How to Save a Dying Peace Lily Plant

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are popular indoor plants that are known for their lush green foliage and beautiful white flowers. However, like any other plant, peace lilies can sometimes struggle and start to decline. If you notice that your peace lily plant is not looking its best, there are steps you can take to revive it and bring it back to its former glory. In this article, we will discuss some common issues that can cause a peace lily to decline and provide tips on how to save a dying peace lily plant.

Identify the Problem

The first step in saving a dying peace lily plant is to identify the problem. There are several common issues that can cause a peace lily to decline, including:

Improper watering: Overwatering or underwatering can both lead to problems for peace lilies. If the leaves of your peace lily are turning yellow or brown and becoming mushy, it may be a sign of overwatering. On the other hand, if the leaves are wilting and turning yellow or brown at the tips, it may indicate underwatering.
Lack of humidity: Peace lilies prefer high humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, it can cause the leaves to brown and curl.
Insufficient light: Peace lilies thrive in bright but indirect light. If your peace lily is not receiving enough light, it may become weak and leggy.
Poor drainage: Peace lilies require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. If the soil is constantly wet or waterlogged, it can lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant.

Once you have identified the problem, you can begin taking steps to save your dying peace lily plant.

Adjust Watering Practices

One of the most common reasons for a peace lily to decline is improper watering. To save a dying peace lily, it is important to adjust your watering practices. Here are some tips:

Check the soil: Before watering your peace lily, check the moisture level of the soil. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels wet or damp, hold off on watering.
Water thoroughly: When watering your peace lily, make sure to water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire root ball gets moisture.
Avoid overwatering: Peace lilies do not like to sit in soggy soil. To prevent overwatering, make sure the pot has proper drainage holes and empty any excess water from the saucer after watering.
Maintain a consistent watering schedule: Establish a consistent watering schedule for your peace lily to prevent underwatering or overwatering. Watering once a week is a good starting point, but adjust as needed based on the moisture level of the soil.

Increase Humidity

Peace lilies thrive in high humidity environments, so increasing the humidity around your plant can help revive a dying peace lily. Here are some ways to increase humidity:

Mist the leaves: Mist your peace lily’s leaves with water using a spray bottle. This will help increase humidity and keep the leaves hydrated.
Place a tray of water nearby: Set a tray filled with water near your peace lily plant. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity in the surrounding area.
Use a humidifier: If you have multiple indoor plants or live in an extremely dry climate, consider using a humidifier in the room where your peace lily is located.

Provide Adequate Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial for the health of a peace lily plant. Here are some tips for providing adequate lighting:

Indirect bright light: Place your peace lily in a location that receives bright but indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Rotate the plant: If your peace lily is not receiving light evenly, rotate the pot every few days to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal light exposure.
Supplement with artificial light: If your home does not have sufficient natural light, consider supplementing with artificial light using grow lights. Place the grow lights about 12 inches above the plant and keep them on for 12-14 hours a day.

Improve Drainage

If your peace lily is showing signs of root rot due to poor drainage, it is important to improve the drainage of the soil. Here’s how:

Repotting: Carefully remove the peace lily from its current pot and inspect the roots. Trim any black or mushy roots and repot the plant into a pot with proper drainage holes.
Use well-draining soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that allows excess water to flow through easily. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is a good choice for peace lilies.
Add drainage material: Place a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the pot before adding the soil. This helps improve drainage by creating space for excess water to accumulate without saturating the soil.

Patience and Care

Reviving a dying peace lily takes time and patience. After making adjustments to watering, humidity, lighting, and drainage, give your plant some time to recover. Be consistent with your care routine and monitor the progress of your peace lily closely.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to plant care. Regularly check your peace lily for signs of problems and provide adequate care to prevent it from declining in the first place.

By following these tips and providing the necessary care, you can save a dying peace lily plant and enjoy its beauty for years to come.