Calla Lily Gift Plant: Post-Bloom Care and Dormancy

A gift calla lily in a 4-inch pot has tall green leaves but drooping flowers. The gardener asks how to perk up blooms and whether to repot.

Flowers Are Finished

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) bloom for several weeks, then the spathes naturally fade and droop. Deadhead spent blooms by cutting the stalk at the base.

Dormancy Cycle

• After blooming, leaves yellow and wither as the corm enters dormancy (8–10 weeks).
• Do not cut green leaves—they feed the corm for next year's growth.
• Reduce watering but don't let soil bone-dry.
• Store pot in cool (50–60°F), dark place during dormancy.

Repotting

Not needed now. Repot in spring when new growth emerges, using fresh potting mix.

Rebloom

After dormancy, move to bright light, resume watering/fertilizing, and it will bloom again.

Your plant is following its natural cycle—let it rest, and it will return.