Peace lilies (spathiphyllum) are beautiful, low-maintenance houseplants that need relatively little fertilizer. However, they do still benefit greatly from regular fertilizing. The best fertilizer for peace lilies should be a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
A 20-20-20 formulation is a good choice. For optimal peace lily health and growth, you should fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring to fall). You can reduce the frequency to once a month during the winter.
It’s important to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength; the fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant and then watered in to ensure that the nutrients reach the roots. Over-fertilizing can irritate a peace lily’s delicate root system, so it’s best to err on the side of caution when fertilizing.
Finally, it’s a good idea to avoid fertilizing a newly-potted peace lily for at least six weeks, as it can be too weak initially to cope with fertilizer.
Does peace lily like acidic soil?
No, peace lilies do not prefer acidic soil. Although they can tolerate slightly acidic soils, ideally, they prefer a slightly neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH of 6-7. Overly acidic soil can sometimes cause the leaves of peace lilies to become chlorotic (yellowing of leaf veins).
It is recommended to test the soil pH and adjust the soil’s acidity, if necessary, prior to planting. The best soil for peace lilies includes a light mixture of peat moss, perlite and houseplant potting mix.
Make sure that the soil is well aerated and drains well – it should be kept a bit moist but not wet.
Is coffee grounds good for peace lily?
Yes, using coffee grounds on your peace lilies can be beneficial. Coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium, all of which are important for healthy plant growth. Peace lilies in particular rely on these nutrients to encourage strong and vibrant blossoms.
Coffee grounds can also help to make the soil more acidic, which many peace lilies prefer. Just make sure to use light additions of the grounds, as too much can have a negative effect and cause the soil to become too acidic or overly saturated.
Coffee grounds can also be used as a natural fertilizer, helping to boost nutrient levels in the soil. It’s best to keep your additions light, as the grounds can compacts quickly when wet, leading to drainage problems.
Additionally, it’s important to note that coffee grounds are slow to break down, so you will need to add more organic matter to keep your plant’s soil healthy.
Can you use Miracle Grow on peace lily?
Yes, you can use Miracle Grow on peace lilies. Miracle Grow is a popular choice for fertilizing a variety of houseplants, and peace lilies are no exception. When fertilizing the peace lily, you should look for Miracle Grow potting mix.
This mix has the perfect amount of nutrients to assist with the growth of the plant. Additionally, Miracle Grow offers a water-soluble fertilizer which can be used on houseplants every other week. To apply the fertilizer to the peace lily, mix it with enough water to cover the soil, and then pour it directly onto the soil.
It’s important to remember that over-fertilizing the peace lily can cause root burn, so it’s best to start with smaller amounts and increase if necessary. Additionally, you should not fertilize during the dormant period, as it won’t be necessary.
Do peace lilies like Epsom salts?
Peace lilies generally do not need any fertlizer, though they can benefit from the occasional application of an all-purpose plant food in liquid or granular form. While Epsom Salts can be used to supplement a potassium deficiency in some plants, peace lilies have very low needs for potassium and do not generally need to have it added as a supplement.
Instead, an application of general fertilizer once or twice a year is usually enough to keep this beautiful and hardy houseplant healthy.
Why does my peace lily have brown tips on the leaves?
Brown tips on the leaves of a peace lily can be caused by a variety of factors, including incorrect light, water, and temperature conditions. If your peace lily is exposed to too much direct sunlight, the result can be brown tips or spots on the leaves.
Similarly, underwatering or too much water can cause damage to the leaves of the plant, resulting in brown tips. If the plant is exposed to low temperatures or extreme temperature changes, such as being placed near a cold window, the leaf tips can become brown.
Additionally, overfertilizing the peace lily can be a possible cause of brown tips on the leaves due to excessive amounts of salt and minerals in the soil. To remedy the problem, ensure that your peace lily has the proper amount of light, water, and temperature and avoid overfertilizing the plant.
How often should you water a peace lily?
Peace lilies should be watered once a week, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. The exact amount of water needed will depend on the size of the pot and the amount of soil the plant is in, as well as the amount of light and temperature the plant is receiving.
During the summer, when the plant is actively growing, it may need to be watered more frequently. To determine when to water, stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil, up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
If it still feels moist, hold off on watering. Especially during the winter months, it’s important not to overwater – this can cause root rot.
What does an overwatered peace lily look like?
An overwatered peace lily is a common issue among gardeners and an issue that should be resolved as soon as possible. The signs of overwatered peace lilies include yellowing and browning of the leaves, drooping leaves and a wilting appearance, root rot, and mushy or slimy leaf texture.
If the leaves are brown, limp, and discolored, these signs indicate the plant is not holding its shape and may be beyond saving. Brown or yellowish spots, wilting leaves and a persistent wilting may all be indicators of overwatering.
If the soil is soggy and muddy, and even after leaving it to dry out, the soil continues to be too wet, this could also be an indication of overwatering. If the Plant has root rot, the white roots may become black and start to disintegrate.
