Peace lilies are fairly forgiving of mistakes or neglect. But they can be picky about their watering.
So you will want to make sure you’re watering your peace lily the right way. That means knowing when to, how to and more.
This guide on how to water your peace lily effectively includes tips for watering frequency, techniques and troubleshooting common problems.
Understanding Peace Lily’s Watering Needs
Peace lilies like soil that is moist, not soggy. They come from tropical regions so they’re used to the soil having a lot of moisture.
But they can also suffer if they’re overwatered. You have to get that balance right to really have them doing well.
How Often Should You Water a Peace Lily?
It really depends on the season, light it’s getting, humidity level, temperature indoors and more
- Weekly Check: peace lilies need watering once a week. But instead of sticking to a strict schedule you’re better off checking how moist the soil is each time. So put your finger in the soil and see how damp it is. If it’s dry then you know you can water without worry.
- Seasonal Adjustments: You should water more often in the warmer months as your peace lily will need it. But in the colder months you should be doing less to avoid getting root rot.
Watering Techniques: Top, Bottom, and Soaking
There are different techniques for watering your peace lily and each has benefits. How you choose which to go with will depend on your peace lily’s needs at the time.
1. Top Watering
- How: Pour the water gently over the soil until you see it drain from the pot.
- Best for: Regular maintenance. Be sure you’ve covered all the soil and it’s evenly moist. You don’t want to concentrate the watering in only one spot either.
- Tips: If the water is draining through too fast the soil may be compacted or root bound. If so the you should change the soil and potentially move your peace lily to a new pot.
2. Bottom Watering
- How: Place the pot in a shallow tray of water and let the plant absorb water through its drainage holes.
- Best for: When the soil is drying out too fast. You refuse the risk of overwatering doing it this way and reduces how much salt builds up on the surface of the soil.
- Tips: After about 20 minutes remove the pot and let any excess water that’s left over drain away.
3. Soaking Method
- How: Submerge the pot in a basin of water for around 15 minutes then let it drain.
- Best for: If your peace lily is dehydrated and really needs water this will help quickly.
- Tips: Make sure you don’t leave it soaking longer than necessary. Too much water will damage the roots.
Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering
It’s important to be able to recognise the signs of water stress so you can avoid it from happening or getting worse.
- Overwatering Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, drooping leaves and mushy stems. If your peace lily has these then there’s a good chance it has root rot, especially if the soil stays wet days after it’s been watered.
- Underwatered Symptoms: Dry, curled or crispy leaf edges. Drooping leaves that look better after your plant has been watered is also a sign of underwatering.
If your peace lily has been overwatered let the soil dry out fully before you give it more. If it’s underwatered then lots of water – so a really good soaking – may be able to revive it.
Choosing the Right Water
Tap water is ok for pace lilies but it can contain chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which can cause the tips of the leaves to turn brown. There are some alternatives though:
- Filtered or Distilled Water: Less or no chemicals at all so a good choice.
- Rainwater: Also free of anything harmful or added chemicals. A natural option.
Temperature and Humidity Factors
Peace lilies do best in moderate humidity. If your home is dry use a pebble tray or a humidifier to up the humidity.
Misting the leaves can also help but try not to use too much water on the leaves as it can cause fungus to grow if you’re not careful.
Pot and Soil Choices for Proper Drainage
Pot: Use a pot that has a good amount of drainage holes so the water doesn’t sit. Terracotta pots can wick away moisture faster than ceramic or plastic pots. This works well in high humidity it can also dry out the soil quickly if it’s dry.
Soil: Peace lilies need soil that drains well. A mix that contains things to help with the drainage, like perlite, coconut coir and peat moss, will keep hold of the moisture but not make the soil soggy.
Watering Peace Lily in Different Environments
- Low Light: Peace lilies in low light need watering much less often as the moisture in the soil evaporates more slowly.
- Bright Light: For peace lilies in bright but indirect sunlight you should be watering more often as they use up the moisture much faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sticking to a Strict Schedule: Having a schedule that you never leave won’t work. What you should be doing is checking the soil on a regular basis and then watering when it actually needs it. Rather than doing it because your schedule says so.
- Ignoring Drainage Needs: Without having good drainage peace lilies Elul get root rot. This can potentially be a killer so it’s important to be aware of it.
- Using Cold Water: Cold water can shock the roots. Try to always use room temperature water.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
- Drooping after Repotting: Peace lilies often droop after they’ve being repotted. Usually they need time to get used to the new pot. And don’t water it too much.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Usually a sign of a sensitivity to fluoride or the air being too dry. Try switching to filtered water and increasing the humidity.
- Yellow Leaves: Could be from overwatering or not enough light. Make sure it’s getting enough indirect sunlight and that you’re not watering too much.
If you get it right then caring for a peace lily isn’t difficult and will mean your plant is happy and healthy.
You really don’t have to do anything particularly special. Just keep a close eye on the condition of your plant and remember that less is often more when it comes to watering.