Peace lilies are popular houseplants. Understanding their watering needs is paramount for their health and vitality. These plants uniquely communicate their thirst, offering clear visual cues.
When and How to Water Peace Lilies
Peace lilies often exhibit a noticeable droop in their leaves when thirsty. This “droop test” is a reliable indicator. Beyond visual cues, check the top 1 to 2 inches of soil for dryness to confirm watering needs.
When watering, thoroughly moisten the entire root ball until water drains from the pot’s bottom holes. This prevents dry pockets and ensures adequate root hydration. Promptly empty any excess water from the drainage saucer to avoid the plant sitting in standing water.
Two primary methods can be employed for watering: top watering and bottom watering. Top watering involves pouring water directly onto the soil surface, ensuring even saturation and flushing out accumulated salts. Bottom watering, where the pot sits in a tray of water, allows the plant to absorb moisture from the drainage holes upwards. This technique can promote deeper root growth and may reduce the risk of overwatering as the plant only takes what it needs.
Water Quality for Peace Lilies
Peace lilies can exhibit sensitivity to certain chemicals commonly found in tap water, particularly chlorine and fluoride. Exposure to these substances can lead to the development of brown tips on the plant’s leaves. This discoloration indicates chemical burn rather than a watering deficiency.
To mitigate tap water issues, leave tap water in an open container overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate. Alternatively, use a water filter. For optimal plant health, distilled water, purified water, or collected rainwater is beneficial. Rainwater is naturally soft and free from added chemicals.
Addressing Common Watering Issues
Underwatering a peace lily causes more severe symptoms than a simple droop. Prolonged dryness leads to persistent wilting, crispy or yellowing lower leaves, and slowed growth. To revive a severely underwatered plant, a thorough soak, such as placing the pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes, can rehydrate the entire root ball.
Conversely, overwatering frequently distresses peace lilies. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and mushy stems. The plant may also appear to wilt despite wet soil, indicating suffocating roots. This can lead to root rot, characterized by soft, discolored, and often foul-smelling roots.
To address overwatering, allow the soil to dry out significantly before the next watering. Ensuring the pot has adequate drainage holes and using a well-draining potting mix is important to prevent waterlogging. In severe cases of root rot, carefully remove the plant from its pot, trim away any mushy or rotting roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil.