Why is my peace lily drooping?

QUESTION: Why is my peace lily drooping? I bought it several months ago, and it was fine at first but now I’m having problems with it. – Elizabeth K

GARDENING CHANNEL’S JENNIFER POINDEXTER REPLIES: Your peace lily could be drooping for a variety of reasons. The first reason is the amount of water you’re supplying the plant.

These plants love water, but it’s possible to both over and under water them. It’s best to water the peace lily deeply and check the soil each time prior to watering.

If the soil is dry to your first knuckle, water the plant again. If not, wait a few days before testing the soil.

The next reason your peace lily may be drooping is because it’s receiving too much light. Some plants thrive in bright, direct lighting.

Others need a little less direct light. Peace lily belongs in the second category. It prefers bright, indirect light in its growing location.

If you place your plant in a location with too much sunlight, the leaves will droop. The plant may also dry out and turn brown.

The plant should produce new growth if the lighting is accurate in its growing location. Droopy leaves mean too much light. Lack of new growth means too little light. Look for signs from your plant to know if the lighting needs to be adjusted in its growing location.

Our next reason why your plant may be drooping is because it’s placed in a location where the temperatures are fluctuating.

The peace lily is native to tropical areas. Temperatures don’t typically vary by large amounts in these areas. Therefore, your plant needs consistency.

Ensure you’re providing a growing location with temperatures between 70- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t place your peace lily in areas where it’ll receive a draft. This includes near doorways, air conditioners, or even placed too close to a wood stove or fireplace. All of these things can make your plant wilt.

The final reason your peace lily may be drooping is due to pests. When a plant becomes infested with bugs, they literally suck the life out of it.

Common pests which impact peace lilies are aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Treat these pests by spraying the plant with soapy water or by using an insecticide.

Either way, the sooner you remove the pests, the better chance your peace lily has of surviving their attacks.

Take these pointers into consideration if you have a droopy peace lily. Examine your growing conditions, how you’re caring for the plant, and ensuring nothing is utilizing your plant as a source of food.

Once you locate the issue, correct it and be patient. It may take some time for your plant to bounce back from the distress it’s been under. Hopefully, it’ll make a full recovery, so you can enjoy the beauty this plant brings to your home.

Peace Lily Quick Reference Growing Chart

Property	Description
Height/Spread	Most peace lilies grow between 1 to 4 feet tall and wide
Ornamental Features	Dark green oval leaves that narrow to a point, white flowers resembling calla lilies
Culture	Flourish in well-drained potting mix, prefer moist soil, bright indirect light
Temperature	Daytime temperatures between 68 and 85 °F, nighttime temperatures about 10 °F cooler
Fertilizer	Use balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during spring and summer
Repotting	Repot if roots start growing through drainage holes or circle on top of soil surface
Species & Cultivars	‘Alliso’, ‘Domino’, ‘Jetty’, ‘Little Angel’, ‘Mauna Loa Supreme’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Starlight’, ‘Wallisii’
Problems	Few insect pests, potential issues with fungus gnats, mealybugs, spider mites, scales, root, and stem diseases
Flowering	Lack of flowering may occur in young plants or those growing in insufficient light