Root Rot on peace lily
What's Happening
Root rot in peace lilies is caused by chronic overwatering creating anaerobic soil conditions where fungal pathogens thrive. Key signs: persistent drooping despite moist soil, yellowing lower leaves, black/mushy/smelly roots (healthy roots are white/firm/crispy). Often triggered by pots without drainage, heavy moisture-retentive soil, or watering on schedules instead of checking soil moisture.
How to Fix It
- 1
Remove plant from pot immediately and gently rinse ALL soil from roots to inspect fully
- 2
Trim away all black, mushy, or foul-smelling roots with sterilized shears - cut back to firm white healthy tissue
- 3
Optional: Soak remaining roots in diluted hydrogen peroxide (1 tsp per gallon) for 10 minutes to oxygenate and kill bacteria
- 4
Repot in fresh, well-draining aroid mix (peat/perlite/bark blend) in a pot with drainage holes - do not reuse old soil
- 5
For severely damaged plants: propagate in water or damp sphagnum moss instead of soil until new roots form
- 6
Place in bright indirect light with 60-70% humidity; water sparingly until new growth appears
How to Prevent It
Always use pots with drainage holes. Water only when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry - peace lilies droop dramatically when thirsty but this signals watering time, not overwatering recovery. Use well-draining aroid mix with 20-30% perlite. Empty saucers after watering. Check soil moisture with finger test before every watering.