As most Peace Lily owners know, the plant continues to grow in size for a few years. Because of that, you’ll likely need to move the plant into a new container every once in a while. So, if you’re wondering about repotting Peace Lilies, you’ve come to the right place.
Repotting the plant involves removing most of the excess soil around the roots. Then, it’s a matter of finding the right container and moving the Peace Lily. You may also have to water the soil to secure it in the new pot.
In this article, we’ll discuss the details of repotting your Peace Lily. We’ll also cover the importance of moving your plant into a larger pot over time.
Peace Lily Growth
After owning a Peace Lily for a while, you may notice that the plant increases in size. It’ll start growing new leaves and flowers.
During this time, the Peace Lily will need to develop fresh roots to support the new structures.
This shouldn’t be an issue for the first few months. Then, the roots will begin to overcrowd the pot and contort over each other.
In that case, the roots won’t be able to absorb any water or minerals from the soil. That will cause the Peace Lily to wilt and fade away.
So, in order to keep your plant healthy, you’ll need to move it into a larger pot. This will ensure that the roots have enough room to branch out.
At this point, you may ask, why not just place the Peace Lily in a giant container from the get-go? The answer to that question has to do with resource allocation.
When you water or fertilize a plant, you sprinkle the nutrients across the surface of the soil. Then, these substances will slowly diffuse through the growing medium over time.
If you use too much soil, the roots won’t be able to reach most of the water and minerals. For that reason, a massive pot may actually end up hurting your Peace Lily.
Repotting Frequency
Since the roots are usually in soil, it can be challenging to pinpoint when you need to repot the plant.
Typically, a Peace Lily will need a fresh pot once a year. Yet, depending on how you maintain your plant, this can change.
Sometimes, Peace Lillies can require up to three repots throughout the year.
If you’re not familiar with your Peace Lilies growth cycle, you may have to rely on visual cues.
Check on the surface of the pot and look for any signs of overcrowding. You should be able to see a few roots poking out of the soil or the drainage holes.
However, you can also use a water test to figure out if your plant needs a larger pot. All you have to do is remove the pot from the drainage collector and place it in a bowl.
Then, pour about two or three cups of water into the soil and wait for a few minutes. If most of the water drains out of the pot, then the roots are root-bound.
That means that there’s no space for water between the roots. When that happens, the soil can’t retain any liquids, resulting in the plant drying out.
Ideal Repotting Time
When you decide to repot your Peace Lily, you want to make sure that it’ll survive the move. So, to increase the chances of success, you want to relocate the plant when it’s at its healthiest.
This is usually around springtime. The Peace Lily has enough warmth and sunlight to grow and even bloom.
However, you can still carry out the repotting process at other times during the year. The trick is to avoid the cold seasons.
As soon as the temperature drops below 60°F, some of the Peace Lilies structures will freeze over. That makes the plant especially vulnerable to breaking and other damage.
So, wait until it’s sunny and warm outside.
In case you can’t avoid repotting in the winter, you can use a heating lamp. Direct the lamp at your Peace Lily for 15 to 20 minutes before you move the plant.
This will ensure that the plant structures thaw out and are malleable enough to relocate.
Repotting Peace Lilies
Now that we covered the importance of repotting the plant, let’s look at how to do it. Here’s the step-by-step guide you can follow to relocate your Peace Lilies:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
While you’re repotting the Peace Lily, the plant may go into shock if the process takes too long. The roots and leaves will begin to dry out after about an hour in the open air.
That’s why it’s crucial that you have all your tools and materials ready before you start the process. This way, you don’t risk damaging the plant.
Here’s what you’ll need to repot a Peace Lily:
- Slightly larger pot
- Soil mix
- Butter knife
- Rice hulls
- Coffee filters
- Gloves
- Protective mask
- Garden shovel
- Garden shears
- Microfiber towel
- Plastic tarp
When picking out a new pot for your Peace Lily, there are a couple of factors to consider. First off, you want to choose the appropriate size.
As a rule of thumb, you want a pot that’s two inches larger in diameter and height than the old one. This should give your plant enough room to grow for a while.
Other than that, you also want to consider materials. Clay pots are usually the best way to go. You can also use a glass vase if you prefer.
Yet, avoid using metallic or plastic containers for Peace Lilies in soil. These materials may affect the composition of the growing medium.
Step 2: Set Up Your Workstation
Repotting Peace Lilies is a messy process. You’ll likely spill a little soil as you work with the plant.
So, to keep your home clean, it’s best to set up a workstation before you begin the process. To do that, find a nice, quiet area.
Then unfold your plastic tarp and lay it on a flat surface. After that, place all the tools around you so you can reach them as you work.
Finally, put on your gloves and mask, and you’re ready to get your hands dirty.
Step 3: Remove Your Peace Lily From the Pot
Coaxing a root-bound plant out of its pot can be slightly challenging. Since the roots fill up the container, they’ll push the soil up against the pot.
This creates a force that’ll keep the Peace Lily in place. So, you’ll need to relieve some of this tension before the plant slides out of the pot.
To do that, grab your trusty garden shovel. Using the tip of the tool, start digging two-inch holes into the surface of the soil.
Doing so will loosen up the roots and allow them to come apart.
Then, pick up your butter knife and run it around the inner diameter of the pot. What you’re trying to do here is separate the soil and roots from the container.
Finally, tip over the pot and slide out the plant. While you do this, ensure to keep the flowers and leaves safe.
Step 4: Clean Out the Roots
When the Peace Lily comes out of the pot, chances are the roots will exit as a giant clump. So in order to replant this flower, you’ll have to break up this large mass.
There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest by far is with your hands. Grab a hold of the soil and roots and apply a small amount of pressure with your fingers.
You should start to see the soil crumble apart and fall off. Be careful not to damage any healthy roots during this process.
After that, it’s a good idea to wash out the roots with a bit of water. Move the plant into your sink and turn the tap on using the lowest pressure setting.
Let the water wash over the roots for a few minutes, then set them aside to dry off.
Step 5: Plant the Peace Lily in the New Pot
Now that you have your new container and a clean Peace Lily, you can combine the two.
First off, you’ll need to prepare your growing medium. Add a cup of rice hulls to every three cups of soil.
This creates a mixture that can support the plant and stop the roots from clumping together.
After that, place the pot on a flat surface, and line the bottom with coffee filters. This will stop the soil from seeping out of the drainage holes.
Then, scoop a few cups of soil into the container. You want to create a base layer that’s about two inches thick.
Next, add the plant to the pot, and fill in the empty space with the growing medium.
Finally, add water to the pot to pack the soil and roots together. You can also do a bit of pruning to shape your plant.
Wrapping Up
Repotting Peace Lilies is a straightforward process. Start by gathering your tools and materials, including a new, larger pot.
Then, set up your workstation and remove the plant from its container. After that, brush off any excess soil and clean out the roots.
Finally, use a mixture of soil and rice hull to replant the Peace Lily.
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