What To Do If My Peace Lily Is Wilting? Tips To Save From Wilting

What to do if my peace lily is wilting? It’s a very common question of peace lily enthusiasts.

Now you may think about how to know what is the reason for wilting my peace lily and how to save them from wilting. 

Keep calm; you don’t need to be worried. Just sit patiently and dive into the article to learn why my peace lily is wilting and how to treat it.

Why Peace Lily Wilt?

Peace lilies are very popular resilient plants for indoors. They are a favorite choice for their beautiful appearance with dark green leaves and ornamental white blooms. As well as, they are easy to care for. 

But sometimes it happens that after planting them, it becomes wilt. And planters wondering why is my peace lily wilting?  Before exploring the reasons, I would like to tell you about their native habitat. Peace lilies are tropical plants. 

They are native to the tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia, where they grow on the forest floor under the shade of large trees. They prefer warm and humid conditions with indirect light and moist soil.

Let’s come to the point, the main reason for wilting your peace lily is not getting their proper needs met. Some possible reasons are: 

• Overwatering
• Underwatering
• Overexposure to sunlight
• Imbalance temperature and humidity
• Repotting shock

Let’s detail these reasons. 

Overwatering

There is a misconception among growers that the more I water my plant, the more it will grow. But for peace lilies, it can be detrimental. Peace lilies are drought-tolerant and very sensitive to overwatering. 

Overwatering can lead to wilting and droopy in your peace lily due to several interconnected factors. When the soil is consistently saturated, your plant’s roots struggle to access oxygen, leading to root suffocation. This impedes the roots’ ability to absorb water and nutrients affecting the overall health of the plant. 

Additionally, excess water creates a conducive environment for root rot pathogens. It can damage the root system and further hinder water uptake. This disrupted your plant’s natural transpiration process, which involves releasing moisture through its leaves.

Underwatering

Underwatering is another reason for wilting your peace lily. It’s true that peace lilies are not very thirsty houseplants; in particular, they can thrive 10-12 days without water. But not more than. 

If you don’t give enough water to your peace lily, it can start to wilt. When the soil is too dry, the roots of your plant can’t take in the water they need to stay plump and healthy. This makes your plant lose its firmness, and the leaves start to droop or wilt. 

Without enough water, the peace lily can’t carry out its natural processes, like moving nutrients from the soil to the leaves. As a result, your plant shows drooping leaves and wilting. 

Exposure To Sunlight

It’s necessary to know how much light a peace lily need? Peace lilies naturally grow in shaded environments. They can grow in different light conditions. But to maintain their leaves and flower color and overall health, they need bright indirect sunlight. 

Some people think, what if I expose them in direct sunlight, as sunlight is essential for all plants? 

Listen, too much sunlight can make your peace lily unhappy and wilt. If they get too much sun, especially hot and direct sunlight, they can’t handle it well. The intense sunlight can cause the water in the leaves to evaporate too quickly, and your plant can’t take up enough water to stay hydrated. This leads to a sad and droopy peace lily.

Additionally, direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and flowers also turn yellowing and browning. That means as bright indirect light is crucial for your peace lilies growth and appearance, exposure to sunlight causes wilting. 

Imbalance Temperature And Humidity

There is no doubt that peace lilies are low maintenance indoor plants. They just need an environment that can mimic their native habitat. 

The temperature and humidity around your peace lily play a crucial role in its well-being, and an imbalance can lead to wilting. Peace lilies thrive in warm, consistent temperatures and high humidity. If the surroundings become too hot or too cold, or if the air is too dry, your plant struggles to regulate its water loss through transpiration.

In high temperatures, excessive water evaporates from the leaves, making it challenging for the roots to supply enough water to keep your plant turgid. Conversely, in low humidity, your peace lily can lose moisture faster than it can absorb it, as a result, it causes wilting. 

Temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and humidity levels around 40-60% is ideal for the health of your peace lily plants. A temperature of less than 50°F and a humidity level of less than 30% is very harmful for peace lilies. 

Repotting Shock

Repotting shock can also trigger wilting in your peace lily. Because your plant undergoes stress and adjustment during the transplantation process. 

When you repot a peace lily, you disturb its established root system, potentially causing damage to the delicate roots. This disturbance temporarily disrupts your plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Additionally, your plant can experience shock due to changes in soil composition, drainage, or pot size. Peace lily requires some extra care after repotting such as adequate watering and providing bright but indirect light. 

Sign Of A Peace Lily Wilting

Before treating, it’s crucial to identify problems. How do you identify a wilting peace lily? 

The best way is to keep an eye out on your peace lily. There are some signs of wilting peace lily. If you find your peace lily shows these signs then you can ensure it’s wilting. Let’s see these signs: 

• Drooping leaves
• Yellowing leaves
• Brown or black spots on leaves
• Leaves falling off
• Stunted growth
• Decreased Flower Production

As I said above, if your peace lily shows these signs then you can say it’s wilting. Ans as soon as possible you have to take proper action to revive them. 

