Help me with my peace lily please!

This peace lily is from my dads funeral so it's very important to me that it lives and grows to look like the beautiful plant it is. It's way passed time for this plant to be repotted, problem is that every time I repot a peace lily, it dies! I'm hoping someone can help me by telling me the best and proper way to repot this plant. I posted a few pics incase anyone notices anything else about the plant that shows what I may be doing wrong. Thank you all so much in advance!
  26 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 21, 2017

    What kind of potting soil did you use?When was the plant repotted?Did you use any fertilizer after repotting the plant? What was the temperature at the time of repotting? Did you put the plant in the next size container?

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    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 22, 2017

      Brans as miracle grow,shultz,or scotts potting oil should work very well.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 21, 2017

    Thats really special, I hope this helps you out

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Feb 21, 2017

    You might take it to a local nursery and ask them how to perpetuate this special plant. I have a friend with a gardenia tree who has it taken every year to the nursery and later they dleiver it back in bloom.

  • Lindcurt Lindcurt on Feb 21, 2017

    Repotting plants is best done in the early spring. Even thought they spend the winter in the house they are in a resting stage because of less light. When the day's light is longer they grow faster. When repotting do not select a pot that is a lot larger than the last one. About an inch of extra room on both sides of the pot is big enough. Teasing the roots out when removing from the old pot is a good thing. You don't have to loosen them all, just the ones around the outside . I use a table fork and just kind of work them out into strings. Then do what Janet says with the soil. Peace lilies don't nee a lot of direct light but it doesn't hurt them either. Just keep consistently moist. They are pretty easy to grow. They grow well outside in the summer but not in full sunlight. Set it on the porch where it gets morning light and afternoon shade.

    • Kathie Hodges Conrad Kathie Hodges Conrad on Feb 22, 2017

      Thank you so much for the info! I always thought the heat from outside would kill them. I've already lost one peace plant and a mini gardenia bush due to my poor gardening skills so what you just told me helps a great deal!

  • I learned from experience that peace lilies do NOT like "city" water. I've killed a few watering from my kitchen faucet. I now water mine with bottled, well or rain water.

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    • Kathie Hodges Conrad Kathie Hodges Conrad on Feb 25, 2017

      Stephanie Mitchell how do I know if I have hard or soft water?

  • Jane A Markham Jane A Markham on Feb 22, 2017

    Definitely a bigger pot. I've transplanted peace lilies many times, and when doing so also trim some of the older growth from the bottom. I've also divided them, which you may like to do to have even more plants.

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    • Kathie Hodges Conrad Kathie Hodges Conrad on Feb 23, 2017

      I will be using tepid water from now on Janet Pizaro, thanks to you! My husband was watering it and not telling me so I believe they got too much water. I've asked him not to water the plants anymore 😁

  • Lindcurt Lindcurt on Feb 22, 2017

    They are a tropical plant so they do OK outside. Just keep them in a spot wnder a deciduous tree so it gets shade most of the day. On the porch close to the house is good too. Just keep it moist but not soaking wet.

  • Kathi M. Miles Kathi M. Miles on Feb 22, 2017

    Hi Kathie! My name is Kathi, and like you, I can't seem to able to keep a peace lily alive for very long. I have one now that has lived for over a year and now is almost dead. I too am learning from this discussion!

    • Kathie Hodges Conrad Kathie Hodges Conrad on Feb 23, 2017

      Hi Kathi nice to meet you! I'm glad I'm not the only one, my sisters make fun of me because it seems like I kill every plant I get

  • Charmaine Swan Charmaine Swan on Feb 23, 2017

    Put in a bigger pot. It loves water, but not waterlogged.. Some light is good for it too. Not direct hot sun.

  • Bea Bea on Feb 23, 2017

    Make sure your plant has drainage, that is so important. Don't use moisture control miracle grow potting soil either, because I almost killed my boston fern with it. I kept thinking it was dry and because the pot was so large, I didn't realize I was drowning the roots 😔. This plant was over 30 years old! I just about lost the whole plant!

