While peace lilies are generally easy to care for, they are susceptible to overwatering. When you see that the leaves are turning yellow, the tips are turning brown, and the plant as a whole is dropping, chances are you are overwatering it. Overwatering your peace lily could hinder its growth and survival since too much water limits oxygen supply and encourages fungal infections.
But how do you know that your peace lily is overwatered? This article will look at the signs of an overwatered peace lily and teach you how to fix it.
What Are The Signs Of An Overwatered Peace Lily?
Well, the easiest way to know that you are overwatering your plant is to look at it. The first signs are drooping leaves and foliage turning yellow and pale.
Suppose you continue to overwater your peace lily. In that case, it will develop blisters on its leaves, and the roots will die. This happens because the soil loses oxygenation, and the roots thus drown in water. Keep in mind that roots need oxygen to live, and for that to happen, the soil must have air-filled spaces. Therefore, when you overwater your peace lily, and it begins to droop, it is because of suffocation.
Other signs of overwatering include:
- Leaf tips turn brown
- Stunted growth
- Weak and mushy roots
- Wet and soggy soil
The signs of an overwatered peace lily are similar to other issues the plant may face, e.g., underwatering, too much direct sunlight, or insufficient fertilizer. This obviously complicates matters. To determine exactly what is wrong, you will have to use your judgment. Try to rule out the various possibilities and settle on the most likely cause.
How To Prevent Overwatering
To prevent overwatering your peace lily, you must first know the factors that cause it.
Watering Too Often
Do not water your peace lily based on a strict schedule. Instead, wait until the top of the soil becomes dry. Then it is time to give it water.
Your Flower Pot Might Be Too Large
A small peace lily in a big pot is at risk of getting too much water. This is because the soil will get wet and soggy and then take too long to dry. Hence, you must choose an appropriate size relative to your plant and its roots.
Flower Pot Design
Similarly, the design of the pot matters. Using a pot that does not allow water to drain properly will cause the soil to be damp for a long time. It is, therefore, recommended to use a quick-draining pot.
A Drip Tray Filled With Water
If you forget to empty the tray, the risk of root rot is high. Remember to get rid of water from your drip tray.
Watering Too Often During Wintertime
Your peace lily will grow more slowly in the winter. This lack of growth means it takes longer for the plant to use up the moisture from the soil. If you water it as often as you would during the summertime, the plant will never use up all the water and constantly sit in wet soil.
How To Fix An Overwatered Peace Lily
What to do about an overwatered plant depends on the severity of the situation.
In mild cases, adjust your watering and allow the top of the soil to dry out. After a while, your peace lily should recover.
In severe cases, it will require an additional effort. To revive a dangerously overwatered peace lily, follow these steps to repot your plant:
- Tip the plant from the pot and get rid of wet soil without hurting the roots.
- Then, replant it using an appropriately sized pot. Bear in mind that you need to use a new clean pot and new soil if you see signs of root rot.
- Use potting mix and course or perlite sand for better drainage. Place the soil without compacting it for better airflow and water flow around the structure of the root.
- Gently pour water over the soil until you see it running from the bottom holes. Allow the water to drain until it stops. If you purchase moist potting soil, you do not need to water the plant immediately. Instead, give it time to breathe. Water it once half of the topsoil becomes dry.
Depending on the season and general environment, you only need to water your peace lily once weekly. Remember to check the moisture in the soil first.
It is also a good idea to regularly make sure your draining holes are not clogged. Also, the saucer should not be filled with water, so keep it empty!
Final Word
Taking care of your peace lily entails keeping a watchful eye on it.
If you notice wilt and drooping or leaves turning pale and yellow, it could be because your plant is always drenched in water. Then it is time to react. Stop watering before the topsoil has dried out, and slowly the plant should recover.
If your peace lily is in horrible shape, revive it by repotting it in an appropriately sized pot with quick-draining soil. Then, of course, you should institute an appropriate watering routine.