If you are a houseplant enthusiast, you must have come across the peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.). Known for its air-purifying abilities, this plant makes a great addition to any home or office. However, if you notice wilting or yellowing leaves, it may be a sign that your peace lily needs some attention. In this article, we will walk you through some tips and tricks to revive your peace lily and keep it thriving.
Why is your peace lily wilting?
The first step in reviving your peace lily is to determine the cause of the problem. Several factors can cause your peace lily to wilt, and these include:
- Underwatering
- Overwatering
- Low humidity
- Low light levels
- Temperature stress
- Nutrient deficiency
Underwatering
Peace lilies need moist soil to thrive, and if the soil dries out, the leaves will wilt. If your peace lily is wilting due to underwatering, here is what you can do:
- Water your peace lily immediately, and make sure the soil is completely saturated. You can place it in a tray of water and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out by watering your peace lily regularly. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Consider using a self-watering pot or adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil to retain moisture.
Overwatering
Overwatering is just as bad as underwatering and can cause root rot, which can be fatal to your peace lily. If your peace lily is wilting due to overwatering, here is what you can do:
- Stop watering your peace lily immediately and allow the soil to dry out.
- If the soil is still very wet, you can gently remove your peace lily from the pot and shake off the excess soil. Allow the roots to dry out before repotting it in fresh soil.
- Check the drainage holes in your pot to ensure that they are not clogged, preventing water from draining out.
Low humidity
Peace lilies thrive in high humidity environments, and low humidity levels can cause the leaves to wilt. If your peace lily is wilting due to low humidity, here is what you can do:
- Place your peace lily on a pebble tray filled with water. The water will evaporate, adding humidity to the air around the plant.
- You can also use a humidifier to increase the humidity levels in your home or office.
Low light levels
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light, and low light levels can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt. If your peace lily is wilting due to low light levels, here is what you can do:
- Move your peace lily to a brighter location, but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- You can also use artificial lighting, such as grow lights, to provide your peace lily with sufficient light.
Temperature stress
Extreme temperature changes, such as cold drafts or hot air blowing on your peace lily, can cause the leaves to wilt. If your peace lily is wilting due to temperature stress, here is what you can do:
- Avoid placing your peace lily near air conditioning vents, radiators, or drafty windows.
- Keep your peace lily away from cold drafts during the winter months.
Nutrient deficiency
Like any plant, peace lilies require nutrients to grow and thrive. A lack of nutrients can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt. If your peace lily is wilting due to nutrient deficiency, here is what you can do:
- Fertilize your peace lily every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
- Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, which can also harm your peace lily.
How to revive a peace lily
Once you have identified the cause of the problem, it is time to take action to revive your peace lily. Here are some tips:
Prune away dead or yellowing leaves
Pruning your peace lily can help remove the dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves, which can make your plant look healthier and encourage new growth. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut the leaves close to the base of the plant. Make sure to clean your tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent the spread of diseases.
Repot your peace lily
If your peace lily is severely root-bound or the soil is depleted of nutrients, it may be time to repot your plant. Here is what you can do:
- Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and has drainage holes.
- Fill the bottom of the pot with fresh potting soil and place your peace lily on top.
- Fill the sides of the pot with more soil and gently press it down around the roots.
- Water your peace lily thoroughly and place it in a shady spot for a few days to help it recover from the shock of repotting.
Mist your peace lily
Misting your peace lily can add moisture to the air around the plant, which can help revive wilting leaves. Fill a spray bottle with room temperature water and mist your peace lily every day or two, focusing on the leaves and soil. Avoid misting the flowers, as they can be sensitive to moisture and may turn brown.
How to maintain a healthy peace lily
Once you have revived your peace lily, it is important to maintain a healthy growing environment to prevent future problems. Here are some tips:
Water your peace lily correctly
As we mentioned earlier, peace lilies need moist soil to thrive, but overwatering can be just as harmful. Here are some guidelines to follow when watering your peace lily:
- Water your peace lily only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Use room temperature water and avoid using softened water or water that contains chlorine or fluoride.
- Make sure the soil is well-draining and the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
- Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot.
Provide the right amount of light
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate lower light levels. Here are some guidelines to follow when providing light for your peace lily:
- Place your peace lily near a window that receives bright, indirect light.
- Rotate your peace lily every few weeks to ensure all sides of the plant receive light evenly.
- Avoid exposing your peace lily to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- If you are growing your peace lily under artificial lighting, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to leave the lights on and how far to place them from the plant.
Increase humidity levels
Peace lilies thrive in high humidity environments, and increasing the humidity levels can help prevent wilting and leaf damage. Here are some ways to increase the humidity levels for your peace lily:
- Place your peace lily on a tray filled with pebbles and water, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the pot.
- Use a humidifier to increase the humidity levels in the room where your peace lily is located.
- Mist your peace lily with room temperature water once or twice a day, focusing on the leaves and soil.
Fertilize your peace lily
Peace lilies require regular fertilization to grow and thrive. Here are some guidelines to follow when fertilizing your peace lily:
- Fertilize your peace lily once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, which can be harmful to your peace lily.
- Do not fertilize your peace lily during the winter months when it is dormant.
Conclusion
Peace lilies are easy-to-care-for houseplants that can add beauty and clean the air in your home or office. However, if you notice your peace lily wilting, it may be a sign that it needs some attention. By identifying the cause of the problem and taking action to revive your plant, you can bring your peace lily back to life and keep it thriving for years to come.
Common Questions and Answers
- 1. How often should I water my peace lily?
- 2. How much light does my peace lily need?
- 3. How can I increase the humidity levels for my peace lily?
- 4. When should I repot my peace lily?
- 5. Why are the leaves on my peace lily turning yellow?
You should water your peace lily when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate lower light levels. Avoid exposing your peace lily to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
You can increase the humidity levels for your peace lily by using a tray filled with pebbles and water, a humidifier, or by misting the leaves and soil with room temperature water.
You should repot your peace lily when it is severely root-bound or the soil is depleted of nutrients. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot, and make sure it has drainage holes.
Yellowing leaves on a peace lily can be a sign of several problems, including overwatering, underwatering, low light levels, nutrient deficiency, or temperature stress. Identify the cause of the problem and take action to remedy it.
References
- “Spathiphyllum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280027&isprofile=0&pt=14.
- “Peace Lily Plant Care Guide.” The Sill, www.thesill.com/blogs/care-miscellaneous/your-ultimate-peace-lily-care-guide.
- “How to Revive a Dying Peace Lily.” Home Guides | SF Gate, homeguides.sfgate.com/revive-dying-peace-lily-23199.html.