The problem is over-watering, under-watering, or fertilization. The always dolled-up and elegant calla lilies are famous for their outstanding beauty. With only a single healthy rhizome, the Callas multiplies and needs less attention. The pretty calla lilies are found in homes and gardens of both experienced and amateur gardeners, regardless of not being a true lily. Therefore, when the tall and brightly colored blooms start to wilt or droop, it becomes very alarming.
Of course, the lilies are not perpetual, they always die at some point, but there is no point why that time should be any sooner. The drooping or wilting of the flowers and leaves is a sure sign that something is wrong with the lily’s root system. As a gardener, you’re obliged to know the cause of the problem and fix it. Keep reading to find out the best ways to stop the leaves and flowers from wilting.
Causes of a drooping calla lily
As gardeners, our role is to take care of our plants for great and appealing results. But, at times, we overdo it or neglect our duties, affecting the growth of the plants. The calla lilies are no exception to this downfall. So, what can be some of the extreme care measures causing the drooping of the Callas?
Over-watering or under-watering
If the soil around the lily feels dry, then the plant is most likely thirsty due to under-watering. The calla lily should be able to perk up again after an hour of being adequately watered. Various issues can cause Under-watering. A hot climate with low humidity can lead to the moisture and water needed quickly drying up and hence end up under-watered. The type of soil can have poor water retention and drains the water, thus rapidly causing a dry-up.
Conversely, if the soil is very wet, the lily has most likely been overwatered. Overly moist soil can cause the rhizomes to decay and should be avoided. If the bulb and stems have become soft and watery, the root rot has begun. It’ll be a short while until the whole plant grows mushy.
Temperature variations
The temperature change can lead to the wilting and drooping of the calla lilies. In cases of a potted calla, frequent moving from inside to outside makes the flowers wilt. This change in its ambient temperature stresses the plant causing it to droop. The calla lilies are not cold-resistant; therefore, they cannot survive the winter season. Even the slightest amount of frost can cause the leaves to wilt.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is good for plant growth, but excess fertilizing can cause severe problems for the flowering plant. Too much nitrogen levels in the fertilizer boost the leafy growing process, which brings about drooping calla lily. Extreme nitrogen levels can also make the Callas discolor from the root upwards as it weakens the entire plant.
Pests and diseases
Contrary to well drain conditions, chilly and wet conditions enable the growth of fungi. Drooping calla lilies can be the after-effects of fungal diseases like Anthracnose and rotten roots. Fungi are the nightmare of all gardeners when the warm weather approaches. Generally, the fungi attack the rhizome and branch of the calla lilies, gradually leading to weak and pliable stems.
On the other hand, calla lilies can be affected by many pests like aphids. Inspect stems and buds for aphids, and small insects that slurp plant juices. A serious aphid invasion leads to weak and drooping leaves.
How to fix and stop calla lilies from drooping
In case of water problems, water a thirsty and under-watered calla lily and expect it to perk up after a day or two. Make sure the soil used is fertile organic instead of sandy soil. The rich organic soil does not drain quickly. Also, keep the calla lily under partial shade or away from direct sunlight which causes the water to dry up quickly.
Conversely, if it is over-watered, avoid watering it again for some time until it has dried out. Perforate the container to drain excess water or use an unglazed pot to evaporate surplus moisture.
When it comes to fixing drooping caused by disease and pests, the simplest solution is to start over. Discard the soil and the entire plant. If the fungus is formed, it is definitely in the ground and has affected the whole plant. Even if the pests attacked the plant, then it weakened and can hardly be revived. Don’t hesitate to start all over again. Get well-treated soil and spray the whole garden or area where the calla lilies will be grown. Spraying with a pesticide will kill all the pests that may attack the new calla lilies.
Fixing drooping or wilting caused by fertilizing: Avoid high-level nitrogen feeds that will boost foliar growth but decrease flower growth. The calla lilies are heavy water users and need an abundance of the correct kind of nutrients for all-out flowering and healthy growth.
Check your rhizomes each year if you must dig them up and overwinter tubers in the house. When you are set to plant them in spring, work out a well-draining garden bed or plant them in a vessel with the right potting mix. Incorporate well-baked manure into the soil to begin a steady feeding procedure. You can also feed the tuber a bi-weekly diluted fish mixture to arouse growth.
Fixing drooping caused by temperature changes: Since the calla lily cannot withstand frost or winter period, reduce the leaves and move the bulb in the house through winter. Allow it to dry for some days and then wrap it in a mesh bag—store in cool and dry conditions. Replant the bulbs in spring immediately when the soil warms up to at least 16 C. (60 F.).
You are recommended first to grow them in pots indoors and transplant them for quicker blooms. Allow the plant to rest and get used to its position, and it will bounce back to its natural upright blooms.
In other cases, to permit the calla lily dormancy, let the blossom naturally die. Since calla lilies don’t entail consistent pruning, deadhead the flowers as they wilt. Getting rid of parts of the plant should not kill it; cut them back at the soil level and discard any plant remains, and they’ll shoot again in the spring.
Prevention tips
In summary, there is nothing much required other than what we have stated above:
- Keep them well-watered, fertilized, and sprayed in case of pest infestation.
- Add a sufficient layer of mulch around the plants to help keep the area moist and free from weeds.
- During the dormant period, desist from watering as much to permit the plant to die back.
- If your calla lilies are potted, stop watering and move the plant to a dark area once the greenery has dimmed.
- Constant watering can resume within two to three months.
- Although calla lilies can remain on the ground year-round in warmer climates, they should be lifted and stored in colder areas.
Drooping calla lilies will occur so often and are usually caused by easily managed conditions. However, the more you learn how to care for this elegant flower, the less likely this will occur.
