A peace lily can be a beautiful addition to any home – but there’s one key sign that your plant needs a bit more TLC.
Peace lilies, also known as Spathiphyllum, are generally easy to care for and thrive in humid environments like bathrooms, but if they’re not blooming, something might be amiss. Plant experts say that wilting or drooping leaves are a telltale sign of a struggling peace lily.
But don’t worry, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Indoor plant expert and founder of Mr Houseplant, Vladan Nikolic, has shared some less obvious mistakes to avoid when caring for your peace lily. Not getting enough light is a common error.
This can seem challenging during the winter months, but peace lilies do well in bright, indirect light and can even adapt to low light conditions. Vladan suggests providing your peace lily with 10,000 lux (1,000-foot candles) of bright indirect light and using a light meter to ensure it’s getting enough.
“The best way to ensure your plants are getting enough light is to invest in a light meter. That way you can measure the amount of light and be certain the light requirements of your plants are met” he advised.
Sometimes it can be a bit of a guessing game figuring out how much water your plant needs. But, if you notice your peace lily starting to droop, that’s a tell-tale sign it’s thirsty.
Plant experts have warned not to overwater your plants. They suggest that after giving your peace lily a spritz, let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering it again.
However, if your plant is still looking a bit limp after a day, even after watering, this could mean you’ve overdone it. Make sure to let the soil dry out completely before adding more water.
Not using the right potting mix can also have a ‘negative effect on flowering. ‘ This is because peace lilies need a well-draining and nutrient-rich type of soil.
The potting mix should be light and loose so the plant’s roots can get enough oxygen. Vladan advised: “Mix three parts of store-bought potting mix, one part perlite, and one part bark. Adding amendments that have larger particles creates macro-pores, which contain oxygen, which is essential for the health and resilience of the root system.”
It’s crucial to repot your peace lily at least once every year. Your plant can quickly outgrow its container, leading to the roots filling the pot and the soil becoming compacted.
Pot-bound plants struggle to absorb water properly, which can ‘harm the plant’s ability to flower. ‘.
Failing to fertilise your peace lily could seriously stunt its growth and prevent it from soaking up vital nutrients, warns plant guru Vladan. He advises: “You should fertilise your plant only when it’s actively growing.”
He further cautions that feeding the plant during dormant periods is a no-no, saying, “If you fertilise the plant when it’s not growing, it won’t absorb the minerals and nutrients, which will accumulate in the soil and cause damage.”
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