The peace lily is one of the most popular indoor plants. It is loved for its low-maintenance nature, ability to thrive in low light, and stunning white flowers that bloom almost year-round. It’s not a demanding plant, but it needs proper watering to be healthy. Here’s a detailed peace lily watering guide to keep your plant healthy and happy.
When to Water Peace Lily
Check the soil by inserting your finger into it. You don’t have to water it if it feels moist up to your first knuckle. But if it’s dry, your peace lily is ready for a drink. If you prefer a more high-tech approach, you can invest in a water meter, though the knuckle test is just as reliable and much more budget-friendly.
How to Water a Peace Lily
The best way to water a peace lily is to place it in the sink and slowly pour water into the soil until it drains from the bottom. Let it drain completely before returning it to its saucer. Never let the plant sit in standing water because overwatering is the leading cause of houseplant death. It’s always better to be underwater than to overwater.
Peace lilies are pretty forgiving, but the plant may droop if the soil becomes bone-dry. However, a thorough watering usually brings it back to life.
Peace Lily Watering Tips
Tap water works fine for peace lilies, but letting it sit for a day or two helps remove fluoride and other chemicals that could harm the plant. If water runs straight through the pot without soaking in, your peace lily might be root-bound. In that case, repot it as soon as possible.
The leaf edges may turn yellow if you forget to water for too long. If that happens, give the plant a deep drink and trim the damaged leaves. With proper peace lily care, it should bounce back quickly.
Peace Lily Water Schedule: Indoors and Outdoors
Seasonal changes aren’t the only thing that affects your peace lily’s watering needs. Indoor potted plants, outdoor container plants, and peace lilies planted in the ground require different care. Indoor plants need less water since they receive less light, while outdoor peace lilies dry out faster due to sun and wind exposure. Those planted in the ground retain moisture longer than potted ones.
Light, temperature, humidity, and soil type also affect how often you should water your peace lily.
Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage blooms. Water when the top inch of soil dries out, but avoid overwatering, as it can reduce flowering.
Signs Your Peace Lily Is Overwatered
One of the most common signs of overwatering is that leaves will turn yellow. If your peace lily’s leaves start turning yellow, check the soil. If it’s still soggy or moist several days after watering, your plant is likely receiving too much water, putting it at risk for root rot. Let the soil dry out entirely before giving your peace lily another drink, and adjust your watering schedule based on moisture levels. In severe conditions, repot the plant in fresh soil and trim any mushy, black, or rotten roots.
An occasional yellow leaf on an otherwise healthy plant is nothing to worry about. Trim it off at the base using clean, sharp scissors or shears.
Signs Your Peace Lily Is Underwatered
Underwatering can also cause older Peace lily leaves to turn yellow, brown, and dry. If your plant looks stressed, check the soil moisture. If you’ve missed a few watering sessions or haven’t watered deeply enough, the root ball may still be dry even if you recently watered. Drooping or wilting leaves clearly indicate that your peace lily needs a thorough soak.
Another reason a plant might dry out quickly, even after watering, is being root-bound. When roots outgrow the pot, the soil struggles to absorb and retain moisture. Carefully take the plant out of its pot and check the root ball. If the roots are tightly wound, growing over the soil surface, or poking through the drainage holes, it’s time to repot. Choose a pot or container one or two inches wider in diameter, and refresh the soil and water well before and after repotting. Once on a consistent watering schedule, your peace lily should bounce back and thrive.
