Steps to Reviving a Peace Lily Plant

To revive a dying peace lily, start by identify the cause of its stress by the above symptoms, which could be overwatering, underwatering, or improper light exposure. Then, take proper action to save your peace lily plant by adjusting watering habits, ensuring proper drainage, and providing bright, indirect light.

1. Watering

Improper watering is the most common reason peace lilies problems. Peace lilies prefer consistently moist soil but are sensitive to overwatering and underwatering.

To assess the need of water, first check the soil: Insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it’s soggy, the plant may be overwatered. If it feels dry, underwatered is likely the issue. More peace lilies die from too much water than too little. Be cautious not to keep the soil constantly wet.

How to Fix Underwatering Issue

1. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water logging.
2. Water thoroughly until water drains from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Empty the saucer if the pot is placed on a saucer. Water again when the top one inch of soil gets dry, generally every 7–10 days.
3. Use room-temperature water, as cold water can shock the plant.

How to Fix Overwatering Issue

Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the roots are mushy or black (a sign of root rot), proceed to step 2.

2. Inspect and Treat Root Rot

Root rot, caused by overwatering, is a serious issue that can kill your peace lily if not corrected.

Take out the plant from its pot: Carefully remove the excess soil to examine the roots. The unhealthy roots are brown, mushy, or black; while the healthy roots are white and firm.

Cut off the any soft or discolored roots or damaged roots using sterilized scissors.

Repot the plant in the same pot or slightly larger pot having drainage holes with fresh, well-draining potting mix. The new soil will absorb the excessive moisture of the overwatered plant.

After repotting, water lightly and monitor the soil to avoid overwatering.

If your peace lily has extensive root rot, consider propagating a healthy section of the plant. To propagate, divide a healthy portion of the plant with roots during repotting and plant it in a new pot.

3. Optimize Light Conditions

Correct light conditions are very important for peace lily. If natural light is not available, use a grow light.

Incorrect lighting can cause yellowing leaves or a lack of blooms in peace lily plant. Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.

Too much light: If the plant is in direct sunlight, the leaves may turn yellow or scorch. Move it to a spot with filtered light, such as near a north- or east-facing window.

Too little light: If the plant is in a dark corner it will not blooming, move it to a brighter location with indirect light.

4. Adjust Humidity and Temperature

Peace lilies are tropical plants that prefer high humidity and temperatures between 18–29°C (65–85°F).

Low humidity is a common issue in dry indoor environments, especially in winter. Keep the plant away from heaters or away from air conditioning vents to avoid cold or hot drafts.

Brown, crispy leaf tips often indicate low humidity.To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, place a tray of water with pebbles below the pot or near the plant, or use a humidifier.

5. Fertilize Correctly

A lack of nutrients can cause yellowing leaves or retarded growth. If the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency, you can fertilize it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) every 6–8 weeks during spring to summer which is the growing season. Overfertilization can burn the roots. Do not fertilize in autumn and winter when the plant is dormant.

Never fertilize if the plant is stressed, hold off on fertilizing until it shows signs of recovery.

6. Prune Damaged Foliage

Removing dead or damaged leaves helps the plant focus its energy on new growth.  Always useclean scissors for pruning.

Regular pruning peace liliy makes the plant tidy, bushy and promotes healthy growth. The plant blooms more and looking beautiful. Following are some tips on how to regularly prune a peace lily plant.

1. Cut out all the dead or damaged leaves leaves that are old and yellowing to help the plant focus its energy on new growth. Pruning peace lily also prevents diseases and pests.

2. Prune the tips of the brown leaves . If the damage goes beyond the tip, prune the entire leaf. Cut the leaf at the plant base. Repeat with all the dead leaves.

3. Prune dead peace lily flowers. Removing the dead or faded flowers. The stalks produce only one flower, so it should be removed after the flower die. The question is where to prune the dead flowers.

Locate the base of the dead flower.  Cut off the stalk as close to the base as possible just above the nearest healthy leaf to encourage new blooms.

By pruning your peace lily plant through out the year as mentioned, you can keep your peace lily plant healthy that will produce more blooms.

7. Monitor for Pests

Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids can weaken a peace lily. Look for webbing, sticky residue, or tiny insects on the undersides of leaves. Spray neem oil or wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove pests.

Move away the infested plant to prevent pests from spreading to other houseplants.

8. Patience:

Saving a dying peace lily requires patience and attention to its needs. With the right continued care by addressing watering issues, optimizing light and humidity, most peace lily plants can be restored.

Care For Revived Peace Lily

Once your peace lily recover take regular care for watering, lighting and humidity.

1. Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure that there is no water logging.
2. Light: Provide bright, indirect light.
3. Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity.
4. Cleaning: Wipe leaves monthly to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
5. Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, using fresh soil and a slightly larger pot.

By addressing the root cause of the plant's distress and providing proper care, you can increase the chances of reviving your peace lily.

Video of how to Save a Dying Peace Lily