Risks Of Wilting Peace Lily

It’s very essential to deal with a wilting peace lily accordingly. Because the wilting of your peace lily poses several risks to the overall health and well-being of the plant such as: 

• Reduced Photosynthesis: Wilting leads to a decrease in turgor pressure within the plant cells. It affects the ability of your peace lily to carry out photosynthesis efficiently. Reduced photosynthesis means less energy production which hinders your plant’s growth and development.
• Loss of foliage and flowers: Another risk of wilting peace lily is loss of foliage and stunning flowers. When your peace lily wilts, its stems and stalks become weaker and leaves and flowers fall out from the plant. 
• Root Damage:  Persistent wilting, especially if caused by overwatering or underwatering, can lead to root damage. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can result in dry, stressed roots. Both scenarios compromise your plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
• Susceptibility to Diseases: You should know a weakened and stressed peace lily becomes more susceptible to diseases and pests. When your peace lily wilts its tissues make it easier for pathogens to invade such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, fungus gnats etc. 
• Loss of Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond the physiological risks, your wilting peace lily loses its aesthetic appeal. The drooping, yellowing leaves and potential browning diminish the visual beauty of your plant, impacting its ornamental value.

What To Do If My Peace Lily Is Wilting?

Now, you may be wondering what I should do if my peace lily is wilting. The first thing that you need to do is identify the reasons.You can check the soil moisture, the light exposure, the temperature, and the roots of your peace lily.

Then, look for signs of overwatering, such as yellowing leaves, brown spots, and soggy soil. Look for signs of underwatering, such as drooping leaves, dry soil, and crispy edges. Look for signs of too much light, such as sunburned leaves, faded colors, and wilting. Look for signs of too little light, such as leggy growth, small leaves, and poor flowering.

After doing these you should follow these steps: 

Drain The Potting Soil:  

If your peace lily is overwatered or has root rot, you need to drain the excess water from the pot and the soil. You can do this by placing the pot in a sink or a bucket and letting the water drain out. You can also use a towel or a paper towel to blot the soil and remove the moisture. Alternatively, you can repot your plant in a fresh, well-draining soil mix and a pot with drainage holes.

Timely Watering: 

If your peace lily is underwatered, you need to water it thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage holes. You can also soak the pot in a bucket of water for 10 to 15 minutes to rehydrate the roots. After watering, let the excess water drain out. The best way to water your peace lily is to check the soil moisture regularly and water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Treating Root Rot: 

If your peace lily has root rot, you need to remove the infected roots and treat the remaining ones with a fungicide or a hydrogen peroxide solution. You can do this by gently removing the plant from the pot. Then use sharp scissors to cut off the brown, mushy, or black roots.

Leave only the healthy, white, and firm roots. Next, dip the roots in a fungicide or a hydrogen peroxide solution to kill any remaining fungi and bacteria. And finally, repot your plant in a fresh, well-draining soil mix and a pot with drainage holes.

Avoid Inadequate Watering:  

To prevent your peace lily from wilting again, you need to avoid overwatering or underwatering it. Overwatering can cause root rot, fungal diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Underwatering can cause dehydration, leaf damage, and flower loss. You should check the soil moisture before watering. 

Examine Sunlight Exposure:

Peace lilies prefer indirect, bright light. If your plant is in direct sunlight or low light conditions, consider relocating it to a spot with filtered or indirect light. Ensure your peace lily can get a minimum of 6 hours of indirect light every day. 

Deter Pests: 

If your peace lily is wilting due to a pest infestation, you need to get rid of the pests and prevent them from coming back. Some of the common pests that can affect peace lilies are spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, fungus gnats, and scale insects. You can remove these pests manually by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also spray your plant with an insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil.

What To Do If My Peace Lily Is Wilting After Repotting?

Over time it’s also seen that peace lilies are wilting after repotting. Your peace lily can wilt after repotting for several reasons, such as transplant shock, watering issues, root damage, or environmental stress. 

At this time, you should follow these steps to prevent it from wilting: 

• Let the top 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of soil dry out between watering. Peace lilies prefer moist soil but not wet. You can let it stay a little on the dry side until it recovers.
• Then you can position your plant in indirect light sources for about a week to 10 days. When it perks up, then relocate it again to its former location or in bright, indirect light, such as near an east or south window.
• Avoid placing them near heating or cooling vents. You should wait two to four weeks before resuming fertilizer. Always water before your plant wilts. Waiting for a wilt signal to water will stress your plant.
• Increase the humidity around the peace lily by setting your plant on a tray of pebbles. Fill the tray with water making sure the pot sits on the pebbles and does not touch the water.

If you can apply these essential steps as soon as possible then you plant will revive again from wilting after repotting. 

Tips Save Peace Lily From Wilting

Who doesn’t want to keep their hobby plant beautiful and blooming? But wilting, diseases, pests, and other issues decrease their beauty and also, you can’t get the benefits of your plant. Wilting of peace lily is one kind of problem.

Can you save a wilted peace lily? If you want to save your peace lily from wilting then follow these tips: 

• Water your plant only when the top inch of the soil feels dry. 
• Drain the excess water from the pot and avoid soggy soil.
• Move your plant to a bright spot with indirect light, and if you want to grow outside, then place them under the shade. 
• Keep the plant away from drafts and cold temperatures; don’t place it near the heater, oven, or air conditioner. 
• Mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier to increase humidity. 
• Check the plant for pests and diseases and treat them accordingly.
• Consider repotting your plant if the roots are crowded or rotting.

If you can follow these tips then I hope your plants will not wilt. Because by following these tips I also save my peace lily from wilting. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping up

Wilting of peace lily is a very common problem. Several reasons can lead to the wilting of your peace lily. But you should not be upset. At this time, you should know what to do if my peace lily is wilting. 

After identifying the reason, you should take proper steps as I explain in the article, to revive your peace lily.  You know that peace lilies are beneficial indoor plants. They have not only aesthetic appearance, but also they can purify the air. They also absorb sounds. 

If your peace lily is wilting, then you will deprive yourself of these benefits. So follow the tips from the article and make your peace lily plant happy and healthy.