A drooping peace lily can be alarming, but don’t worry—fixing it is usually quick and easy! These elegant plants are resilient, and with the right care, they’ll perk up in no time. Whether it’s underwatering, overwatering, or another common issue, you can restore your peace lily’s beauty in under 15 minutes with the proper steps.
Check the Soil Moisture
The first thing to do is check the soil. Stick your finger about an inch deep—if it feels dry, your peace lily needs water. If it’s soggy, you might be dealing with overwatering. Addressing moisture levels is the fastest way to revive a drooping plant. Proper soil moisture is essential for the health of your peace lily, as both too little and too much water can lead to stress. If the soil is dry, your plant is struggling to take in enough hydration, causing the leaves to droop. If it's overly wet, the roots may be drowning, leading to potential root rot and a lack of oxygen uptake.
Give It a Good Drink
If your peace lily is too dry, thoroughly water it. Pour water slowly until you see excess draining from the bottom of the pot. This helps the roots absorb moisture properly. Avoid watering too quickly, as it may just run through the soil without hydrating the plant. Peace lilies prefer consistent moisture, but they do not like sitting in standing water. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes and that the plant is in well-draining soil. Let the plant absorb the water, and you should see the leaves begin to perk up within a few hours.
Drain Excess Water
Overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering. If the soil is too wet, carefully tip the pot to drain any standing water. You can also gently remove the plant, pat the roots dry with a paper towel, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil. When soil stays wet for too long, the roots can become waterlogged and start to rot. This prevents the plant from taking in nutrients and water properly, leading to drooping and yellowing leaves. Make sure to use a pot with proper drainage and avoid watering too frequently. If the soil remains wet for days, consider repotting the plant with fresh, drier soil.
Move It to Indirect Light
Peace lilies love bright, indirect sunlight. If yours is in direct sun, it might be stressed. Move it to a location with filtered light, such as near a north- or east-facing window. Too much sun can scorch the leaves and cause drooping. If your plant is exposed to harsh sunlight, the leaves can develop brown tips or fade in color. On the other hand, if it's kept in a spot that's too dark, it may struggle to grow. Finding the right balance of light will help your peace lily thrive.
Trim Any Dead or Yellow Leaves
Old or damaged leaves won’t recover, so it’s best to trim them off. Use clean scissors or pruning shears to remove yellow or brown leaves at the base. This allows the plant to focus energy on healthy new growth. Trimming is essential for maintaining a healthy and attractive plant. Removing dead leaves prevents potential disease and encourages the plant to use its resources efficiently. If you notice any yellowing leaves, it may be a sign of a larger issue, such as improper watering or nutrient deficiencies.
Mist the Leaves for Humidity
Peace lilies thrive in humid environments. If your home is dry, mist the leaves lightly with water or place a small tray of water near the plant. This helps create a more humid atmosphere, preventing further drooping. Dry indoor air, especially during winter when heating systems are running, can cause moisture loss in peace lilies. Regular misting or using a humidity tray can mimic their natural tropical environment, keeping them lush and healthy. Be careful not to over-mist, as excessive moisture on the leaves can encourage fungal issues.
Check for Root Bound Issues
If your peace lily has been in the same pot for a long time, it might be root-bound. Gently remove the plant and check if the roots are circling the pot. If so, repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh soil to give the roots more room to grow. A root-bound plant struggles to absorb nutrients and water because the roots have no space to expand. This can lead to frequent drooping and slow growth. Choosing a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current one prevents overwatering while giving the plant enough space to flourish.
Adjust the Temperature
These plants prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Sudden temperature drops or drafts from windows and vents can cause stress. Keep your peace lily in a stable, warm environment for the best results. Temperature stress can cause the leaves to droop, become limp, or even turn brown at the edges. Avoid placing the plant near air conditioning units, heaters, or drafty areas, as rapid fluctuations in temperature can negatively impact its health.
Avoid Fertilizer Right Away
If your peace lily is drooping, resist the urge to fertilize immediately. Fertilizers can sometimes worsen stress. Wait until your plant recovers, then use a diluted houseplant fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Adding fertilizer when a plant is already struggling can overwhelm its roots and cause further distress. Once the plant has regained its strength, feeding it with a balanced liquid fertilizer can support new growth and maintain its lush green leaves.
Look for Pests
Check under the leaves and around the soil for signs of pests like spider mites or aphids. If you notice any, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a mild insecticidal soap to remove them. Keeping your plant pest-free helps maintain its health. Pests can suck the sap from leaves, leading to discoloration, curling, or drooping. Regularly inspecting your plant and wiping the leaves can help prevent infestations before they become serious.
Clean the Leaves
Dust and dirt can block sunlight and reduce the plant’s ability to absorb moisture. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them clean. This also helps your plant breathe better and look more vibrant. A clean plant not only looks better but also functions better. Dust can clog the tiny pores on leaves, reducing their ability to exchange gases and absorb light. Cleaning the leaves regularly ensures your peace lily remains healthy and able to photosynthesize effectively.
Monitor for Recovery
After making these adjustments, give your peace lily some time to bounce back. Within a few hours, you should see noticeable improvement. Keep an eye on its condition and adjust care as needed to prevent future drooping. If your plant continues to struggle, re-evaluate its environment, watering routine, and overall health. Ensuring consistent care will keep your peace lily thriving for years to come.
Try These Peace Lily Quick Hacks
Fixing a drooping peace lily is quick and simple when you address the right factors. By checking the soil, adjusting light and humidity, and ensuring proper care, your plant will regain its beauty in no time.
For solutions to other peace lily problems, read here: 5 Common Peace Lily Problems: How Can They Be Fixed?
Keep up the regular maintenance to enjoy a happy, thriving peace lily! With patience and attention to detail, you can ensure your peace lily remains a vibrant, healthy addition to your home.