Propagation Of Peace Lily| Create New Peace Lily Each Day

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Peace lilies are incredible houseplants with lots of benefits and aesthetic appearance for their glossy green leaves and elegant white flowers. Who has once experienced the beauty and benefits of peace lily wants to multiply their number.

Many of them, especially beginners, want to know about the propagation of peace lily. 

Propagation of peace lily

Wondering how to propagate peace lilies by yourself in the proper ways? You don’t need to be worried, in this ultimate guideline, you will learn how to propagate peace lilies indoors. 

Main Facts:

  •  Propagation is a sustainable way to expand your peace lily collection.
  •  Don’t take divisions from sick, infected, or infested plants. 
  • Division is the best and easiest method of propagating peace lily.
  •  You can also propagate your peace lily from offshoots, which are also called pups of peace lily.

Reason To Propagate Peace Lily

Before propagating you should know for which purpose you can propagate your peace lily plant. Propagating your peace lily comes with a range of benefits. Some reasons to propagate peace lily are:

Reason To Propagate Peace Lily
  • Expand plant collection: Propagation is a sustainable way to expand your peace lily collection. You can multiply the numbers of your peace lily by using a single plant. You can save money, as you don’t need to purchase additional peace lilies. 
  • Improve plant health: Propagation of peace lily can help your plant breathe better and grow faster. As peace lilies can outgrow their current pot and assemble dying foliage, you can revive your peace lily by splitting it into smaller sections. This can improve your plant’s overall health.
  • Share with others: Another benefit of propagation is sharing these amazing indoor plants with friends and families. 
  • Learning something new: Propagation also offers the opportunity to enrich your knowledge. It can serve as a therapeutic and educational activity. You can learn more about plant care and propagation techniques.

Things To Keep In Mind While Propagating Peace Lily

Propagation of peace lily is the process of creating new plants from your existing ones. It’s an easy method. But, if you want to ensure success and avoid problems, then you should keep in mind some things while propagating, such as: 

  • Your mother plant should be healthy and mature. Don’t take divisions from sick, infected, or infested plants. 
  • Pick a sharp knife to cut the root ball into sections. Each section should have at least one stem and several roots.
  • Allow the cut surfaces to dry for a few hours before planting them in new pots with well-draining soil.
  • Consider watering your new plants well and keeping them in warm and humid environments. 
  • Avoid direct sunlight and fertilize new plants monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

Health reminder: As peace lilies are toxic, you can use hand gloves to avoid allergy or skin irritation. 

Best Time To Propagate Peace Lily

Many peace lily enthusiasts ask, is there any impact of time on propagation? Can’t I propagate my peace lily at any time? If I can’t, then what is the best time to propagate a peace lily? Some also asked me, what time of year do you divide peace lilies?

Best Time To Propagate Peace Lily

The answer is yes. Obviously, time has a great impact on the successful propagation of peace lily. But the best time to propagate your peace lily depends on the climate and the method you use.

Generally, spring or summer is the ideal time for propagation. Because, this is their growing season and peace lilies can recover from the transplant shock more effectively at this time. It happens when you live in a cold region. 

On the other hand, if you live in a warm tropical or subtropical area, you can propagate peace lilies any time of the year except for winter. 

Propagation of Peace Lily

Here is the most important part: how to propagate my peace lily? Do I need any skills to propagate? Peace lily propagation is a very simple process. It doesn’t even require any extra skills. If you have no experience, you can do it. You can propagate your peace lilies in different ways such as: 

Propagating Peace Lily From Seed
  • Division
  • Propagate peace lily from cutting
  • Propagating peace lily from seed
  • Propagate peace lily in water

Division

If you want to successfully make new peace lily plants that resemble the mother plants, the division can be the best choice for you. Division is the best and easiest method of propagating peace lily by separating the root ball into smaller sections. Just learn the right time to divide and follow these steps to divide your peace lily: 

Division
  • First, pick a healthy and mature peace lily plant from your collection to propagate. It should have at least two or more crowns, which are the clusters of green foliage that grow from the root ball.
  • Then carefully remove your peace lily from its pot and gently shake off the excess soil from the roots. You can also rinse the roots with water to make them easier to see and handle. 
  • Now cut the root ball into sections using a sharp knife. Each section should have at least one crown and several roots. You can make as many sections as you want, depending on the size and number of crowns of your mother plant.
  • For getting a good result allow the cut surfaces to dry for a few hours before planting them in new pots. 
  • Then, take a pot with proper drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Now, simply plant the cuts in the pot. You can also dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone or a fungicide to prevent infection and promote rooting.
  • Finally, place your new plants where they can receive bright indirect sunlight and thoroughly water them. 

Remember, don’t expose your new plants to direct sunlight; it can scorch their leaves. Also, avoid overwatering; it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases,  and it can cause a drooping appearance that can be detrimental to your new peace lily plant.  

