light while blocking intense sunlight.
• Outside in a shaded area: If you prefer keeping your plant outdoors, ensure it's in a spot that gets dappled sunlight, like under a tree or on a shaded patio.

Remember, the goal is to reduce the direct sun exposure while still giving the plant the light it needs to thrive.

Pruning Damaged Leaves

Once your calla lily is in a safer spot, it’s time to get those garden shears ready. Pruning away the damaged leaves will not only make your plant look better, but it will also help redirect the plant's energy to new, healthy growth. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sanitize your tools: Always start with clean, sanitized shears to prevent any potential disease spread.
2. Identify the damaged leaves: Look for leaves with extensive sunburn damage—those with large brown patches or wilted edges.
3. Cut carefully: Trim the leaves at the base, as close to the stem as possible without damaging the stem itself.

Pruning might seem harsh, but it’s a crucial step in helping your calla lily bounce back. Plus, it’s a bit like giving your plant a fresh haircut—sometimes a little trim is all it needs to feel rejuvenated.

Adjusting the Watering Routine

A sunburnt plant might seem thirsty, but it’s important to resist the urge to overwater. Calla lilies prefer moist soil, but too much water can lead to root rot. Here’s a balanced approach to watering:

• Check the soil moisture: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water thoroughly: When you water, do so until it runs out of the drainage holes. This ensures the roots get a good drink.
• Let it dry out: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. This prevents soggy conditions that can damage the roots.

Remember, it’s all about balance. Too little water and your plant will struggle to recover, too much and you risk further issues.

Feeding Your Calla Lily

Once your calla lily is settled into a new routine, it might need a little extra nourishment to recover fully. Like us after a long day in the sun, sometimes a good meal is just what the doctor ordered. Consider adding a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to your care regimen.

When feeding your calla lily, keep these tips in mind:

• Frequency: Feed about once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Type of fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20, to provide all the essential nutrients.
• Application: Always follow the package instructions for the correct dilution and application methods.

With a bit of extra food, your calla lily will regain its strength and vitality, ready to grace your home with its elegant blooms once more.

Monitoring for Pests and Diseases

While sunburn is a common issue for calla lilies, pests and diseases can take advantage of a weakened plant. Keep an eye out for common intruders like spider mites and aphids. Check the undersides of leaves and the soil surface for any signs of activity.

If you do find pests, here’s what you can do:

• Manual removal: For small infestations, gently wiping off the pests with a damp cloth can be effective.
• Insecticidal soap: This is a gentle option for dealing with larger infestations. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.
• Neem oil: This natural remedy can help, but be careful not to apply it during peak sunlight hours to avoid further leaf damage.

Keeping a close watch and acting promptly will ensure your calla lily doesn’t suffer more than it needs to.

Providing Optimal Humidity

Calla lilies originate from regions with higher humidity levels, which means they appreciate a bit of extra moisture in the air. If you live in a dry climate, you might need to boost the humidity around your plant.

Here are some ways to do that:

• Use a humidity tray: Place your pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air.
• Group plants together: Plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, so clustering them can create a more humid microclimate.
• Mist the leaves: Lightly misting the leaves can help, but do it in the morning to prevent fungal issues.

By ensuring your calla lily has the humidity it craves, you’ll help it recover faster and produce those stunning blooms.

Understanding Light Needs for Future Growth

Now that you’ve saved your sunburnt calla lily, it’s time to think about its future. Understanding its light needs will help prevent future sunburns and promote healthy growth.

Calla lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of it as the kind of light you find in a room with lots of windows but without the sunbeams directly hitting the plant. Here are some tips to help you get the lighting just right:

• Rotate the plant: Every few weeks, turn the pot to ensure all sides of the plant get equal light exposure.
• Seasonal adjustments: As the seasons change, you might need to move your plant to a different spot to maintain the right light levels. In winter, you may need to bring it closer to the window.
• Artificial lighting: If natural light is scarce, consider using grow lights to supplement. They can be a great way to provide consistent lighting, especially in darker months.

With the right light conditions, your calla lily will not only recover but flourish, ready to impress with its graceful presence.

Building a Resilient Care Routine

Finally, to prevent future sunburns and keep your calla lily thriving, it’s all about building a consistent care routine. This doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few thoughtful adjustments can make all the difference.

Here’s a simple care routine to follow:

• Water consistently: Stick to a regular watering schedule, being mindful not to overwater.
• Monitor light exposure: Keep an eye on the light and adjust as needed, especially during seasonal changes.
• Feed moderately: Regular fertilizing during the growing season will keep your calla lily well-nourished.
• Check for pests: Routinely inspect your plant for signs of pests or disease, catching any issues early.

With these steps, your calla lily will not only recover from sunburn but also continue to bring beauty and joy to your home for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Saving a sunburnt calla lily might seem challenging at first, but with some patience and care, you can restore its health and beauty. By recognizing the signs of sunburn, adjusting its environment, and providing consistent care, your plant will thrive once more.

At Cafe Planta, we understand that plant care is a journey. Whether you're looking for new plant friends or need advice on caring for the ones you have, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out via email or connect with us on Instagram. Let's grow together and create beautiful, thriving spaces filled with the joy of plants.