Peace lilies, admired for their beautiful white flowers, can bloom year-round with the right care. They need ample sunlight, warmth, and water to thrive.
However, with the arrival of autumn, many plant lovers overlook the need to adjust their watering routines. Peace lilies need less water in cooler weather.
Matt Slaymaker, gardening expert at Lively Root, warns against overwatering during this season. Excess water can impede growth and halt flower production, as reported by the Express.
Slaymaker notes that while summer soil dries quickly, requiring more frequent watering, “During the summer, your plant’s soil will likely dry out quickly and require more frequent watering.”
In contrast, winter conditions cause the soil to retain water longer due to increased moisture in the air. “The opposite happens in the winter when the plant’s soil tends to lose water at a snail’s pace,” he explains.
To properly water your peace lily in winter, avoid a fixed schedule. Instead, check the soil moisture weekly by feeling it with your finger.
“If the soil feels moist, skip watering for a day or two. If the soil feels dry, give your plant plenty of water,” Slaymaker advises.
Maintaining a balance is crucial. Allowing the soil to dry slightly before watering helps prevent both overwatering and underwatering.
Slaymaker also highlights the signs of improper watering: “Overwatered plants have yellow, wilting leaves and soggy soil, while underwatered plants show droopy leaves and dry soil.”
Peace lilies thrive in humidity. Spritzing them with water from a spray bottle every few days can be beneficial. They also do well in the humid conditions of a bathroom or kitchen.
As autumn progresses, avoid placing your peace lilies near hot radiators or drafty windows, as these conditions can deplete moisture and affect blooming.
To boost flowering during the cooler months, consider using banana peels as a natural fertilizer.
“Flowering plants like peace lilies benefit from banana water, which is rich in potassium,” Slaymaker explains. Potassium promotes healthy blooms, strong roots, and disease resistance.
To make this natural fertilizer, place a banana peel in a jar, fill it with water, and let it steep for a few days. After straining the peel, use the potassium-rich water to nourish your peace lily’s soil.
Use this fertilizer once a month, with one banana peel per plant. Overuse can lead to overfertilization or mold, so moderation is key.
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