Propagate Peace Lily From Cutting

You can also propagate your peace lily by cutting roots. It’s another popular method of propagation of peace lily indoors. Let’s hit the process: 

Propagate Peace Lily From Cutting
  • For making proper cutting, select mature (around 3 years old) and healthy plants with a well-established root system. Then, prepare your peace lily by watering them a day or two before root cutting. This ensures the soil is moist and the roots are pliable.
  • Now gently remove your peace lily from its current pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Shake off excess soil to expose the root system.
  • For cutting, you should choose healthy, thick roots. Ideally, choose roots that are at least a few inches long and have several nodes.
  • Now cut your selected roots using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Ensure that each cutting is around 2 to 3 inches long. Each cutting should have at least one node, which is the point on the root where leaves and roots emerge.
  • Dip the cut end of each root cutting into rooting hormone to encourage the development of roots. This step is optional but can promote faster and more robust root development.
  • Then, pick a small pot with proper drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, vermiculite coir, or bark. 
  • After completing these above steps, plant the root cuttings horizontally in the soil, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Space the cuttings apart to allow room for growth.
  • Water the cutting thoroughly and place it where it can take at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Once you find the root cuttings have developed a healthy root system and new growth, transplant them into larger pots.

Propagating Peace Lily From Seed

Propagating peace lilies from seeds is not a popular method like division and cuttings but a rewarding method. This is a method of natural reproduction of peace lily. Before you consider propagating your peace lily from seeds, let me tell you it’s very challenging and time consuming, as the seeds are hard to obtain and germinate. If you want to know how to propagate peace lily from seed then follow these steps: 

  • Before collecting seeds, allow them to be mature enough.  You can find the seeds inside the pods of the spadix. The pods turn black when they are ripe and ready to harvest. You can use a knife or scissors to cut the pods and extract the seeds with a spoon or tweezers. You should plant the seeds as soon as possible after harvesting, as they lose viability quickly.
  • Plant the seeds in a well-prepared seed-starting mix. You can use a commercial mix or make your own by combining peat moss, perlite, and compost. Then, lightly cover the seeds with the soil and water them gently. Do not bury the seeds too deep, or they may rot.
  • Ensure consistent moisture and maintain a warm, humid environment. You can cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or a dome to create a mini greenhouse. Then, place it in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70°F (21°C).
  • After 10 days, you can see signs of germination. You can gently tug the seeds to see if they resist, which means roots have formed. Once the seeds germinate, you can remove the plastic cover and move the pot to a brighter spot.
  • You know peace lilies are slow growing plants. So, wait for the seedlings to grow and develop. This may take several months or even a year. You can transplant the seedlings to larger pots or a different location when they have at least 3-4 leaves.

Propagate peace lily in water

If you want to get a unique-looking houseplant that requires minimal maintenance then I will suggest you try propagation of peace lily in water.

Propagate Peace Lily In Water

As peace lilies are wonderfully resilient indoor plants, you can also propagate in water. It looks very impressive.  Even it can make your plant healthier, as it can reduce the risk of root rot and other soil-borne diseases.

Essential materials

  • A healthy, matured peace lily
  • A transparent vase or jar, large enough to accommodate the roots of your peace lily
  • Distilled, filtered, or rainwater at room temperature
  • A pair of sharp and sterile garden scissors or pruners

Step-by-step: 

  • Clean your jar and cover its mouth with a piece of plastic. Make a hole in the center that is large enough for the stem of the peace lily to go through.
  • Fill the glass container with distilled, filtered or rain water, and avoid tap water. Tap water contains chemicals that can harm your plant.  
  • Remove your peace lily from its current pot, then rinse the roots gently to remove any soil attached. Inspect the roots for any damage or rot and trim them if necessary.
  • Now cut the selected stems. Each cutting should be around 4 to 6 inches in length, and it’s ideal to have at least two leaves on each cutting. Then place it through the hole in the plastic stopper. The stopper will hold the plant in place and prevent it from sinking into the water.
  • Place the glass container in a bright but indirect light location. Keep the water level consistent and change it every 1-2 weeks to prevent algae and bacteria growth.
  • You can add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to the water every two weeks to provide nutrients for the plant.
  • Over the next few weeks, you should start to see roots developing from the nodes of the stems. Once the roots are a few inches long and appear healthy, the cutting is ready for transplanting.
  • You can also grow your new plants in water or transplant them into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. 

You should provide proper care to your newly potted plants. Place your potted plants in a location with indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and gradually acclimate the new plants to their desired light conditions.

Note: You can also propagate your peace lily from offshoots which are also called pups of peace lily that emerge at the base of your plant by using the same method of division. 

Watering Or Fertilizing Schedule For Newly Propagated Peace Lily

Water and fertilizer is the most important factor for growing any plants, including peace lily. Just as adequate water and fertilizer help plant growth, over or under water and fertilizer can harm your plants. 

You should know when and how much water and fertilizer are needed for your peace lily, especially for newly propagated ones. 

You can follow this schedule to ensure their growth and overall health: 

SeasonWatering FrequencyFertilising Frequency
SpringOnce a week or when the soil feels dry. Every 6-8 weeks
SummerTwice a week, allow the soil to dry out before wateringEvery 4–6 weeks
FallOnce every 10 daysStop fertilizing
WinterOnce every 2 weeksStop fertilizing

Tips: You can check the soil moisture before watering through your fingers, stick your finger 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) into the soil, if it feels dry consider watering. Waterwise, wait for sometimes more. 

