How to Properly Water Your Peace Lily Houseplants

If you’re a plant lover like me, you probably understand the joy and satisfaction that comes with caring for houseplants. Peace lilies are some of the most rewarding houseplants to cultivate. Their glossy leaves add an attractive pop of green to your home year-round, and when they bloom, it’s a truly magical experience to witness that delicate white spathe rising above the foliage.

But, ensuring that your peace lily is properly watered is crucial for its health and growth. If you’re unsure about the best way to hydrate your peace lily, don’t worry – this guide will help you out.

We’ll delve into everything you need to know about watering your lovely peace lily, from when to water to how to water and ensuring your plant remains happily hydrated. So, let’s get started!

Tips for Watering Peace Lilies

Table of Contents

Here’s a rundown of what we’ll cover in this article:

When to Water
How to Water
Happily Hydrated

When to Water

Peace lilies, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum species, are typically easygoing plants that thrive indoors. However, these plants can be a bit picky when it comes to moisture levels. In their native tropical environments in Mexico, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia, peace lilies prefer evenly moist soil that dries out slightly between waterings.

To determine when to water your peace lily, you should aim to water deeply about once a week as a general rule. However, this frequency may vary depending on your location and the type of potting mix your plant is growing in. A handy tip is to check the moisture level in the soil every two to three days by inserting your finger into the top inch of soil. If the soil feels moist, hold off on watering. But if it feels dry, go ahead and give your plant a deep watering.

During the winter months, when the air is drier, consider running a humidifier near your peace lily to help maintain the humidity levels the plant prefers. Low humidity can result in brown leaf edges, a sign that your plant may need more moisture.

How to Water

When watering your peace lily, it’s important to use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. Pour the water directly onto the soil, being careful to avoid splashing it onto the leaves. Splashing water onto the leaves can create conditions favorable for fungal pathogens. Make sure to water the plant until the liquid drains out of the bottom of the pot.

Alternatively, you can try bottom irrigation, which involves allowing the potting soil to absorb the moisture it needs. This method can help prevent overwatering. However, it’s recommended to water from above every fourth or fifth time to prevent a build-up of salts in the soil.

David Graper, Professor Emeritus of Horticultural Science at the South Dakota State University Extension, emphasizes the importance of completely saturating the root ball when watering your peace lily. If the roots do not receive adequate moisture, the plant will suffer. So, water your peace lily slowly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Remember that while the roots like to be moist, they do not tolerate oversaturated conditions, so ensure that excess water is drained out of the pot after watering.

Both underwatering and overwatering can cause stress to your peace lily, resulting in symptoms such as wilting, yellowing foliage, and brown leaf tips. If you notice signs of distress in your plant, trim off severely affected leaves with a clean pair of scissors. Assess the soil moisture level and adjust your watering routine accordingly.

Happily Hydrated

Now that you have a better understanding of how to water your peace lily, you can ensure that it remains well-hydrated and healthy. Remember to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings.

If you’re facing challenges in giving your houseplants the right amount of moisture, share your stories and struggles in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!

For more information on caring for peace lilies, check out these additional guides: