I know how stressful it feels when your peace lily shows signs of root rot. Yellow leaves and a foul smell usually point to this problem.
But don’t worry! I’ve got the solution.
To save your peace lily from root rot, cut away the damaged roots, repot it in fresh soil, and adjust your watering habits. This gives your peace lily a fresh start.
There’s more to learn! Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through each step to save your plant.
What Causes Root Rot in Peace Lilies?
Root rot is like a plant sickness. It happens when roots stay wet for too long. The main cause is overwatering a peace lily. If the pot doesn’t drain well, the roots turn mushy. Then, fungi grow in the damp soil and attack the roots.
This is called fungal root rot, and it’s bad news for houseplants like peace lilies. Poor, waterlogged soil or pots without drainage make it worse. Knowing this helps you stop root rot before it starts.
Test your plant skills: Ask yourself—Does my peace lily sit in soggy soil? If yes, it’s at risk!
How to Tell if Your Peace Lily Has Root Rot
Watch for these signs: yellow or drooping leaves, slow or no growth, and roots that look brown and soft instead of white and firm.
You may also notice a bad smell from the soil, a clear warning. These signs mean it’s time to act quickly, or your peace lily could die.
What Healthy and Rotten Roots Look Like
To confirm root rot, check the roots. Healthy roots are white or light-colored, firm, and strong. Rotten roots are brown, soft, and mushy, often with a bad smell.
Think of it like fresh fruit versus spoiled fruit.
How to Save Your Peace Lily from Root Rot
Step 1 – Remove the Plant
First, take your peace lily out of its pot. Be gentle so you don’t hurt it more. Hold the base of the plant and tip the pot upside down. Tap it lightly if it’s stuck. Once it’s out, shake off the soil and look at the roots.
Healthy roots are white and firm. Sick roots with root rot are brown, soft, and sometimes slimy. This step helps you see how bad the problem is. It’s the start of reviving a dying peace lily.
Checklist: Are the roots white or brown? Firm or soft? Write it down to keep track.
Step 2 – Trim Affected Roots
Now, grab some clean scissors or a knife. Wash them with soap or wipe them with rubbing alcohol first. This keeps germs away.
Cut off all the brown, mushy roots. Only leave the white, healthy ones. Don’t be scared to cut a lot—removing the bad parts is how you save the plant. Throw the rotten roots in the trash so the sickness doesn’t spread. This is a key part of peace lily root rot treatment.
Tip: Pretend you’re a plant doctor doing surgery. Cut carefully to save your patient!
Step 3 – Repot with Fresh Soil
Next, give your peace lily a new home. Get a pot with holes in the bottom so water can drain out. Fill it with fresh, well-draining soil. You can buy a mix made for houseplants or mix regular soil with some sand or perlite.
Put the peace lily in the new pot and cover the roots with soil. Press it down lightly but don’t pack it too tight. Good peace lily soil drainage stops water from sitting around and causing more root rot.
Try this: Use a pot with a saucer. Empty the saucer after watering so the plant doesn’t soak in extra water.
Step 4 – Treat with Fungicide (If Needed)
Sometimes, root rot comes from fungi in the soil. If you see a lot of rot or it keeps coming back, use a fungicide. That’s a special plant medicine you can buy at a garden store.
Mix it with water like the bottle says, then pour it into the soil. This kills the fungi causing fungal root rot in houseplants. Be safe—wear gloves and keep it away from pets or kids. Not every peace lily needs this, but it can help if the problem is big.
Look at this: A small bottle of fungicide might say “Use 1 teaspoon per gallon of water.” Follow it exactly!
Preventing Root Rot in Peace Lilies
Perfecting Your Watering Routine
To keep root rot away, water your peace lily the right way. Stick your finger in the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, add water. If it’s still wet, wait a few days. A good peace lily watering schedule is about once a week, but it depends on your home.
Don’t let water sit in the saucer under the pot—that’s a root rot trap! Watering smart is the best way to prevent trouble.
Make it easy: Set a reminder on your phone to check the soil every Monday.
Choosing the Right Soil and Pot
The wrong soil or pot can hurt your peace lily. Use soil that lets water flow through, not stick around. A mix with perlite or sand works great. Pick a pot with holes in the bottom so extra water escapes.
This peace lily soil drainage trick keeps roots healthy. Avoid big pots, too—small ones dry out faster and stop overwatering problems.
Fun fact: A pot with holes is like a safety net for your plant. It catches mistakes!
FAQs About Peace Lily and Root Rot
Can a Peace Lily Recover from Root Rot?
Yes! If you catch it early and follow the right steps, your peace lily can recover. Trim the bad roots, repot it, and care for it properly. Most plants start looking better within a few weeks.
How Long Does It Take for a Peace Lily to Recover?
Recovery usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks. New green leaves or firm roots indicate it’s getting better. Be patient, and avoid overwatering during this period.
What If My Peace Lily Still Looks Bad?
If it doesn’t improve after a month, check again. You might have missed some rotten roots or the soil might still be too wet. Trim more if needed and adjust your watering. Sometimes it takes a second attempt to get it right.
What Does an Overwatered Peace Lily Look Like?
An overwatered peace lily shows yellowing leaves, wilting, brown tips, soggy soil, and may have a root rot smell.
How Do I Know If My Peace Lily Has Root Rot?
Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, and soft, brown, foul-smelling roots. Examine the roots for confirmation.
Can I Save a Peace Lily with Severe Root Rot?
Yes, but quick action is crucial. Remove the rotten roots, repot with fresh soil, and provide proper care to give it the best chance of recovery.
How Often Should I Water My Peace Lily?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, and always check for proper drainage.
Final Thoughts
Saving a peace lily from root rot is simple if you know what to do. Check the roots, cut the bad ones, repot in fresh soil, and water carefully. Now you can spot the signs of root rot in peace lilies—like yellow leaves or a bad smell—and fix it fast. With these tips, your plant will stay healthy and beautiful for years!
Want a happy, thriving Peace Lily? Start here: Peace Lily Care Guide
Happy Gardening!
