Why Are Peace Lilies' Leaves Turning Yellow? Tips to Know

Peace Lilies are bright and vibrant flowers that bring a serene and tranquil energy to any space. However, sometimes their leaves may begin to turn yellow, which detracts from their beauty. In this article, we will discuss why peace lily leaves can turn yellow and what can be done to prevent and fix this issue.

We’ll explore the most common causes of yellow leaves and how to safely and effectively reverse the discoloration. So, keep reading and learn how to keep your peace lily healthy and looking perfect.

Table of Contents

The Causes of Leaves Turning Yellow on a Peace Lily Plant

Peace lily plants are one of the most popular and easy-to-care-for houseplants you can have in your home. But just like all other plants, a peace lily may have its moments of stress or sickness, causing its usually luscious green leaves to turn a pale yellow and fade.

Knowing what causes this phenomenon to happen is the first step in understanding how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Is Yellow Leaf Discoloration On My Peace Lily Normal?

The short answer is, yes. It’s natural for some of the older leaves on peace lily plants to discolor and yellow over time.

But if there’s a disproportionate amount of yellow leaves with green ones, this usually implies that there’s something wrong with the health of the peace lily plant.

What Causes Yellow Leaves on Peace Lily Plants?

There are several factors that could cause yellow leaves on peace lilies, ranging in severity, from too much water, to too little, from improper potting, to the age of the plant. We’ve outlined some of the most common causes below:

Light Overload

Peace lilies love the sun, and exposure to bright, natural light is essential for them to grow and flower abundantly. But if your peace lily is exposed to too much light for too long, it can cause the leaves to yellow.

This can happen quite quickly if your peace lily is kept in a spot with direct sunlight exposure for hours at a time. Move it to an area that gets more shaded and the yellow leaves should eventually go away.

Inadequate Watering

Peace lilies like a lot of water, but only in the growing season. Insufficient watering can cause the leaves to shrivel and turn yellow due to lack of hydration.

Also, keep in mind that when you water your peace lily, make sure to water it all the way to the base of the plant. Allowing water to accumulate at the base of the plant can also lead to yellow leaves.

Fertilizer Problems

Fertilizing peace lilies is also necessary for the health of the plant. But be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically made for houseplants. Mix it according to directions, and apply monthly during the growing season.

Too much fertilizer, or an incorrect type of fertilizer can cause the leaves to yellow and burn quickly.

Age of the Peace Lily Plant

Peace lilies are known to produce a new set of leaves every couple of months, and with time, peace lilies can become quite large. As new leaves pop up, the oldest of the leaf still remain, and will eventually start to yellow with age.

When this yellowing become disproportionate, however, make sure to inspect the other causes of yellow leaves on peace lilies.

How To Fix Yellow Leaves On Peace Lilies

Now that we’ve outlined the common causes of yellow leaves on peace lilies, let’s discuss the steps that you can take to start fixing the yellowing problem.

Step #1: Check the Light Conditions

If the leaves are yellowing due to excess light, move the peace lily to an area with more shaded access. Monitor the yellowing and if the problem persists, move forward with the next step.

Step #2: Check the Watering

Make sure you are keeping the soil adequately moist, and not allowing water to accumulate at the bottom the pot. If you had allowed too much water to accumulate, consider repotting the peace lily entirely to a slightly larger container.

Step #3: Monitor the Fertilizer Use

If you believe the yellowing of leaves is due to excess fertilizer, check the type of fertilizer that you are using, and how often. Stop fertilizing entirely for several weeks, and keep an eye on the yellowing problem.

Prevent Leaves from Yellowing on Peace Lilies

Now that we’ve discussed the common causes of yellow leaves on peace lily and how to fix them, let’s outline a few tips on how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Tip #1: Get the Right Pot for Your Peace Lily

When it comes to peace lilies, a pot that is slightly too big is much better than one that is too small. Choosing the right pot for your peace lily is essential, as too small of a pots can become clogged or retain too muchwater, promoting yellowing and rotting of leaves. Use a pot with holes so water passes through quickly, especially during the summer months.

Tip #2: Keep a Balanced Light Level

Peace lily plants need to photosynthesise in order to create energy, and they preferred environments with bright indirect daylight. But direct sun and hot temperatures can easily damage a peace lily’s leaves, causing them to yellow. Place the peace lily in a room with plenty of natural light, but away from direct sunlight.

Tip#3: Use a Balanced Fertilizer Solution

To help your peace lily flourish, use a fertilizer solution that has been specifically created for house plants. Apply a half-strength solution just once a month during the spring and summer.

Try to avoid fertilizing during the winter months altogether.

Tip #4: Be Sure To Water When Necessary

Peace lilies have sensitive and shallow roots that require more frequent watering than most plants. During the summer months, when temperatures and evaporation are high, hand watering 2—3 times a week is typically the best route to take.

During hotter temperatures, feel free to mist the plant with a spray bottle to increase humidity.

Tip #5: Prune Dead Leaves

If you notice that your peace lily has several leaves that are yellow or wilting, it’s ok to snip them off with a pair of scissors or garden sheers. This will help your peace lily look full and full of life.

Understanding and recognizing the different factors that can cause your peace lily to yellow is the first step in keeping your plant healthy and happy. Once you have identified why your peace lily’s leaves are turning yellow, you can start to execute corresponding remedies.

Keep in mind that all plants require different levels of light, water, and nutrients, and peace lilies are no different. Carefully monitor and adjust the variables in your peace lily’s environment, and you should be able to avoid having yellow leaves in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Peace Lilies

Why are the leaves of my peace lily turning yellow?

The peace lily is a resilient plant, but it is still subject to some common houseplant problems. Yellowing leaves are a symptom of several issues including too much or too little water, nutrient deficiency, stressed roots, temperature stress, or toxins in the air (smoke, vaporized cleaners, and other airborne pollutants).

What does a peace lily need to thrive?

Peace lilies need a moderate amount of water, and prefer high humidity levels. Medium to bright indirect light is recommended, and temperatures should stay between 65-85°F (18-29°C). They also need a well-draining soil, and should only be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer about once a month during the growing season.

Can I propagate my peace lily?

Yes, peace lily propagation is easy. Once of the easiest methods is to divide the rhizome and re-pot the individual clumps. Simply divide the rhizome with a sharp knife into 2-3 sections (depending on the size of the plant) and pot up each section separately.

My peace lily looks sickly, what should I do?

If you peace lily is looking sickly, start by checking for any obvious signs of disease or pest infestations. Check the roots to make sure they are healthy. Then check the soil moisture and adjust accordingly. Prune any yellowing leaves or flowers and repot if it seems rootbound.

When should I repot my peace lily?

Peace lilies should be repotted every couple of years during the spring or summer. Repot the plant with fresh potting soil and choose a slightly larger pot. Trim the roots slightly and water thoroughly after re-potting.

Why is my peace lily not blooming?

Peace lilies will typically bloom in the summer and early fall months. Older plants with more mature roots are more likely to produce flowers. Ensure that your plant is getting adequate light, has access to a humid environment, is getting proper nutrition, and is not being over-watered.

What are some common peace lily diseases?

Peace lilies can be susceptible to several diseases, including root rot, bacterial blight, and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil and tends to be fatal. Bacterial blight can cause the leaves to yellow quickly and leaf spot is a fungus that appears as spots on the leaves.

Is peace lily toxic to pets?

It is often cited that peace lilies are toxic to both cats and dogs, however, the severity of the reaction tends to be low. If ingestion does occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. Plant should be kept out of the reach of pets.

Wrapping Things Up

Though the beautiful Peace Lily is often thought of as a durable indoor plant, it still needs regular care to stay healthy and look its best. One common issue that can arise is the leaves turning yellow. This may be due to a lack of water, direct sun, fertilizer, or certain environmental elements.

In the event of leaves turning yellow on your Peace Lily, it’s important to take steps to identify and address the issue quickly. This includes adjusting the amount of water, light and fertilizer. If this does not fix the problem, moving the plant to a new spot or even repotting it may be necessary.

Remember that with proper care, your Peace Lily will remain healthy and attractive for many years. Taking some time to observe and monitor your plant will go a long way in helping it thrive, and leaves turning yellow on Peace Lily will be a distant memory!

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