root rot on Peace Lily
Quick answer
If your Peace Lily has root rot, the most likely cause is: 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.
Start here:
- 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
Why Peace Lily gets root rot
Spathiphyllum
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 reverse root rot on Peace Lily
- 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
Keep root rot off this Peace Lily
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.