October 29, 2024

How to Save a Dying Peace Lily (A Step by Step Guide)

Peace lilies are so beautiful, aren’t they? Those elegant white blooms and lush green leaves are stunning and bring such joy to any home.

But even of you’re totally dedicated to your peace lily you can still find it looking worse for wear. Drooping, yellowing leaves and wilting flowers are all common signs that something is off.

Don’t worry or panic though – peace lilies are resilient plants and with only few adjustments you can bring yours back to life.

Understanding Why Your Peace Lily is Dying

Before you begin your rescue mission it’s important to identify the problem. Most peace lilies start to show distress due to one or more of the following:

  • Overwatering: This is the most common mistake. Too much water causes the roots to suffocate and eventually rot.
  • Underwatering: Peace lilies are sensitive to drought and can wilt when not hydrated properly.
  • Improper Lighting: These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, but direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
  • Low Humidity: As tropical plants, peace lilies prefer a humid environment, and dry air can stress them.
  • Nutrient Deficiency: Not enough nutrients, especially during the growing season, can stunt your plant’s growth.

Once you’ve got a good idea of why your peace lily struggling it’s time to work on saving it.

brown peace lily leaf

Step by Step Guide to Reviving Your Peace Lily

1. Look at your Watering Routine

As mentioned, one of the most common reasons for a failing peace lily is incorrect watering. Peace lilies like their soil to remain moist but not soggy.

Here’s how to get it right:

  • Check the Soil: Stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it feels damp then wait a few more days.
  • Water Correctly: When watering give your peace lily a thorough drink, making sure the water flows out of the drainage holes. Let the excess water drain and don’t let the plant sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot.
  • Signs of Overwatering: Yellow leaves and wilting are telltale signs that your peace lily is waterlogged. Think about repotting the plant with fresh soil if root rot has set in.
  • Underwatering Issues: If the leaves are droopy and brown at the tips your plant might be thirsty. Give it a good drink and it should perk up within a few hours.

2. Optimize Light

Peace lilies love bright but indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves while too little can stunt their growth.

  • Location: Place your peace lily near a north or east-facing window where it will get plenty of light without being directly exposed to the sun’s rays.
  • Signs of Too Much Light: Yellowing leaves and dry scorched leaf tips are indicators of too much direct sunlight. Move your plant to a shadier spot if you notice these.
  • Too Little Light: If the plant becomes leggy with dull, green leaves it likely needs more light. Try moving it closer to a light source.

3. Repotting and Root Care

Sometimes peace lilies become root-bound, meaning their roots have outgrown the pot leading to poor water and nutrient absorption.

  • When to Repot: If you see roots poking out of the drainage holes or the plant’s growth has stalled it’s time for a bigger pot.
  • Choosing a Pot: Only move up one or two sizes (1 to 3 inches larger). A pot too big can lead to overwatering issues.
  • Fresh Soil: Use well-draining soil, like a mix specifically for houseplants, so the roots have room to breathe and absorb nutrients properly.
  • Root Rot: If you suspect root rot then remove the plant from its pot, trim any mushy, blackened roots and replant it in fresh soil. Be sure to water sparingly until you see new growth.

dying peace lily

4. Humidity and Temperature

Since peace lilies are native to tropical regions they love humidity. Dry indoor environments can lead to browning leaf tips and overall droopiness.

  • Increase Humidity: To combat this you can mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles. A humidifier nearby also works wonders.
  • Ideal Temperature: Keep the plant in a space that stays between 65-75°F. Avoid placing it near drafts, heaters or air conditioners as rapid temperature changes can cause stress.

5. Pruning and Cleaning

Pruning away dead or damaged leaves helps the plant redirect its energy towards healthy growth.

  • How to Prune: Use sterilized scissors to snip off any yellow, brown or wilting leaves right at the base. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on damaged foliage.
  • Cleaning: Over time dust can settle on the leaves reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and healthy.

6. Feeding Your Peace Lily

During the growing season (spring and summer), peace lilies benefit from a balanced, water soluble fertilizer. Feeding them every six weeks can encourage new growth and flowering.

  • Fertilizer Type: Use a houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Be cautious not to over-fertilize as this can burn the roots and lead to wilting.
  • Signs of Nutrient Deficiency: Pale leaves and poor growth could show your peace lily needs a nutrient boost.

Common Problems and Solutions

ProblemCauseSolution
Yellowing LeavesOverwatering, nutrient imbalanceAdjust watering, fertilize during growing season
Wilting, DroopingUnderwatering, root rotWater thoroughly, check for root damage
Brown Leaf TipsLow humidity, fluoride in waterMist leaves, use filtered water
Stunted GrowthPoor lighting, root-boundMove to brighter location, repot plant

Long-Term Care Tips

Once you’ve revived your peace lily keeping it healthy involves regular maintenance and attention to detail.

These are some essential care tips to help your plant thrive for years to come:

  • Keep an Eye on Watering: Let the top inch of soil dry out between watering. Remember peace lilies are thirsty but don’t like soggy soil.
  • Maintain Humidity: If you live in a particularly dry area a small humidifier near the plant can make a significant difference.
  • Rotate the Plant: To make sure even growth rotate your peace lily every couple of weeks so all sides receive light.
  • Regular Fertilizing: Feed your peace lily during the spring and summer months but stop feeding it in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.

Final Thoughts

Reviving a peace lily might seem tricky but if you’re patient then there’s a good chance it can bounce back to its former glory. Just follow these steps and closely monitoring your plant’s progress and you’ll soon see fresh green leaves and perhaps even those iconic white blooms once again.

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