Does My Peace Lily Need a New Pot?
Knowing when to repot a peace lily is important. If your plant is rootbound, it’s definitely time for repotting. For example, you may notice roots growing through the drainage hole or emerging on the surface of the soil. The easiest way to tell if your peace lily is rootbound is to slide the plant carefully from the pot so you can see the roots. A severely rootbound plant is unable to absorb water because the roots are so tightly packed. The plant will wilt because even though you may water generously, liquid simply runs through the drainage hole. If your peace lily is severely rootbound, it’s best to repot as soon as possible. If your plant can wait a little longer, spring is the ideal time for repotting a peace lily.
Steps for Repotting Peace Lily Houseplants
Select a slightly larger pot with a diameter only 1 or 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) more than the current container. Avoid planting in a larger container, as the moisture retained in the excess potting soil may cause the roots to rot. Cover the drainage hole with a coffee filter or a small piece of mesh to keep potting mix from washing through the hole. Water the peace lily an hour or two before repotting. Place fresh potting mix in the container. Use just enough so that once repotted, the top of the plant’s root ball will be about ½ to 1 inch (1-2.5 cm.) below the rim of the container. The goal is for the plant to sit at the same level it was situated in the old pot; burying the plant too deeply may cause the plant to rot. Slide the peace lily carefully from its current pot. Tease the rootball gently with your fingers to release the compacted roots. Place the peace lily in the new container. Fill in around the root ball with potting mix, then firm the mix gently with your fingers. Water lightly to settle the soil and then add a little more potting soil, if needed. Again, it’s important to situate the plant at the same level it was planted in its old pot. Place the plant in a shady area for a couple of days. Don’t worry if the plant looks a little bedraggled for the first few days. Slight wilting often occurs when repotting peace lily houseplants. Withhold fertilizer for a couple of months after repotting a peace lily to give the plant time to settle into its new home. Note: Peace lily repotting is a perfect time to divide a mature plant into new, smaller plants. Once you’ve removed the plant from its old pot, remove offshoots carefully and plant each one into a small pot filled with fresh potting mix.
