Is your beloved peace lily wilting away after being repotted? It’s a distressing situation that many plant lovers face. But fear not, my friend, for I am here to unravel the secrets behind this issue and provide you with the answers you seek. The reasons I’ll uncover may surprise you, as they are often overlooked but play a significant role in the health of your peace lily after repotting. So, let’s dive in and discover the mysteries behind your dying peace lily.
Why is Your Peace Lily Suffering After Repotting?
1. You Didn’t Loosen the Root Ball Before Repotting
One crucial step that often goes unnoticed is loosening the root ball before repotting. Picture this: You carefully removed your peace lily from its old pot, only to find tightly packed roots. Excitedly, you placed it in a larger pot without loosening the root ball or teasing the roots apart. But here’s the catch: if your plant was severely root bound, the water you provide after repotting may struggle to penetrate the tightly packed root system. The soil might feel moist, but the water may not have reached the roots. To solve this problem, simply take the plant out of its pot, loosen the root ball, and then replant it. If you’d like a step-by-step guide on repotting peace lilies, I have just the article for you to follow along with.
2. Soil is Too Dry
Dry soil can be caused by various factors. One possibility is that the new potting mix you used is excessively dry. Some potting mixes, especially those with peat moss, can become hydrophobic when extremely dry. If you notice that the water you pour onto the new potting mix just sits on top and takes a while to be absorbed, keep watering repeatedly until you can feel, with your finger, that the mix has been sufficiently moistened. Avoid relying on moisture meters, as they tend to be unreliable. Water the plant until it escapes through the drainage holes, and you’ll be on the right track. Depending on the initial dryness of your mix, this may require multiple watering sessions.
Improper watering is another culprit. If you’re barely adding any water out of fear of overwatering, your peace lily will suffer. Its roots need to be thoroughly moistened. If you water sparingly, you’ll leave dry patches in the soil, which can harm the roots. Remember, peace lilies despise dry soil. Make sure to water thoroughly until excess water drains through the holes at the bottom of the pot.
3. You Repotted into Terra Cotta
While potting peace lilies into terra cotta pots isn’t inherently wrong, it can be counterproductive. Peace lilies thrive in moist conditions, and terra cotta pots tend to dry out quickly. If you’re diligent with watering, you can make it work. However, if maintaining consistent moisture levels poses a challenge, it’s best to avoid using terra cotta pots for your peace lilies.
4. You Repotted into a Pot Much Too Big
When repotting, it’s generally advisable to increase the pot size by only one size. For instance, if your peace lily was in an 8-inch diameter pot, opt for a 10-inch diameter pot during repotting. Choosing a significantly larger pot can lead to prolonged soil moisture, especially if the soil doesn’t drain well and the plant is placed in a low-light area. This excessive moisture can then contribute to root rot.
Final Thoughts
Your peace lily deserves the best care even after being repotted. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your plant thrives. Remember to loosen the root ball, water thoroughly, choose an appropriate pot, and maintain the ideal pot size. With these tips, your peace lily will continue to be a beautiful reminder of your loved ones.
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