Peace lilies, loved for their low-maintenance nature and air-purifying abilities, could be suffering at the hands of their well-meaning owners, the Royal Horticultural Society warns. Keen gardeners are being told they're making a fatal error when it comes to watering these popular houseplants — it's all about finding that perfect balance to avoid root rot due to overwatering. The RHS cautions: "The roots can rot if the compost is damp for long periods, so take care not to overwater.".
Drooping leaves are a tell-tale sign your peace lily needs a drink, recovering quickly once watered, but remember, a clean-up of the leaves with a damp cloth is crucial for better photosynthesis. The experts also recommend switching the water source from tap to rainwater to help peace lilies thrive. Natalie Devereux of Serenata Flowers echoes this sentiment, warning against the use of tap water's fluoride content as it could harm peace lilies, which have a sensitivity to it.
She advises: "Peace lilies don't like being overwatered, so don't water on a schedule as it is likely they will need less in the winter than the summer when the external conditions are warmer.". Furthermore, during the colder months, she suggests bringing the rainwater to room temperature to avoid shocking these delicate blooms, reports the Express. Thirsty houseplants are sending out an SOS, and it's vital to watch for tell-tale signs that they need a drink.
