What to Do When Peace Lily Leaves Turn Black? Cause Analysis and Solutions

The peace lily is also known as the "smooth sailing" plant; when it blooms, it stands tall like a white flag unfurled in the wind, head held high. Because of its auspicious meaning, it is favored by many households. As a common ornamental potted plant, the peace lily often develops blackened leaves when not cared for properly. What should you do? Take a quick look to see whether these causes are to blame.

I. Causes and Solutions for Blackened Peace Lily Leaves

1. Too Much Light

Peace lilies generally do fine in a spot with diffused light; direct sunlight can scorch them and cause the leaves to turn black, so never expose them to harsh sun. If a plant has been kept in a shady, low-light spot for a long time, be sure not to move it suddenly into strong light, to avoid triggering a stress reaction.

2. Overwatering

Blackened peace lily leaves are mostly caused by too much watering. If overwatering is the problem, take emergency measures: remove the entire plant from the pot, first check how badly the roots have rotted, treat them, let them dry, and then replant. After that, be careful to control water in daily care, watering appropriately according to the condition of the potting soil. Water only after the soil has dried out completely, and avoid water accumulation.

3. Poor Air Circulation

Poor air circulation around a peace lily can lead to fungal or bacterial diseases, which in turn cause its leaves to turn black. Be sure to place it in a ventilated spot away from strong light.

4. Overfertilizing

If too much fertilizer is applied, or it is too concentrated, the "smooth sailing" plant will suffer root burn, causing the leaves to turn black. If the potting soil cannot be rid of the excess nutrients, you must repot it with fresh soil and replant it to prevent it from being burned to death by excess fertilizer.

II. Why Doesn't the Peace Lily Bloom?

1. Not enough humidity: Peace lilies require high humidity, and air that is too dry is unfavorable for blooming.

Solution: Make sure to water thoroughly each time, and keep the potting soil moist on a regular basis.

2. Insufficient light: A peace lily grown for a long time in a spot with insufficient light will not bloom easily. But if the sunlight is too strong and direct, the leaves may also turn yellow.

Solution: Place the peace lily in a spot with diffused light, and pay attention to ventilation too~

3. Not enough growing space: Peace lilies grow fairly quickly; usually after 1-2 years the plant will fill the pot, with crowded leaves that make blooming difficult.

Solution: Repot it in time, and after repotting place it in semi-shade to get through the root-recovery period.

4. Long-term lack of fertilizer: If a peace lily is not fertilized for a long time, it is unfavorable for healthy growth and affects blooming.

Solution: During the growing period from May to September, apply some granular compound fertilizer each month; this will promote both leaf growth and blooming.

5. Soil problems: Peace lilies require a loose, well-drained sandy loam rich in humus.

6. Inducing blooming: A peace lily's first bloom requires artificial induction; gibberellic acid can be sprayed to induce flowering, and different varieties bloom at different times.