Finally, if the plant has a slimy or mushy feel and look, it’s definitely an indication of overwatering. If you suspect your peace lily is overwatered, the best thing to do is to allow the roots to dry a bit and stop watering it for several days.
You may also want to repot it with fresh soil and water it with an appropriate amount.
What can I put on my peace lily soil?
You can put a variety of materials on top of the soil in your peace lily to improve the quality of the environment and reduce the chance of harmful bacteria or insects. Materials such as mulch, sand, bark chips, peat moss, and compost can all be used.
These materials will help the soil retain moisture and nutrients, improve drainage and aeration, reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases, and discourage weed growth. Additionally, adding a balanced fertilizer designed specifically for peace lilies or houseplants can help promote healthy growth.
Be sure to read the instructions on the back of the fertilizer package to determine the correct amount you should use. As you work on improving your soil with offerings such as these, check to make sure it is retaining moisture and not getting overwatered, which can have negative effects on the plant’s health.
Are eggshells good for peace lilies?
Yes, eggshells can be beneficial for peace lilies. The calcium carbonate within eggshells is the same type of fertilizer found in most plant-care products. The shells of the egg can act as a slow-release fertilizer and will help provide the peace lily with the necessary nutrients and minerals to thrive.
First, crush your eggshells into a powder and sprinkle it on the surface of your potting soil every month or two. As the soils and organic materials in the potting soil slowly break down, the calcium carbonate will slowly release into the soil providing an extra boost to your peace lily.
Additionally, the calcium carbonate in the eggshells can help to raise the alkalinity of the soil, which will help the peace lily to flourish. Finally, the eggshells can help to balance the pH of the soil, making it more hospitable for the peace lily.
Which plants do not like coffee grounds?
Most plants do not like coffee grounds because coffee is acidic. Coffee grounds can be added to the soil to alter its pH level, making it more acidic. However, there are a few plants that actually prefer acidic soil, such as roses, blueberry bushes, and azaleas.
For these plants, adding coffee grounds to the soil can be beneficial. Additionally, some acid-loving plants cannot tolerate large amounts of caffeine, so take care not to overdo it when adding coffee grounds to the soil.
As with any nutrient or soil amendment, adding too much can end up hurting rather than helping the plants in the long run.
Can you add coffee grounds directly to soil?
Yes, you can add coffee grounds directly to soil. Coffee grounds are a good amendment to your soil as they are very high in nitrogen, which plants need to be healthy. They also contain calcium and other minerals, as well as being slightly acidic, which helps to acidify alkaline soil.
Adding coffee grounds to soil helps to improve its fertility, retain moisture and discourage pests. Additionally, they can provide an additional source of food for beneficial organisms in the soil that help to break down the organic matter and convert it into usable nutrients for the plants.
Adding coffee grounds to soil can also help with drainage, aeration, and structure of the soil when used around the base of slow-growing plants, such as trees and shrubs. Lastly, coffee grounds are also a great source of compost material, as they are rich in carbon and nitrogen, as well as other minerals.
How can I encourage my peace lily to flower?
Encouraging your peace lily to flower can be done by following a few simple tips. Firstly, make sure your peace lily is in a place that gets sufficient indirect sunlight, such as a bright room near a window or in a location with bright, indirect light, such as under a shade tree.
Secondly, keep the soil of your peace lily consistently moist—about an inch deep. If you think the soil is getting too dry, mist the leaves to help it retain moisture. Finally, maintain a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to allow it to thrive.
Remember to apply a fertilizer specially formulated for houseplants every two to three weeks. Doing all of these things will give you the best chance of encouraging your peace lily to bloom.
What are signs of magnesium deficiency in a peace lily?
Signs of magnesium deficiency in a peace lily may include yellowing, browning, and wilting of foliage. In particular, pale yellow veins with dark green foliage can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Stunted, curved, and brittle growth can also occur if a peace lily is magnesium deficient.
In severe cases, the entire plant may exhibit yellowing and wilting. By applying magnesium-rich fertilizer or soil amendments and ensuring adequate irrigation, magnesium deficiency in peace lilies can be remedied.
What plants respond well to Epsom salts?
Many plants respond positively to the supplemental use of Epsom salts. These include roses, peppers, tomatoes, houseplants, trees, shrubs, and various flowers. When used properly, Epsom salts can help enhance a plant’s growth and production of flowers, creating stronger and greener stems, foliage and fruit.
The magnesium and sulfur found in Epsom salts can also play a vital role in providing the essential nutrients for healthy seed germination and overall plant health. But it’s important to note that the supplemental use of Epsom salts should be used in moderation and according to what’s recommended for the specific plant.
Overuse, or the use of too much all at once, can cause the salts to build up to concentrations that might harm the plant. As such, it’s important to always check and read the instructions on the label to ensure proper use and successful and safe application of the salts.
