Indoor gardeners often fall in love with Peace Lilies, whether gifted or bought to add to their collection. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for beginners and have beautiful flowers that stand out amidst the lush green leaves.
However, sometimes these leaves don’t stay as vibrant as we’d like. They develop brown tips, giving them a sad and stressed appearance, leaving us wondering what went wrong.
If the lower and older leaves of your Peace Lily are turning brown at the tips and gradually covering the entire leaf, don’t be alarmed. This is a normal part of the plant’s aging process. As Peace Lily leaves grow older, they naturally fade at the tips before eventually falling off. This allows new leaves to emerge and prevents the plant from wasting energy on dying leaves.
To address this, simply trim off the brown leaves to redirect the plant’s energy towards new growth. Alternatively, you can wait for the leaves to fall off naturally and remove them from the base of the plant. Just make sure not to leave them sitting in the soil for too long, as they can attract pests and encourage diseases.
Lack of Moisture
Peace Lilies love moisture, so a lack of water can cause significant stress to these plants. When the leaves don’t receive enough moisture, they may wilt and develop brown tips.
To solve this issue, make sure you water your Peace Lily adequately. Providing the right amount of moisture will prevent browning and improve wilting within a few hours. Adjust your watering schedule to prevent this problem from occurring in the future.
Just as under-watering can cause brown tips, overwatering can lead to the same issue. Some gardeners mistakenly believe that Peace Lilies need excessive amounts of water, leading to soggy soil.
Soggy soil is harmful to all houseplants, including Peace Lilies. It encourages fungal growth and deprives the roots of oxygen, resulting in root rot. If you suspect overwatering, allow the plant to dry out before watering again. If the brown tips continue to spread, you may need to repot the plant to remove any traces of root rot.
Lack of Drainage
Proper drainage is crucial for any potted plant, including Peace Lilies. Without adequate drainage holes, excess water can accumulate in the soil and cause root rot.
Make sure your Peace Lily is planted in a container with drainage holes. If you’re using a decorative cover pot without drainage holes, or if you leave the plant in a drip tray without removing excess moisture, it can lead to the death of the plant. Ensure that the excess water can drain away and allow air to flow freely through the soil.
Using the wrong soil mixture can also contribute to root rot in Peace Lilies. They require a well-draining soil that retains some moisture.
When repotting, use a light and well-draining soil mix to keep the plant happy. A ratio of two parts high-quality potting soil to one part perlite and one part coconut coir is recommended. You can also use peat moss, but coconut coir is a more sustainable alternative. Matching the texture of the soil mixture to the previous mix can prevent transplant shock and help the plant thrive in its new home.
Sudden Temperature Changes
Peace Lilies thrive in consistent temperatures and cannot tolerate cold conditions. Exposure to sudden temperature changes, especially cold ones, can cause stress and result in brown leaf tips.
To prevent this problem, keep your Peace Lily in the warmest room with the most stable temperatures in your home. Avoid placing them near windowsills that can get cold during winter or in drafts caused by open windows or air conditioners.
Lack of Humidity
Peace Lilies are from rainforest habitats and thrive in high humidity. When the air lacks moisture, the leaves conserve moisture by stopping vital processes, leading to yellowing and browning at the tips.
To increase humidity around your Peace Lily, you can mist the leaves regularly or place a tray of water nearby. Another option is to group multiple plants together to create a microclimate with higher humidity.
Overfertilizing is a common mistake when trying to boost the growth of Peace Lilies. Excess fertilizer can “burn” the roots and cause yellowing and browning of the leaf tips.
If you suspect overfertilization, flush the soil by rinsing it with filtered water to remove the excess salts. Avoid fertilizing for several months afterward to prevent further issues. Always follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer packaging and apply at half strength to prevent salt buildup.
Using Tap Water
Some tap water contains chemicals, such as chlorine, that can harm Peace Lilies. Watering with tap water can lead to soil imbalances and root problems, resulting in brown leaf tips.
If you live in an area with heavily treated tap water, consider using filtered water or allowing the water to sit out for 24-48 hours before watering. This allows the chlorine to dissipate and reduces the likelihood of soil imbalance.
Peace Lilies thrive in bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and develop brown patches.
To prevent leaf browning due to excessive sunlight, place your Peace Lily in an area with bright but indirect light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, especially for extended periods. While Peace Lilies can tolerate low light conditions, it’s best to provide them with sufficient light if you want them to produce their iconic white flowers.
Bottom watering can be beneficial for your Peace Lily as it allows the roots to absorb water more effectively. However, solely relying on bottom watering can lead to problems.
To ensure the health of your Peace Lily, alternate between top and bottom watering methods. This will flush the soil and prevent the accumulation of excess salts. Water from the top every few weeks to maintain a healthy balance.
Remember, taking care of your Peace Lily’s needs will result in lush, green leaves without brown tips. With the right amount of moisture, proper drainage, suitable soil, and ideal lighting conditions, your Peace Lily will thrive and bring joy to your indoor garden. For more information and high-quality plant care products, check out the Ames Farm Center.