Peace lilies are popular houseplants, known for their lush green foliage and beautiful white blooms. However, seeing yellow leaves on your peace lily can be alarming.
If your peace lily’s leaves are turning yellow, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
Don’t panic!
With the right care, you can revive your peace lily and restore its health. Here are four common reasons for yellow leaves and how to address them.
Peace Lily Yellow Leaves – Is It Dying? Here’s How to Revive It!
1. Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for yellow leaves on peace lilies. These plants prefer moist soil, but they do not like to sit in water.
Excessive watering can lead to root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing essential nutrients.
Solution
To fix this issue, first check the soil moisture. If the soil feels wet, hold off on watering until it dries out a bit. Ensure your peace lily is planted in well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. You might also consider repotting your plant if the soil has become too compacted or waterlogged.
2. Pest Infestation
Pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can cause significant damage to your peace lily. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, leading to yellowing, wilting, and overall decline of the plant’s health.
Solution
To tackle a pest infestation, start by isolating your peace lily to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants. Inspect the plant closely, particularly the undersides of the leaves where pests tend to hide. Wash the leaves with a gentle stream of water to remove as many pests as possible.
3. Poor Light Conditions
Peace lilies are tolerant of low light conditions, but they do best in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and brown at the tips. Conversely, too little light can slow down the plant’s growth and lead to yellowing leaves.
Solution
Find a spot in your home where your peace lily can receive bright, indirect light. East or north-facing windows are usually ideal. If you only have access to low light, you might need to supplement with a grow light. Be mindful of moving the plant too often, as peace lilies can be sensitive to changes in their environment. Gradually introduce them to new lighting conditions to minimize stress.
4. Nutrient Deficiency (Yellow Leaves)
Yellow leaves can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Peace lilies need a balanced diet of essential nutrients to maintain their lush green appearance. A lack of nitrogen, magnesium, or iron is often to blame for yellowing foliage.
Solution
To remedy nutrient deficiencies, start by using a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the label to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm your plant. Feeding your peace lily every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) should be sufficient. In addition, consider repotting your plant if it has been in the same soil for several years, as old soil can become depleted of nutrients.
Homemade Solution to Revive Your Plant!
If your peace lily has yellow leaves, follow these easy steps to bring it back to health using a homemade solution.
Ingredients:
Follow This Steps:
1. Coffee Grounds Fertilizer:
Sprinkle a thin layer of used coffee grounds around the base of your peace lily. Do this once a month to provide nitrogen.
2. Banana Peel Nutrients:
Cut a banana peel into small pieces.
Bury the pieces in the soil around your peace lily. This adds potassium and phosphorus as they decompose.
3. Epsom Salt Solution:
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in 1 quart of water.
Use this solution to water your peace lily once a month for a magnesium boost.
4. DIY Pest Control Spray:
Mix 1 teaspoon of mild, fragrance-free liquid dish soap with 1 quart of water.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Spray the leaves of your peace lily, especially where you see pests. Repeat every few days until pests are gone.
Peace lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do require some attention to thrive.
By identifying and addressing the cause of yellow leaves, you can help your peace lily recover and continue to grow beautifully.
