When they’re under some sort of stress peace lilies will sometimes show that stress by curling leaves. If you’ve noticed this happening to your plant – don’t panic! Leaf curling is typically a manageable issue once you identify the cause.
So in this guide I’ll take you through 11 common reasons your peace lily’s leaves are curling. On top of that we’ll look ant detailed fixes to get your plant back on track.
1. Inadequate Watering
Watering issues are one of the most common reasons for curling leaves. Let’s break it down.
Underwatering
If your peace lily isn’t getting enough water its leaves may curl inward to reduce water loss.
Signs:
- Dry, brittle leaves.
- Soil pulling away from the edges of the pot.
- Overall droopiness in the plant.
Fix:
- Assess Soil Moisture: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry then it’s simple – it’s time to water.
- Water Thoroughly: Slowly pour water until it starts draining from the bottom. This make sure all roots are hydrated.
- Set a Routine: Peace lilies generally need watering once a week. But this can vary depending on humidity and temperature.
Overwatering
Too much water can drown the roots though leading to leaf curling and yellowing.
Signs:
- Leaves curling and turning yellow simultaneously.
- A sour or musty smell from the soil (a sign of root rot).
- Mushy or blackened roots when inspected.
Fix:
- Improve Drainage: Be sure your pot has proper drainage holes.
- Repot If Necessary: If you suspect root rot then remove the plant, trim away damaged roots and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.
- Adjust Watering Frequency: Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again.
2. Lighting Conditions
Lighting can make or break your peace lily’s health. While they’re generally forgiving extremes in light exposure can stress them out.
Too Much Sun
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves causing them to curl and develop brown or crispy edges.
Fix:
- Relocate: Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is ideal.
- Use Curtains: If you can’t avoid direct sunlight place a sheer curtain between the plant and the window to diffuse the light.
Too Little Light
Peace lilies can tolerate low light. But prolonged periods of insufficient light can result in weak, curled leaves.
Fix:
- Supplement with Grow Lights: If natural light is limited invest in an LED grow light to provide a gentle boost.
- Rotate Your Plant: If one side of the plant receives more light try rotating it every week to help with even growth.
3. Temperature Stress
Temperature swings can wreak havoc on your peace lily. These plants thrive in temperatures between 68°F and 85°F.
Cold Stress
Exposure to cold drafts, such as near windows or air conditioners, can cause leaves to curl.
Fix:
- Relocate: Keep your plant away from drafty areas, especially during winter.
- Insulate the Pot: If the plant is near a cold window place it on a stand or tray to avoid contact with the cold surface.
Heat Stress
Extreme heat can cause leaves to curl inward to conserve moisture.
Fix:
- Increase Humidity: Use a humidifier or mist the plant to counteract dry, hot air.
- Ventilate: If placed near a heat source make sure there is good airflow to prevent overheating.
4. Humidity Problems
Peace lilies are tropical plants that love humidity. Dry indoor air can lead to curling leaves with brown, crispy edges.
Signs:
- Leaf curling paired with brown tips or edges.
- Soil dries out quickly despite regular watering.
Fix:
- Mist Regularly: Use distilled water to mist the plant, avoiding the flowers.
- Pebble Tray Method: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates it increases the surrounding humidity.
- Use a Humidifier: This is the most effective long-term solution for maintaining consistent humidity levels.
5. Water Quality Issues
Tap water can sometimes contain chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which peace lilies are sensitive to. These chemicals can build up in the soil and cause leaves to curl and develop brown tips.
Fix:
- Switch to Filtered Water: Use filtered, distilled or rainwater to water your plant.
- Let Tap Water Sit Out: Allow tap water to sit in an open container for 24 hours to let chlorine evaporate before using it.
6. Nutrient Deficiency
Peace lilies are relatively low-maintenance but they still need occasional feeding. A lack of nutrients, especially nitrogen, can cause curling and yellowing leaves.
Fix:
- Use a Balanced Fertilizer: Feed your plant with a water-soluble fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
- Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and worsen the problem. Always dilute fertilizer to half the recommended strength.
7. Pests
Tiny pests like spider mites, aphids and mealybugs can cause curling leaves by feeding on the plant’s sap.
Signs:
- Fine webbing or sticky residue on the leaves.
- Visible pests or small holes in the foliage.
Fix:
- Manual Removal: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove pests.
- Neem Oil Spray: Mix neem oil with water and apply to the leaves weekly until the pests are gone.
- Isolate the Plant: Keep it away from other plants to prevent infestations from spreading.
8. Being Root Bound
If your peace lily has outgrown its pot its roots may become crowded and restrict water and nutrient absorption.
Fix:
- Check the Roots: If you see roots circling the bottom of the pot or poking out of drainage holes then it’s time to repot.
- Choose the Right Pot: Upgrade to a pot that’s 1-2 inches wider than the current one.
- Loosen the Roots: During repotting gently untangle any compacted roots to encourage healthy growth.
9. Soil Compaction
Compacted soil can restrict airflow and water drainage stressing your plant and causing curling leaves.
Fix:
- Aerate the Soil: Use a chopstick or similar tool to gently loosen the top layer of soil.
- Repot with Fresh Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix that includes perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
10. Transplant Shock
Repotting can temporarily stress your peace lily and cause its leaves to curl.
Fix:
- Be Gentle: Handle the roots carefully to minimize damage.
- Water Thoroughly: After repotting, water the plant well to help it settle into its new home.
- Give It Time: Place the plant in a stable environment and avoid further disturbances while it recovers.
11. Natural Aging
Not all curling is a sign of trouble. Older leaves may naturally curl and yellow as they die off.
Fix:
Prune Regularly: Remove aging leaves to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy.
Final Thoughts
Peace lilies are incredibly forgiving plants. But they still rely on you to provide the right care. Once you understand the causes behind leaf curling and apply the necessary solutions you’ll restore your plant’s health.