  • Wildviolets101 Wildviolets101 on Feb 23, 2017

    I own over 8 Peace Lily's and they do love water, in fact you CAN grow them in only water if you prefer, but they do grow in potting soil also ;) put them in a bigger pot so no part of them is sticking out of the pot except the leaves Hun...and they love bright light, NO sun shining on them directly, and plant them by themselves if they are clustered together, and since you said they were from your Dad's Funeral (Condolences, sorry to hear) ask your Dad to help guide you with them :)

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    • Terri Terri on Jun 07, 2018

      I can't believe I saw this site. I have 2 peace lilies from my dad's funeral as well. And I, too, have NEVER been able to keep a plant alive. y dad, though, had a real green thumb. When it came time to repot them to a bigger pot, I was terrified and so a friend's mom who says she has a green thumb offered to do it. It cam e back looking just ok but in a WAY bigger pot. Then I "talked" to my dad and felt him encouraging me to do the other one myself so I did. It looks way better than the other one. But now I am desperately trying to salvage the sick one. Thinking I may need to head to the nursery for some help.

  • Kathi M. Miles Kathi M. Miles on Feb 23, 2017

    Yeah, I used to be able to actually save just about any plant that was dying! I just have never had any luck with a peace lily! If it's still alive, I think I will try to re-pot mine and put it on the front porch this summer. I've never changed it out of the pot it was in a year ago in December when my daughter brought it to the hospital for me after my cancer surgery.

  • Eileen B. Eileen B. on Feb 24, 2017

    Before you water your plants lift them up if they feel light they need water, water them just until you feel the weight increase. Always empty any excess from the saucer. Also if your plant pot does not have a drain hole you need to add some drainage material, I prefer dollar store marbles. ( Remember to keep a marble in your purse or pocket in case you lose yours. LOL)

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 24, 2017

    Do not put marbles in the pot it will create root rot.As stated already went the plant feels dry to the touch use tepid water.If for some reason it was not watered and droopy then place it in a tray with tepid water so it wets the roots enough to lift the plant.Once done remove from the standing water.

  • Sue16271512 Sue16271512 on Feb 25, 2017

    Needs a bigger pot for sure. I always put mine in an east facing window, so it only gets the morning sun. I water mine once a week. Good luck!

  • Att6564738 Att6564738 on Feb 25, 2017

    I have had my peace lily for over five years. I water mine only when the soil becomes dry -about once a week. I trim off any brown leaves at the end of the stalk. I'm not sure if a plant expert would recommend that, but it encourages growth in my plant. Also, I have it front of a window with blinds, and I make sure the blinds are open daily.


    My condolences to you on the loss of your father. It sounds like you had a very special relationship with him. Just know that your memories and the love you shared will endure for your entire life no matter what happens with the plant...

  • Jane A Markham Jane A Markham on Feb 25, 2017

    How about the soil? What is it planted in? If it's root bound by being in the small pot that could be part of the problem. Roots gotta breathe! Hope this helps!

  • Wildviolets101 Wildviolets101 on Feb 25, 2017

    Happy to hear you talk with your Dad Hun, and since this plant is so very important to you because of what it means to you because of him, ask away...I'm sure he'd love to help! It sounds like you both have a very loving relationship!


    Ivies need bright light, Without enough light, inside ivy plants will become leggy and sickly looking. They will also be more prone to pests.When watering your ivy, always check the soil before adding water. Ivies prefer to be kept slightly on the dry side, so let the soil dry out some (dry to the touch on top) before you water your ivy plant again. Also, make sure that your plant has excellent drainage, as ivy does not like to be in standing water or overly wet soil.

    Caring for ivy plants should also include regular fertilizing. Fertilize your ivy about once a month in the spring, summer and fall with a water soluble, nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Do not fertilize in the winter, as this is the ivy’s dormant period and the fertilizer may do more harm than good at this time.

    Ivy houseplants benefit from periodic washing to remove dust and pests from their leaves. To wash your ivy plant, simply place the plant in the shower and allow the water to run over the plant for a few minutes. If you find the plant has a serious pest infestation, you may need to bring the spray closer to the plant to help knock off all the pests.


    Sorry if this is kinda long, just thought you'd might like a little help?

    Hope it does Hun,

    Good Luck from one plant lover to another! :)



  • Linda H Linda H on Feb 25, 2017

    When transplanting to a bigger pot, make sure the post is no more than 4 inches bigger than the present pot. It is normal for the outer leaves to turn yellow. I personally do not put plants outside in the summer. You risk the plant getting bugs and passing them to your other plants. Some plants do not like to be moved so it is better to keep them in all year.

  • Denise Denise on Feb 25, 2017

    Most answers are already here, but I also have a peace lily to remind me of someone I loved and lost -- two, in fact.


