Peace lilies are popular not only because they are beautiful but also because they are easy to care for. Self-watering pots are used to make watering a breeze. So, are self-watering pots good for peace lilies?
Self-watering pots can be good for peace lilies if they are used appropriately. A self-watering pot can make sure your peace lily is evenly watered, which mimics the plant’s natural environment. You should let the soil dry slightly before you refill the pot, so your peace lily doesn’t rot.
The rest of this article will further explore the peace lily’s natural environment, how a self-watering pot can create similar conditions and nurture the plant, and some recommendations on the best ways to keep your peace lily happy in a self-watering pot.
The Peace Lily’s Natural Environment
To understand the benefits of a self-watering pot for a peace lily, it’s essential to discuss the conditions this plant experiences in nature. This allows you to create a similar environment in a houseplant situation so the peace lily can thrive.
Here are some facts about the peace lily’s natural environment, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
- They are naturally found on the floors of tropical forests
- They are accustomed to humidity, as the forest is very damp
- They receive consistent moisture year-round
The Benefits Of Using A Self-Watering Pot For Peace Lilies
Typically, self-watering pots have reservoirs at the bottom of the pot that you fill with water. Then, as the soil in the pot dries out, it draws water up out of the reservoir, keeping the plants consistently moist. This constant moisture closely resembles the peace lily’s natural environment in tropical forests.
The bottom-watering function of these pots serves another purpose: they can actually help prevent rot. It’s important not to let the plant’s foliage near the soil get too damp, as this can cause it to rot and die. By consistently watering from the bottom of the pot, the chances of water pooling on the top of the soil significantly decrease.
The consistent moisture from these pots also helps create the high humidity conditions that peace lilies love. So while you may still want to spritz the lily’s leaves now and then to copy their naturally-damp environment (especially in the summer), the humidity from the self-watering pot will help keep them happy all year long.
If you’re worried about traveling and not being home to water your peace lily as often as needed, a self-watering pot can help with that too. According to Living Color Gardening Center, some self-watering pots may be able to water your plants for as long as a few weeks.
The Drawbacks Of Using A Self-Watering Pot For Peace Lilies
Self-watering pots have many benefits to offer peace lilies, but every rose has its thorns. If not managed carefully, a self-watering pot may overwater your peace lilies, creating a great environment for disease and bacteria.
Another potential drawback to these pots is that they are easy to forget about. Since you won’t have to manually water your peace lily as often, you may find yourself forgetting to refill the reservoir. While it’s good to let the soil dry out briefly before watering again, peace lilies struggle to thrive when they are kept thirsty for way too long.
Tips For Successfully Using Self-Watering Pots For Peace Lilies
Observation is the key to success with self-watering pots. It’s essential to check your peace lily–as well as the reservoir of the pot–to see if you need to make any adjustments.
If your peace lily is drooping, it typically means it’s thirsty. So this is a great time to refill the reservoir. If you’re using tap water, consider letting it sit out overnight before watering your peace lily, as they are sensitive to the chemicals used in tap water.
If your plant is turning yellow or the leaves near the base of the plant are dying, it might mean your plant is getting too much water. By letting the soil dry out for a day or two before filling the reservoir, your peace lily should be able to recover quickly.
You should only use self-watering pots for plants that are already well-established. Because self-watering pots water from the bottom, developing plants may struggle to get the water they need. For the best results, transition your new peace lily to a self-watering pot only after it’s had a few months to grow.
Final Words
Peace lilies are gorgeous, beginner-friendly plants. They are forgiving of overwatering and will even tell you when they are thirsty. When managed carefully, self-watering pots can make growing peace lilies even simpler. These pots help to mimic the peace lily’s natural environment by providing ample moisture and humidity, resulting in strong, healthy, and vibrant plants.