What to Do When Peace Lily Roots Rot in Both Soil and Water Culture

The peace lily's air-purifying ability has been widely recognized, making it a common indoor potted plant. It can be grown in water or in soil, so what should you do when the roots of a soil-cultured or water-cultured peace lily rot?

1. What to do when a water-cultured peace lily's roots rot?

1. Water level in the container is too high

When the water level in the container is too high, the peace lily's roots are completely submerged underwater, and the roots suffocate and rot due to lack of oxygen.

Solution: About 1/3 of the peace lily's roots should be exposed above the water surface, giving its root system room to breathe.

2. The water culture container is contaminated

If the container itself is not clean and harmful bacteria breed, the roots will also rot.

Solution: Wash the container thoroughly and soak it in potassium permanganate solution to disinfect it.

3. Not changing the water for a long time

The peace lily's roots usually rot because of bacteria and the like, so remember to change the water for water-cultured plants.

Solution: When the peace lily has just been put in water and has not yet grown water roots, change the water once a day; after the roots have grown, change it once every 7 days to half a month.

4. Caused by deteriorated water quality

The peace lily's root rot may be caused by deteriorated water quality.

Solution: Do not use tap water drawn on the same day; let tap water sit for at least a few days. When roots are first forming, be sure not to add nutrient solution, to prevent the water quality from deteriorating. After the roots have grown, promptly remove the green algae, bacteria and so on from the water roots (rinse or disinfect).

5. Scorching sun raises the water temperature too high

Peace lilies cannot be exposed to the sun; otherwise the water temperature gets too high and the roots rot.

Solution: Place it somewhere it will not be scorched by the sun, and keep the water at a suitable temperature, not too high or too low.

2. What to do when a soil-cultured peace lily's roots rot?

1. The soil does not meet the peace lily's growing requirements

Potted peace lilies require loose, airy soil with good drainage; heavy, sticky soil causes the roots to suffocate and rot.

Solution: Choose sandy loam rich in humus as much as possible. Once a year, in early spring before a large number of new shoots sprout, repot the plant. When repotting, remove some of the old soil, trim the root system, add fresh potting soil and plant it in a pot one size larger, to benefit root development and promote vigorous growth. Loosen the surface soil often so the potting soil stays loose and airy; as long as the temperature is suitable, it can grow well all year round.

2. Waterlogging causes the peace lily's roots to rot

Peace lilies like warmth and humidity, so during the growing season they need plenty of water and the potting soil should be kept moist at all times. But avoid overwatering and never let water accumulate in the pot; if the potting soil stays wet for a long time, the roots rot easily and the plant turns yellow and withers.

Solution: In late autumn and winter, reduce watering and just keep the potting soil slightly moist. In summer and dry seasons, frequently spray water on the leaves and the ground with a fine-nozzle sprayer to raise the air humidity.

3. Caused by prolonged low temperatures

The peace lily is a type that loves high temperatures and fears the cold; its optimum growing temperature is 20—28°C, and it should be grown in a warm greenhouse. Prolonged low temperatures or damp conditions easily cause root rot, leaf drop or scorched-yellow leaves, and in severe cases the whole plant dies.

Solution: In winter it must be brought indoors to overwinter; the minimum nighttime temperature in winter should be above 10°C for it to overwinter safely. During the day it should be around 25°C, and it will grow well. In winter, pay attention to cold protection and insulation while keeping the potting soil moist.

4. Soil too rich burns the roots

Soil that is too fertile burns the roots.

Solution: Be careful not to over-fertilize.

5. Pest and disease problems

Pests or diseases in the soil or on the plant itself cause the peace lily's roots to rot.

Solution: Be sure to disinfect the soil before planting, and after planting take care to prevent pests and diseases.

Friendly reminder: The peace lily is an excellent foliage plant commonly grown as an ornamental potted plant in southern China, but its sap is toxic. If there are pregnant women or children at home, be careful and never let them eat it by mistake; if you trim the branches and leaves, remember to wash your hands.