To fertilize your peace lily, you can use a balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK, in liquid, pellet, or spike form.

Dos And Don’ts While Propagating Peace Lily

DosDon’ts
Choose a healthy plant with multiple crownsPropagate your peace lily in winter or cold temperatures
Remove the plant from its pot and gently tease the roots apartCut the roots too much or damage the leaves
Make sure each section has at least two leaves and some roots attachedOverwater or underwater the new plants
Replant each section in a well-draining peat-based potting mixExpose the new plants to direct sunlight or low light
Place the new plants in a bright, indirect light and keep the soil moistFertilize the new plants for the first two months

Challenges Or Issues People Might Encounter When Propagating Peace Lilies

While propagating peace lilies some challenges or issues can occur. If you are propagating for the first time or have less knowledge about peace lily propagation then you may suffer from these issues. 

Challenges Or Issues People Might Encounter When Propagating Peace Lilies

So you should know about the possible challenges or issues and also their solution before you propagate your peace lily. Here are some common challenges that you might encounter when propagating your peace lily: 

Root rot

Root rot is a very common problem of peace lilies. It’s actually a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to become soft, brown, and smelly.

It can damage your propagated peace lilies if you let the soil too wet, the drainage is poor, the pot is too big or small, the temperature is too low, or the plant is stressed. Overwatering is the main cause of root rot. 

Root rot is detrimental to your propagated peace lily because it prevents the plant from absorbing water and nutrients, leading to wilting, yellowing, brown spots, and stunted growth. If untreated, it can kill your plant in a matter of days. 

Solution

To avoid this problem, you should use a pot with proper drainage holes. As peace lilies are drought tolerant, you don’t need to water them regularly. The best rule of thumb for watering is once a week. You can check the soil moisture before watering. 

Viral mosaic disease

Sometimes many peace lily growers say they notice a mosaic pattern of yellow to light green to appear on new leaves of their propagated peace lily plants. It’s called viral mosaic diseases of peace lily. 

This disease can be harmful for your propagated peace lily because it reduces the aesthetic value of the plant and may affect its growth and flowering. There is no cure for this disease, and it can infect your other plants as well. 

Solution

There is only one solution to the viral mosaic diseases of your peace lily and this is splitting the affected part of your peace lily. If you see any sign of this problem gently cut off the leaves with a stem using clean sharp scissors. 

Transplant Shock

Transplant shock is another possible challenge that can damage your newly propagated peace lily. Do you know what transplant shock is? 

This is a condition that occurs when the plant is moved from one pot to another, causing your plant to lose water and nutrients, leading to wilting, yellowing, browning, and stunted growth. Transplant shock can also make your plant more vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can further damage or kill it. 

Solution

If you want to prevent transplant shock, you should repot your peace lily carefully, using a well-draining potting mix, a clean pot, and a sharp tool. You should also water the plant well after repotting and place it in a bright and indirect light. 

Pests

Pests are a very common issue that you can face while propagating your peace lily. Your propagated peace lilies can attract various pests such as thrips, mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites, which can damage their leaves and stems.

It can damage the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant, and reduce its growth and flowering. Additionally, They feed on the sap or organic matter of the plant, causing symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, browning, curling, and stunted growth. 

Solution

To prevent and treat these pests, you should inspect your peace lily regularly and remove any infested parts. You can also use natural or organic methods, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or rubbing alcohol, to spray or wipe the plant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Grow Peace Lily From A Cutting?

Yes, Peace Lilies can be propagated from cuttings. When selecting a cutting, choose a healthy stem or rhizome from a mature parent plant, ensuring it has at least one leaf and a node.

Do Peace Lilies Propagate In Water Or Soil?

Yes, why not ! Peace lilies can propagate both in water and soil. The most common and effective method to propagate your peace lily is by dividing the root ball and separating the crowns.

Can Peace Lily Live Without Soil?

The short answer is no, peace lilies cannot live without soil. Peace lilies are not true aquatic plants and they need soil to provide nutrients, aeration, and drainage for their roots. You can grow them in water temporarily, but they will eventually decline and die if they are not transferred to soil.

Last words

Propagation of peace lily is a rewarding method that allows to spread their beauty and benefits to others. It’s really an easy process that doesn’t require any skills. 

There are various methods of propagating peace lily plants. Division is the most ideal method that can help you to successfully propagate your peace lily. 

While doing propagation you should keep in mind some things that you may encounter at this time. Today I tried to tell you some important steps of propagation, their possible challenges and appropriate solutions. 

Follow these steps to multiply their number for free. To learn more about this incredible houseplant keep attached with Plant-Trick.

Raina Trick

Written by

Raina Trick

Meet Rayna Trick: Your Indoor Plant Whisperer! With her roots in environmental science and a passion for exotic succulents, she’s the Green Thumb of the Year. Rayna’s here to be your plant companion, sharing her expertise and nurturing your green oasis at PlantTrick. Let’s make your indoor space bloom, one leaf at a time, together!

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