Peace lilies are often the pride of indoor gardeners. Being low maintenance, beautiful and able to bring a tropical feel to any space makes them extra popular.
But when their usually green leaves start turning yellow it can be worrying. But try not to worry – most of the time yellowing leaves is a fixable issue.
If you’re trying to figure out why your peace lily leaves are turning yellow and how to fix them then the following reasons will help you get the bottom of it.
1. Overwatering: The #1 Culprit
Overwatering is the most common reason peace lily leaves turn yellow. When roots are sitting in soggy soil they can’t absorb oxygen properly which will lead to root rot. This, in turn, shows up as yellowing leaves.
Signs of Overwatering
- Yellow leaves starting from the base of the plant.
- Mushy, dark roots (if you check).
- A foul smell from the soil.
How to Fix It
- Let the soil dry out before watering again.
- Repot the plant in fresh, well draining soil if you suspect root rot.
- Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Make sure your pot has proper drainage holes.
Pro Tip:
When in doubt, err on the side of underwatering. Peace lilies bounce back from dry soil much faster than they recover from soggy roots.
2. Underwatering
On the other hand underwatering can also cause yellowing. Peace lilies are tropical plants that need consistent moisture to thrive. Dehydrated roots can’t supply the plant with enough nutrients leading to yellow or brown-tipped leaves.
Signs of Underwatering
- Dry, crispy leaf edges.
- Drooping leaves (that may perk up after watering).
How to Fix It
- Water your peace lily thoroughly ensuring water reaches the entire root ball.
- Set a watering schedule a typically once a week depending on your environment.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
3. Incorrect Lighting
Peace lilies love bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves while too little light can disrupt photosynthesis, causing yellowing.
Signs of Lighting Problems
- Yellowing combined with browning tips (from too much light).
- Slow growth and pale leaves (from insufficient light).
How to Fix It
- Move your peace lily to a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. North or east-facing windows are ideal.
- If natural light is insufficient you can use a grow light.
- Avoid placing the plant near hot, sunny windows where direct sunlight hits it for hours.
4. Low Humidity
Peace lilies are native to tropical rainforests where humidity levels are high. When kept in dry indoor conditions their leaves can turn yellow and crispy.
Signs of Low Humidity
- Yellowing that starts at the edges of the leaves.
- Brown, dry tips.
How to Increase Humidity
- Use a humidifier to maintain moisture levels around the plant.
- Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (but be sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in water).
- Group your peace lily with other plants to create a microclimate of higher humidity.
- Mist the plant regularly, especially during dry seasons.
5. Temperature Stress
Peace lilies are sensitive to temperature changes. Cold drafts or hot air from heaters can cause stress leading to yellowing leaves.
How to Maintain Ideal Temperatures
- Keep the plant in a stable environment – ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Avoid placing the plant near windows or doors that frequently open to cold air.
- Shield the plant from direct blasts of hot or cold air from vents.
6. Nutrient Deficiencies
If your peace lily isn’t getting enough nutrients its older leaves may start to yellow while newer growth remains green.
Common Nutrient Deficiencies
| Nutrient | Signs of Deficiency |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Yellowing of older leaves, stunted growth. |
| Iron | Yellowing between leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis). |
| Magnesium | Yellow spots or mottling on older leaves. |
How to Fix It
- Feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- If you suspect a specific deficiency then use a fertilizer tailored to that nutrient.
- Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause salt buildup in the soil.
7. Water Quality
Peace lilies are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride often found in tap water.
How to Improve Water Quality
- Use filtered or distilled water.
- If using tap water let it sit out for 24 hours to allow chemicals to dissipate.
- Rainwater is another excellent option for watering peace lilies.
8. Pests
Insects like spider mites, mealybugs and scale can suck the sap from peace lily leaves, causing yellowing.
Signs of Pests
- Yellow, speckled leaves.
- Sticky residue or webbing on leaves.
- Visible insects on the plant.
How to Eliminate Pests
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove pests manually.
- Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Isolate infested plants to prevent the spread to others.
9. Being Root Bound
Peace lilies grow quickly and so their roots can outgrow their pot. When this happens the plant becomes stressed and may shows signs like yellow leaves.
How to Check
Gently remove the plant from its pot. If you see tightly packed roots circling the pot it’s time for a new home.
How to Repot
- Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
- Use fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Water thoroughly after repotting to help the plant settle.
10. Natural Aging
Sometimes yellowing is simply a natural process. Older leaves may yellow and die as the plant directs energy to new growth.
How to Manage Natural Aging
- Trim yellow leaves to improve the plant’s appearance.
- Focus on maintaining overall plant health.
Final Thoughts
With the right and regular care your peace lily can thrive for years. Be sure to address any issues that arise promptly. If you catch the problem quickly it can easily be rectified and and you’ll get to enjoy your peace lillies beauty without any yellowing.