If your peace lily is doing well, it will grow bigger and, at some point, has to be repotted. However, peace lilies like it tight and snug. In other words, they like to be root-bound.
A peace lily with somewhat entangled roots will take in the water quicker, experience less root rot, and have beautiful blossoms. However, note that if your plant starts to exhibit symptoms, like yellow leaves and roots poking out of the drainage holes, you must repot it to ensure it continues to thrive.
Read on to learn more about root-bound peace lilies, including knowing whether your peace lily is root-bound or too root-bound, when it’s time to repot in a bigger pot, and more.
Do Peace Lilies Like To Be Root-Bound?
Yes, peace lilies like to be root-bound.
If you have just acquired a new plant, you should pick a pot that fits just right. Don’t pick a bigger pot; choose one where the roots – and the soil around the roots – will fill it up. Likewise, if you already have a peace lily, you shouldn’t rush to deprive it of its root-bound state.
Take note, however, that you will need to watch for symptoms of overcrowding. At some point, the plant will outgrow the pot. At this point, it’s time you start thinking about repotting it.
How to Know If Your Peace Lily Is Too Root-Bound?
Overall, there are two main techniques to determine if your peace lily is too root-bound. First, notice the symptoms. Second, remove the plant from its pot to check out the roots.
Symptoms of overcrowded, root-bound peace lilies are:
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes or the top of the pot
- Droopy and discolored leaves
- Stunted growth
If you detect these symptoms, you will know something is amiss and that the plant is likely too root-bound.
To accurately determine whether the pot is actually overcrowded, take the plant out of the pot and inspect the roots. If the roots appear overly tangled, with very little soil left in the pot, you can be sure that your peace lily is too root-bound and that it is time to repot.
How Do You Know When To Repot A Peace Lily?
Generally speaking, you should occasionally repot indoor plants. This prevents the plant from becoming too root-bound, and it helps to refill the pot with fresh, nutritious potting soil.
I recommend repotting your peace lily once a year. If the pot is not overcrowded, you can repot the plant in the same container.
Please note that it is also considered best to repot your peace lily at the beginning of a season where it is actively developing, not at the beginning of a dormant stage. This generally means repotting your peace lilies during the spring.
How To Repot A Peace Lily?
Repotting a peace lily is generally a pretty straightforward process:
- First, choose a soil type known to help your plant thrive. Then, fill approximately 1/3 of your new pot with this soil.
- Next, you need to remove your peace lily from its current pot. Wait until the soil is semi-dry, and the plant should pop out of the container. Take note that you may need to squeeze the sides of your peace lilies plastic pot and wiggle tangled roots out of the draining holes at the bottom of the pot.
- Once your peace lily is out of its old pot, place it in the center of the new pot. Then, fill the pot with the remainder of your soil, and voila!
Final Words
Peace lilies like to be root-bound. They will frequently blossom, absorb water rapidly, and endure less root rot if they are somewhat snug in the pot.
Take note, however, that to maintain the health of your peace lily, you must repot it if it begins to display signs of overcrowded, overly entangled roots, such as yellow leaves and roots protruding from the drainage holes.
Even a peace lily can become too root-bound!