How to Care for and Keep your Peace Lily Healthy
I love outdoor gardening, and while for some it may seem like a straightforward and simple task, what I truly find more complex and challenging is managing houseplants. When it comes to my outdoor garden, I have a clear seasonal understanding: I start planting and preparing in one season, nurture growth during the next two seasons, and eventually, the plants, flowers, and food all complete their cycle and are gone. They go to sleep, return to seed, and the same natural rhythm applies to me in a way (kind of).
However, houseplants are different—they are supposed to grow continuously and remain vibrant, thriving within the indoor environment all year round. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case for me, especially when it comes to one plant I absolutely favorite plants, that I continuously strive to keep healthy and alive, and that, my friends, is….. the Peace Lily.
Although the Peace Lily, may be considered a “low-maintenance” it has proven to be a surprisingly challenging plant for me to keep alive and thriving throughout the entire year. I know I’m not the only one, who wants our peace lilies and other houseplants to look beautiful, flourish, and bring a sense of calm and life into our homes.
However, caring for them can sometimes be tricky—especially when you’re nurturing a delicate plant like the peace lily. If you’ve noticed your peace lily seems to need some extra attention and care, keep reading for practical and helpful tips to revive your beloved plant and help it flourish once again.
Fun Facts:
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They are found in Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, and the islands of the western Pacific.
Peace Lilies were introduced to Europe in 1870 and are now popular houseplants globally. This tropical plant thrives in shaded areas with consistent moisture and high humidity.
Ideal temperatures are between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Use well-drained, fertile soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid overly damp soil to prevent root rot.
Important: Please note that peace lilies can be toxic to pets if eaten.
Spathe: The large, white, sail-like structure is the spathe. It is not a true petal but a modified leaf that protects the tiny, true flowers.
Spadix: The spike in the center of the spathe is the spadix, where the very small, actual flowers are clustered.
How Do You Know If Your Peace Lily Is Unhealthy?
Understanding the signs of an unhealthy Peace Lily can significantly enhance your plant care routine. It's important to recognize the symptoms that indicate your plant may not be thriving as it should. These warning signs can include
yellowing leaves,
stunted growth
wilting
Spotted Leaves
Drooping leaves: This is the plant's way of signaling it needs water, but it can also be caused by overwatering.
Underwatering: The soil will be dry, and the leaves will droop but feel normal.
Overwatering: The soil will be soggy, and the leaves will droop and feel soft. Yellowing leaves and potential root rot are also common.
Yellow leaves: A common sign of either overwatering or too much direct sunlight.
Brown tips: This can be a sign of underwatering, over-fertilization, or low humidity. The chemicals in tap water can also cause brown tips.
Curling leaves: Caused by low humidity, overexposure to light, or improper watering.
These all serve as clear indicators that something may be off with your Peace Lilly's health. By paying attention to these visual cues and making the necessary adjustments to its care, you can help restore your plant's vitality and ensure that it remains a beautiful addition to your indoor space.
How to Nurse your Peace Lily Back to Health
To nurse a peace lily back to health, start by carefully identifying the root cause of the problem, which could be due to factors such as incorrect watering, insufficient or excessive lighting, or improper fertilization practices. Once you have accurately diagnosed the underlying issue, you can then take targeted and specific steps to restore the plant's vitality. Despite its dramatic wilting appearance, the peace lily is known for being quite hardy and resilient, making recovery entirely possible with consistent care.
Take immediate action
Remove damaged growth. Use clean, sharp shears to prune away any yellow, brown, or mushy leaves and spent flower stalks at their base. This helps the plant redirect energy to new, healthy growth.
Repot if necessary. If you suspect root rot from overwatering, or if the plant is "root-bound" (roots visible on the soil surface or pushing through drainage holes), it needs repotting.
Gently remove the plant from its container and inspect the roots.
Trim away any black, mushy, or unhealthy-looking roots.
Use fresh, well-draining potting soil and a new container that is only one or two inches larger in diameter.
Adjust its care routine
Light: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. A north- or east-facing window is ideal. Never place it in direct sun, as this can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering thoroughly. If your tap water has high levels of chlorine or salts, switch to distilled, filtered, or rainwater to prevent leaf burn.
Humidity: These tropical plants prefer high humidity. To increase moisture, regularly mist the leaves, group it with other plants, or place its pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
Temperature: Peace lilies thrive in temperatures between 65–85°F (18–27°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts from windows or heating/cooling vents.
Fertilizer: Avoid fertilizing a struggling plant, as this can cause further stress. Once it recovers, you can feed it sparingly during the spring and summer. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength once a month.
Monitor and be patient
Stay vigilant. For the first week or two after making changes, watch the plant closely for signs of improvement or further stress.
Give it time. Peace lilies are resilient and often recover completely, but it will take time. New growth is a positive sign that your care routine is working.
How To Care For Your Peace Lily:
To care for a peace lily and prevent health issues and diseased plant. Be place it in bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid overwatering. Keep humidity moderate to high by misting or using a pebble tray. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season and repot in spring if the roots are crowded. Note that peace lilies can be toxic to pets if eaten.
Key points about peace lily care:
Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing it to mostly dry out between watering to prevent root rot.
Humidity: Peace lilies prefer high humidity, so misting leaves regularly or placing the pot on a pebble tray with water can help.
Temperature: Room temperature (around 65-75°F)
Fertilizing: Feed with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every few weeks during spring and summer.
Repotting: Repot in spring to fresh potting mix if roots become rootbound.
Leaf care: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Peace lilies and other houseplants may improve indoor air by removing toxins, help reduce stress and lift your mood, and add moisture that can ease dry skin and breathing problems. Taking care of them also offers a calming and healing experience.
Houseplants can bring a warm and inviting atmosphere to any home, adding a natural and organic element to your decor. Understanding how to create and maintain an adequate environment for your houseplants is essential to keep them healthy and thriving for a long time. Proper care ensures that your plants not only enhance the beauty of your space but also contribute positively to your well-being.