Why Is My Peace Lily Drooping After Repotting?

Peace lilies are popular houseplants known for their elegant white blooms and glossy, dark green leaves. They are relatively easy to care for, making them a favourite among novice and experienced gardeners.

Like any other plant, peace lilies may experience issues, such as drooping leaves, particularly after being repotted.

 

Common Reasons for a Drooping Peace Lily after Repotting

 

Transplant Shock

Transplant shock occurs when a plant experiences stress due to a sudden change in its environment, such as moving from a small pot to a larger one. 

The plant may take some time to adjust to its new home, leading to drooping leaves.

 

How to treat transplant shock

Be patient and give your peace lily time to adjust to its new environment. Avoid overwatering or fertilising during this period, as it may cause additional stress. 

The plant should recover within a few days to a couple of weeks.

 

Overwatering or Underwatering

Watering issues are another reason for your peace lily wilting. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to become dehydrated. 

Both conditions may cause the leaves to droop.

 

How to water peace lilies properly

Monitor your plant’s water needs carefully. Water your peace lily when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid letting it sit in standing water.

Use a well-draining soil mix to help prevent overwatering. If you suspect under-watering, water the plant thoroughly and monitor it closely to ensure it receives adequate moisture.

 

Damaged Roots

It is possible to inadvertently damage the roots of your peace lily during the repotting process. 

Damaged roots may struggle to take up water and nutrients, causing the plant to wilt and the leaves to droop.

 

How to prevent damaged roots

When repotting, be gentle when handling the root system. 

If you notice damaged roots, trim them with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears before planting. This will encourage new root growth and help the plant recover more quickly.

 

Poor Soil Quality

The soil mix used during repotting can significantly impact your peace lily’s health. A poor-quality soil mix may not provide the necessary nutrients or drainage, leading to drooping leaves.

 

How to amend the soil for your peace lily plant

Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix specifically designed for houseplants.

Otherwise, you can also amend the soil with

 

Too Much Direct Sunlight

When a repotted peace lily is placed in direct sunlight, its leaves can turn brown or yellow, curl up, and eventually droop. This is a sign of scorching, which can damage the plant.

 

How much light keeps a peace lily healthy?

To prevent this, placing your peace lily in a location that receives bright, indirect light is recommended. It can tolerate low light conditions, but its blooming may be less frequent.

Cut back any scorched leaves to allow the plant to focus its energy on new growth. Over time, with appropriate light and care, your peace lily should recover.

 

How to Keep Your Repotted Peace Lily Healthy

To minimise the risk of drooping leaves after repotting, consider the following preventative measures:

 

Gradual Adjustment

Before repotting, allow your peace lily to adjust to its new pot by placing it inside without transplanting for a few days. This will help the plant acclimate to the new environment gradually.

 

Proper Watering

Be mindful of your peace lily’s watering needs during the repotting process. Keep the root ball moist but not overly wet, and avoid letting it dry out completely.

 

Careful Handling

Take care when handling your peace lily during repotting to avoid damaging the roots. Handle the plant gently, and use clean, sharp tools to trim roots if necessary.

 

Quality Soil

Make sure to use high-quality, well-draining potting soil. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant and prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

 

Indirect Light

After repotting, place your peace lily in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to droop.

 

Correct Pot Size

Choose the right pot size. It should be only slightly larger than the previous one. A pot that’s too large can hold excess water, leading to overwatering and root rot.

 

FAQs about Peace Lilies Drooping After Repotting

 

How do you revive a droopy peace lily after repotting?

You can often revive a droopy peace lily after repotting. Peace lilies are relatively resilient plants, and they can recover from a range of issues with the right care.

Here are some steps you can take to help your peace lily bounce back:

1. Correct watering: If the soil is dry, water it thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes in the pot. If the soil is waterlogged, let it dry out for a few days before watering again.
2. Check lighting conditions: Peace lilies do best in bright, indirect light. If your plant gets too much direct sunlight, move it to a spot with more shade.
3. Inspect the roots: If your peace lily is still drooping after adjusting the watering and lighting, checking the root ball for damage is a good idea. Unpot the plant gently and inspect the roots. If you see any that are black, mushy or smell bad, trim them off. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
4. Place in the right temperature: Peace lilies prefer temperatures between 18-27°C. If the plant is too cold or too hot, it could cause it to droop.
5. Provide adequate humidity: Peace lilies like high humidity. If the air in your home is too dry, place a tray with pebbles and water under the plant or use a room humidifier.
6. Avoid over-fertilising: Peace lilies don’t require much fertiliser, and over-fertilising can harm the plant. If you suspect over-fertilisation, flush the soil with lots of water to remove excess fertiliser.

 

How long does it take a peace lily to recover after repotting?

The recovery time for a peace lily after repotting can vary based on the overall health of the plant and the conditions it’s kept in. 

On average, it might take a few days to a couple of weeks for your peace lily to fully recover and adjust to its new pot.

Remember, recovery takes time and patience. Continue providing optimal peace lily care — appropriate watering, indirect light, and comfortable temperatures — and your plant should return to its beautiful self.