How to Revive a Peace Lily So It's Lush and Thriving Again, According to Experts

The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant native to tropical regions. It has lovely foliage and interesting flowers—a specialized white leaf acts as a backdrop for a spadix of tiny blooms. Peace lilies look terrific in containers placed thoughtfully around your home.

Naturally, we want to keep our peace lilies looking beautiful, but houseplants can be challenging at times, and there's always a learning curve with a new species. If your peace lily is looking a little under the weather, read our gardening experts' advice on how to revive it.

Signs of an Unhealthy Peace Lily

There are a few telltale signs that your peace lily is ailing and needs a boost.

• Yellow or browning leaves
• Leaves with spots
• Wilting, drooping, or collapsing leaves
• Lack of growth
• Brown leaf tips
• Foul odor coming from the soil

How to Save a Peace Lily From Overwatering

Peace lilies prefer soil that is consistently moist, which can lead to overwatering. "Check the soil moisture level with a moisture meter and water only when the top layer of soil is dry," says plant expert Lee Miller.

While adjusting your watering schedule can sometimes save a peace lily that's been overwatered, sometimes it's too far gone. If this is the case for your plant, repot it in a new container with fresh potting soil.

How to Save a Peace Lily From Underwatering

On the other hand, a lack of water can also put stress on your peace lily. Signs of underwatering include brown leaves or leaves that feel stiff or brittle. Peace lilies like moist soil, which you can test by sticking a finger in the soil and feeling for moisture. If it's dry to the touch, give your peace lily a drink until excess water runs through the drainage hole into the saucer, then dispose of any remaining water in the saucer.

How to Save a Peace Lily From Over Fertilizing

Over fertilizing a peace lily can cause too much salt to build up in the soil, resulting in the tips of its leaves turning brown. "If you feel the plant has been over fertilized, flush the soil with clean, filtered water to remove excess salts," says Miller.

If this doesn't work, remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots. If the roots look black and mushy, they're suffering from root rot. Trim away any black roots and repot the plant in a container with new potting soil.

How to Save a Peace Lily From Inadequate Light

While peace lilies are resilient plants that can survive in low light conditions, they prefer bright light, says Steinkopf. If growth has slowed or the leaves look droopy, consider moving your peace lily to a location with brighter (but not direct) light.

How to Save a Peace Lily From Insects or Disease

It's possible your peace lily is dying because of an insect infestation. "Common houseplant insects such as spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs can damage the plant," says Miller. Rubbing insecticidal soap on the leaves can treat some insect infestations.

Diseases and fungi can also cause trouble for your plant, says Steinkopf, but these issues aren't as common as insect problems. If your peace lily has a pest or disease, first figure out what the exact problem is and treat it accordingly, says Steinkopf.

Tips for Keeping Peace Lilies Healthy

Keep these expert-approved tips in mind when caring for your peace lily.

Increase Humidity

Peace lilies are tropical plants, so they need some humidity in the air. A range of 40 to 60 percent is ideal and matches the humidity level of many homes. If your home is drier than that (which can happen during winter) mist your plant or run a humidifier near it. Placing a pebble tray under the plant can also help with brown or crisp leaves, says Miller. 

Choose the Right Water Source

Watering with tap water high in salt content or chlorine can put stress on your plant, says Miller. Instead, water your peace lily with rain water or distilled water. In some cases, you can fill a container with tap water and allow it to sit for 24 hours before watering your peace lily as this can reduce the chemicals in the water.

Provide Adequate Care

The best way to keep your peace lily healthy is to ensure it is getting the right amount of sunlight, water, humidity, and nutrients. As long as its care needs are being met, your peace lily is likely going to thrive in your home.