How to save a peace lily from root rot?
The peace lily, also known as “Spathiphyllum Wallisii,” is a fast-growing plant with a creamy white flower. It has been cultivated in Asian countries for centuries. However, its roots tend to rot, making it difficult to move and slowing down its growth. This article discusses the signs of root rot, its treatment, and provides clarity on the issue.
The peace lily is a resilient plant that can withstand various environmental conditions, but it quickly catches root rot when it is present.
The text explores the process of identifying if your peace lily is experiencing root rot and provides advice on how to manage it.
What is Root rot?
Root Rot is the name given to a fungi infection that lives in or on the roots of plants due to many issues including poor drainage system, over watering, and wrong management of soil.
This article provides guidance on identifying and preventing root rot in your home, focusing on maintaining healthy roots, addressing common causes, and recommending effective prevention methods.
When the roots have started to rot, they can be easily spotted. Some of the common symptoms of peace lily root rot are:
Leaves start Wilting
Over watering, a major cause of wilting, results in plants being suffocated and unable to provide adequate nutrients to their leaves. This leads to root failure, causing the plant to fail and causing droopy or wilted leaves to appear.
Leaves turn yellow
In autumn, yellow leaves indicate over watering, so it’s crucial to check the roots of your plants as they may indicate a problem with the plant’s health.
Stunted Growth
Root rot is the primary cause of stunted growth in peace lilies, often due to exposure to wet soil in poorly drained areas. Ensuring sufficient light and water is crucial for their growth, as well-drained soil promotes happiness and maximizes their potential.
The appearance of Black Spots
Black spots on peace lily leaves may not indicate root rot, but rather indicate past suffering or potential root rot. Once bacteria and pathogens damage the plant’s fresh roots, black spots appear on the leaves, surrounded by a yellow hue.
The soil produces a Bad smell
A foul odor from the soil indicates root rot in your peace lily, which typically begins before yellow leaves or thin stems are visible.
Causes of Root rot in Peace lily
Root rot in peace lily can occur due to various factors, but some common causes include:
Low Light
Peace lilies can survive low light, but it can slow their growth due to reduced photosynthesis and metabolism, causing soil to take longer to dry. Soggy soil damages roots, attracts pests and fungi, and is considered the main cause of root rot.
more information: How much light does a peace lily need?
The peace lily thrives in slightly moist soil, but over watering can cause root rot. To maintain its health, water it frequently but avoid letting it become wet.
Regular watering of peace lily promotes smooth growth, while over watering can cause root rot, resulting in insufficient oxygen for root development and ultimately, the death of the root and the entire plant.
Did you know: How often to water peace lily in summer?
Proper watering of peace lilies is crucial, but if there are no proper holes in the pot, excess water can remain in the soil, making it soggy and causing air to stick. A self-watering planter with holes in its design can help prevent root rot in peace lilies by ensuring proper drainage.
All these conditions cause low-level oxygen and lead to root rot.
Large Pot Size
Growing plants or seedlings in oversized pots can be beneficial, but the peace lily’s increased water holding capacity and potting medium can lead to root rot, a significant issue.
Peace Lily Root Rot Treatment
If your peace lily is experiencing symptoms of Root Rot, there are two potential solutions to help eliminate the issue from your plant.
- Re potting your Peace Lily in a new pot
- By using Self Watering Pots with Air holes
Re potting the plant
Re potting will provide a fresh, new, and dry environment that will help remove the fungus from the plant.
You should re pot any damaged peace lily roots because they will hinder the plant’s growth.
Here’s how you can re pot your peace lily and can get rid of the peace lily root rot:
- Hold the main stem of your peace lily and take it out of the pot gently.
- After your peace lily is out of the pot, wash away the soil with the light stream of water.
- Trim away the leaves and affected branches that are showing any signs of damage. Do this even if there are no problems to see because these cuts will give your plant a chance to recover by letting in more light and air.
- You can also use fungi spray on the infected roots or also can soak them in bleached water to remove all the bacteria from the roots.
- Now take the new dry pot and open its drainage holes. Must remember to put some of the pebbles at the bottom of the hole. This will keep the drainage holes clear so they don’t get clogged.
- Fill one-third of the pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil.
- Now set the Peace Lily in the pot and gradually add fresh soil from all sides.
- The soil should be lightly moistened before planting the peace lily plant. Once it’s re potted, place the peace lily in a spot where it gets at least six hours of full sunlight. Must remember, be careful of providing too much light during this period as it could lead to stress in the peace lily plant.
How to Prevent Root Rot In Peace Lily by Using Self Watering Pot?
This self-watering head pot with air holes is a cute and effective way to minimize root rot in peace lily plants. It provides water directly to the roots, allowing the plant to absorb it at its own pace, making it a caretakers of the plant’s roots.
Self-watering pots utilize a reservoir system, with a water storage tank at the bottom, ensuring the plant receives consistent water miniaturization from the soil.
Interesting question: Water peace lily from top or bottom!
Root rot is a serious plant disease that can be fatal if not addressed. It affects any plant and requires regular monitoring. If the root system becomes too rotten, the only option is to destroy the plant or condemn it. It is crucial to collect weekly reports on the growth of your peace lily.
