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Lords and Ladies · Arum maculatum

Why is my Lords and Ladies drooping?

Drooping is the plant's way of telling you it is thirsty or struggling with its environment. Check the soil moisture first to see if it needs a drink.

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is dry.
  2. Check the light levels to ensure the plant is not in direct sun.
  3. Look for signs of pests on the undersides of the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil is dry to the touch and the stems look wilted.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until it drains from the bottom. Check the soil again in 7 days to keep it consistently moist.

  2. Heat Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is in a spot that gets too much direct afternoon sun.

    What to do: Move the container to a shadier location. This plant prefers partial to full shade to stay cool.

When to worry

Drooping is serious if the plant does not perk up after a good watering. If it stays limp for more than 24 hours, check for root damage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a shaded spot and check the soil moisture every 7 to 10 days.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your lords and ladies.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

How much water does it need?
Keep the soil consistently moist. You should water it every 7 to 14 days depending on the temperature.
Can I mist the leaves to help?
Misting does not help much with drooping. Focus on keeping the soil moisture correct instead.

More problems with Lords and Ladies

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This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.