Calla lilies are prized for their showy trumpet-shaped blooms that appear in late spring or summer. Their leaves are also quite attractive—emerging from thick rhizomes and shaped like spears or arrows. However these herbaceous perennials wither quickly in extreme heat or cold. If your calla lilies are suddenly drooping, it likely signals an underlying cultural issue.
Fortunately, drooping calla lilies can often be revived by making a few adjustments to their care regimen Here are some common causes and solutions for revitalizing your plants
Overwatering
Excess moisture is one of the most common reasons calla lily leaves and flowers start to droop and wilt. Their rhizomes easily rot if subjected to wet, poorly draining soil for too long. To remedy this:
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Check if the soil feels soggy. Allow it to dry out completely between waterings
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Ensure the pot and soil mixture provide adequate drainage. Repot in fresh, well-aerated soil if needed.
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Water thoroughly only when the top 1-2 inches become dry.
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Pour water directly into the soil, not over foliage which can encourage fungal diseases.
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Reduce watering frequency in cool weather when plants are dormant.
Underwatering
On the flip side, calla lilies with drooping flowers and wrinkling leaves may be suffering from insufficient moisture. Their large leaves and blooms lose turgidity quickly in dry soil. To prevent this:
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Water calla lilies at least 1-2 times per week in hot weather, less when it’s cooler.
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Check that your plant is getting regular soakings as the top layer of soil dries out.
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Consider moving outdoor calla lilies to a shadier spot to reduce moisture needs.
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Indoor plants may require daily misting in low-humidity environments.
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Ensure the potting mix drains well but also retains some moisture.
Excess Fertilizer
While calla lilies need nutrients to fuel growth and flowering, getting too much nitrogen can cause limp, floppy leaves and flowers. The growth becomes overly soft and unable to support itself. If you suspect fertilizer burn:
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Cut back on nitrogen-rich fertilizers which encourage rapid, weak growth.
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Flush the soil every few months to prevent buildup.
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Stick to balanced organic feeds applied at half-strength.
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Skip fertilizing altogether if your potting mix already contains nutrients.
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Resume fertilizing at lower rates once the plant recovers.
Cool Temperatures
Calla lilies thrive in consistently warm temperatures between 60-80°F. If nights dip below 60°F, the leaves and flowers are prone to wilting and drooping. To help them cope:
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Move potted calla lilies indoors or under shelter if temperatures drop too low outside.
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Avoid drafty windows and vents for indoor plants.
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Insulate the roots and rhizomes with mulch for in-ground plantings.
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Wait to transplant calla lilies outdoors until after the last frost date when nights are reliably warm.
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Plant in a protected, sunny area against a wall or building foundation to retain heat.
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Bring potted plants back inside well before autumn frosts begin.
Heavy Flowers
In some cases, calla lily flowers droop simply from the weight of an exceptionally large bloom. The slender flower stalks struggle to stay upright under the heavy flower head. Solutions include:
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Staking taller flower stems to provide extra support.
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Pruning back the leaves around blooms to reduce wind stress.
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Cutting large flower heads for indoor display to prevent breakage.
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Removing developing seed pods after blooms fade to lighten the load.
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Using dwarf calla lily varieties with smaller blooms and stronger stems.
By troubleshooting your specific growing conditions, you can often pinpoint the reason behind drooping calla lilies. With a few simple cultural fixes, you can nurse your plants back to health and enjoy their beautiful blooms once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes calla lily leaves to droop?
Along with flowers drooping, calla lily leaves often start to wilt and bend downward when the plant is getting too much or too little water. Ensure the soil moisture is consistently even—not overly wet or extremely dry.
Can drooping calla lilies recover?
If caught early, droopy calla lily flowers and leaves may perk back up after fixing an underlying issue like overwatering. However, rotted rhizomes or extensive pest/disease damage may be irreversible.
Do calla lilies need staking?
Large, heavy calla lily flower blooms may require staking, especially in exposed, windy areas. Use small stakes and soft plant ties to gently support drooping blooms upright.
What causes calla lily buds to droop?
Along with underwatering/overwatering, calla lily buds may fail to open properly if night temperatures get too low. Keep plants above 60 ̊F for healthy bud development and to prevent drooping unopened flowers.
How do I revive a drooping calla lily?
First, rule out fungal diseases and root rot. Then, alter care to provide adequate water and warmth while avoiding fertilizer overload. Damaged leaves won’t recover, but new growth should return to normal once favorable conditions resume.
Written by: Lillie Marshall, Gardening Expert
Reasons Why Calla Lilies May Droop
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