    But just to confirm, if you are going to use a ceramic pot, it must have drainage holes. And it looks like you are putting the plant in too small a pot. Un-plant it and put the plant in a new pot, about 4" larger than the one it came from, and make sure the root ball is covered with dirt and that the dirt ends about 1/2 inch down from the top of the pot. If you have already watered the plant in that smaller pot, you will need to wait a few days for the soil to become drier again.


    Drench the pot until you see the water coming out of the holes. Now quit. About 5 days later, stick your finger in the soil down to the first knuckle, and if it is still moist, do not water. Water only when the soil is dry about 1"inch down.


    Look up the zone where you live. (Google it), and if you live in the south, (Zone 7 and higher) you can leave this plant outside day and night beginning about now. Otherwise, in anything less than zone 7, this plant is only an indoor plant with daylight but not direct sunlight.


    You can cut off yellow leaves. You can cut off brown leaves. You will have some stubble when you do this, but they will be small and eventually fall off.


    At some point, you may see this plant flower. The flower will be white and look similar to its own green leaves. This could take a while, however, so do not worry if it does not happen.


    Take care.


    • Kathie Hodges Conrad Kathie Hodges Conrad on Feb 26, 2017

      Thanks for all that great info and yes I live in the South. My husband put his peace lily from his mothers funeral on our porch bc it was dieing and it just baked it. However after I did some research online, by the symptoms of the plant, I figured it was root rot. I've been too busy to repot yet but someone said earlier in the comments not to use miracle grow and I've got miracle grow fertilizer and peat moss. What are your thoughts on this if you don't mind me asking?

  • Toc15434384 Toc15434384 on Feb 26, 2017

    I agree larger pot and fertilizer

  • Ayesha Kamal Ayesha Kamal on Feb 26, 2017

    when I water it I put few drops of African violet plant food.it does wonder

  • Linda M. Taylor Linda M. Taylor on Feb 26, 2017

    It does need to be repotted and probably fed. Some nurseries will do it for you if you are afraid to do it yourself. I always give my plants a shot of B12 when I repot them. It keeps them from going into shock.

  • Pam Walker Pam Walker on Feb 26, 2017

    It's root-bound (too many roots for such a small pot). 1st of all, remove the plant from the pot & lay it gently on its side on newspaper or paper towels. If the roots feel wet, don't add any extra water when transplanting. If they're crumbly dry, water it at the end of the transplanting process. Here's my Grandmother's recipe for potted plants. Buy small bags of Top Soil, Peat Moss, Triple 8 Fertilizer & Potting Soil. She used Miracle Grow Potting Soil, regular Peat Moss, black colored Top Soil & fertilizer (doesn't matter the name). In a very large bucket, mix 1/2 & 1/2 Potting Soil & Peat Moss. Mix well. Sprinkle about 1/8 tsp. Triple 8 on top of the mixture. Mix well again. Get your pot & fill it with this mixture about 3/4's of the way to the top. Dig out a well in the center. Place your plant inside the well. Gently cover the roots & about 1-2 inches above the roots with this mixture. Next, use the top soil & place about 2 inches of top soil around your plant & smooth out evenly. **If roots were wet, don't water it now. If roots were dry & crumbly, then water it about 1 cup of water & let it go for at least a week without watering again. Insert your finger into the soil & if it feels bone dry, water it again with another cup of water. Don't over-water or it will cause the roots to rot (root rot) & the plant will die. GOOD LUCK! :)

    My Grandmother has a natural green thumb. One time, she took a plant that only had one stalk & a leaf & turned it into a gorgeous plant in just a few weeks with this recipe. She used it for ALL her potted plants, no matter what they were. I've used it for succulents & cacti too. It works. :)

  • Denise Denise on Mar 01, 2017

    If your peace lily already has root rot, then there might be little done to save it. Are you sure about this? Root rot takes a while to happen. And you would need to unpot it in order to see for sure. The previous reader who said not to use miracle grow or fertilizer and peat moss is absolutely right. If you want any chance at all of saving your plant, now is NOT the time to feed it. It is already under stress because it is in too small a pot. Giving it fertilizer will only add to its misery. I am sure it could take you only a few minutes to just get any pot that is even a few inches larger than the one you have and plant up this plant before you lose it altogether. Just plant it in ordinary potting soil and then water it. Then leave it alone for about a week or so. Really -- the simpler the solution, the better.