Peace lilies are gorgeous houseplants that, as their name suggests, can add an elegant and calm touch to your indoor spaces. While the plant isn’t particularly challenging to grow, you’ll need to get familiar with its needs and requirements to enjoy its beauty.
For instance, failing to give your peace lily what it needs may cause it to display yellow leaves. Such a condition will affect the aesthetics of the plant and might signal the presence of severe issues. But what can you do about peace lily’s yellow leaves?
In this essential guide, you can find a list of common reasons that might cause this condition (and our tips on how to reverse the situation). Keep reading to learn what to do about your plant’s discoloration!
Why Do Peace Lily’s Leaves Turn Yellow?
Peace lilies are tropical plants native to the South American rainforests. You can find them in several varieties. Regardless of the one you pick, you should know that all of them prefer getting indirect sunlight. Indeed, too much lighting is one of the most common causes of peace lily’s leaves getting yellow.
But there are also other reasons for the discoloration of your plant. For instance, too much (or too little) watering, exposure to temperature changes, and the presence of pests and diseases can cause yellowing. But keep reading to find more about all of these causes.
Inadequate Lighting
As we were saying before, peace lilies can be fussy with lighting. Too much can burn your plant’s leaves, while too little can result in stunted growth. We recommend placing your plant a few feet from an east-facing window to prevent issues.
If the lighting is much, consider getting shears to protect your plant. Ideally, your plant should get indirect sunlight and “have a break” in the afternoon. But shears will allow you to leave your plant where it is without having to worry too much about sunburn.
Your plant is healthy when its leaves are green and lush and when it produces flowers in the spring and summer. If it doesn’t, move your plant to a different location. If the leaves are still yellow, the issue might be another one.
Inadequate watering
Another common cause of trouble with peace lilies is following a proper watering schedule. These houseplants love moisture and need plenty of humidity to thrive. However, too much water can cause yellowing and root rotting, which may eventually kill your plant.
The first step for sticking to a regular watering schedule is to place your peace lily in a suitable potting mix. The substrate must be well-draining. And, of course, the container should have drainage holes. You should water your plant when the soil feels dry. Also, don’t forget to adjust your schedule according to your local climate.
Of course, even too little water can bring issues to your peace lily. After all, plants need moisture, and leaving them without water will make them unhealthy, dry, and yellow. Usually, watering a peace lily once or twice a week will be sufficient.
Temperature Shock
Peace lilies don’t like stressful conditions. Once you choose a growing environment, you shouldn’t change it. Avoid exposing your tropical plants to temperatures below 50°F: it will affect their leaves’ colors and cause permanent health issues.
Also, do not leave your peace lilies next to a drafty window, air-conditioning, or the radiator: the thermal shock will cause discoloration. Don’t forget that you can only grow your peace lily outdoors if you live in USDA hardiness zones between 10 and 12. If you live in a colder region, you must have it as a houseplant.
Inappropriate Fertilization
Peace lilies are not heavy feeders. So, you won’t have to spend much money on fertilizers to help them grow. However, overfertilization or the lack of essential nutrients in the soil might cause yellowing.
If you notice your plant’s leaves losing their color, consider making a soil test: there might be some nutrient deficiencies. Usually, this is a common issue for people who never moved their plant from its container.
Apply a suitable fertilizer during the growing season, and remember to follow the instructions you find on the product’s label.
Attacks from Pests and Diseases
While peace lilies aren’t susceptible to attacks from pests, it is a possibility. Keep an eye on your plant and take prompt action if you spot aphids, mites, or mealybugs. Fungal infections are more common and are usually the result of overwatering. You can prevent the issue by taking proper care of your plant.