Overwatering Peace Lily

January 2023

You may have heard it before - a true gardener doesn't take the winter months off! While the cold weather might make gardening more difficult, you can still enjoy a beautiful garden by finding smart solutions to your winter garden problems.

Peace lilies, also known as Spathiphyllum, are a popular type of flowering plant native to tropical regions of the Americas. They are known for their attractive, glossy leaves and delicate white flowers. Peace lilies are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of indoor environments, making them a popular choice for houseplants. They are also known for their ability to purify the air by removing toxins, making them a good choice for improving indoor air quality.

To care for a Peace lily, place it in a spot with indirect, bright light and water it regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Peace lilies prefer well-draining soil and should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. They can be sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Peace lilies can live for many years and produce beautiful flowers with proper care.

But overwatering of Peace lily is a common problem while growing Peace lily. Yellowing of leaves is a common phenomenon of over-watered plants. You need to cut down on watering if you notice extensive yellow foliage, brown leaf spots, and droopy stems.

Effects of Overwatering Peace lily:

The Peace lily needs regular watering. However, too much water can be damaging to this delicate plant.
Too much water can cause the plant to become suffocated. This is because the plant roots are unable to access the oxygen they need. Subsequently, the cells in the root start to decay and perish.
The wet conditions caused by waterlogging are ideal for fungal diseases. This disease can quickly kill a Peace lily.
Root rot can be identified by the smell emanating from its root zone.As the disease advances, the leaves will eventually turn yellow and wither.

Signs of Overwatered Peace Lily

A sign to watch out for is when the foliage generally turns pale and yellow. Often the lower leaves are affected more than the upper ones.
Continued overwatering can cause water blisters on the leaves and signs of leaf edema. If a Peace Lily is overwatered, the roots will start to fail, and other symptoms will manifest.
Leaves may have brown or black tips, brown edges, and bacterial or fungal disease symptoms such as brown, black, or yellow spots.
Over time, excessively damp conditions will cause root rot, resulting in a bad smell from the soil. Upon inspection at this stage, the roots will appear brown/black, mushy, weak, and smelly.

Quick Tips On Reviving An Overwatered Peace Lily Plant

1. Stop watering

The soil is already too wet, and adding more water will worsen the issue. So to revive the plant, the first step is to stop providing it with water and let the extra moisture run out of the pot.

2. Treat root rot

Take out the peace lily and cut away any rotten roots. To remove any fungi on the remaining roots, use a weak hydrogen peroxide solution. Then, replant the plant in new soil and place it in a shaded area for it to recover.

3. Cut off affected leaves.

Affected leaves, which have changed color, should be removed from their stems. If the leaves in your garden are only wilted and don't show signs of disease, it's best to leave them as they will likely recover.