How to Repot a Peace Lily the Right Way – Doing It Wrong or at the Wrong Time Could Seriously Set Back Growth
Learning how to repot a peace lily the right way and at the right time is vital for growing strong and healthy houseplants. Here's everything you need to know.
Mary H. Dyer
When it comes to low-maintenance houseplants, it doesn’t get much easier than a peace lily. They are well-liked by many plant enthusiasts because they are easy to care for and don’t need a lot of light to produce beautiful flowers. They also tolerate neglect and make good first-time houseplants.
Another benefit of growing peace lilies is that you don’t need to repot them very often. However, repotting a peace lily plant is occasionally necessary because root bound plants aren’t able to absorb nutrients and water and may eventually die.
When the time finally comes to move your plants into bigger pots, it’s essential to do it properly to avoid damage and plant stress. Here’s how and when to repot a peace lily the right way.
Signs It’s Time to Repot a Peace Lily
Peace lilies are one of those rare houseplants that actually prefer to be a root bound. One reason for this may be that they do not tolerate too much moisture in the soil.
A lot of soil in a pot retains more moisture, which can lead to root rot. When roots are tightly bound in a pot, excess water drains away more quickly, reducing the risk of root rot.
Peace lilies are happy when their roots are a little on the crowded side and only require repotting once every few years. But your plants will give you clear signals when they need a little more space. Here’s what to look out for.
The best way to tell it’s time for a bigger container is by looking at your plant’s roots. If your plant is root bound, 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 root bound is to slide the plant carefully from the pot so you can see the roots. A severely root bound plant is unable to absorb water because the roots are so tightly packed.
A drooping peace lily may be a sign it’s time to repot. This happens when the roots are so compacted that water runs straight through the drainage hole without being absorbed into the potting mix.
Don’t panic if this is the case. Repotting a peace lily isn’t difficult and your plant will soon rebound and grow like wild in its new, roomier pot.
When to Repot a Peace Lily
You can repot a peace lily any time, but some times are better than others. Spring or early summer after blooming is the best time to repot houseplants because they still have some growing season left to stretch out and develop their roots.
If a peace lily is in rough shape because the roots are very tightly bound, repot it right away. Don’t wait for the ideal time.
How to Repot a Peace Lily
Start with a pot that is just a little bit bigger than the current container. It should be no more than one or two inches wider in diameter. A larger pot will have too much soil and might retain enough moisture to cause root rot.
Water your peace lily a day before repotting or at least a few hours in advance. This gives the roots time to absorb some water, which reduces the inevitable stress that comes with transplanting.
Make sure your new pot has drainage holes and put a piece of mesh or a coffee filter in the bottom of your pot to keep soil from running out of the holes. Fill the container about one-third full of fresh, high-quality potting mix, like this one from Miracle-Gro that’s designed specifically for indoor plants.
Remove your peace lily carefully from its old container. If the roots are tightly compacted, loosen them carefully with your fingers so they can spread out in the new pot. Set the peace lily in the new pot.
Repotting is also a perfect time to divide your peace lily into new, smaller plants. Once you’ve taken the plant out of its old pot, remove offshoots carefully and replant each one into a small pot filled with fresh potting mix to expand your houseplant collection for free.
When repotting a peace lily into a new container, the top of the root ball should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the rim of the pot. If you bury it too deeply, you can get root rot.
Next, fill in around the root ball with your potting mix, then firm the soil lightly with your fingers. Water your peace lily well, allowing excess liquid to drip through the drainage hole.
Place your plant in a shady area for a couple of days. Don’t worry if it looks a little limp for the first few days. Slight wilting often occurs when repotting peace lily houseplants. Don't fertilize your peace lily for a couple of months after repotting to give your plant time to settle into its new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Repot Peace Lily While Flowering?
You can repot a struggling peace lily at any time, but avoid doing it during flowering if possible. Repotting usually causes some stress, which can damage the blooms.
Do Peace Lilies Like Big Pots?
Peace lilies do best in containers that keep them a little bit root bound. They do not do well in containers that are too large and give the roots too much space in the soil.
How Long Does It Take a Peace Lily to Perk Up After Repotting?
Even with the best efforts, houseplants get a little stressed during repotting. Expect to see some wilting after repotting a peace lily. Keep it watered, but not soggy. Hold off on fertilizer until it bounces back, which should happen within a few days to a week or two.
Explore Repotting Essentials
This repotting mat helps contain the mess when you're transplanting peace lilies indoors.
This scoop and brush set makes repotting and clean-up easier than ever!
A high-quality indoor plants potting mix like this one will help peace lilies grow big and strong in their new home.
