Worst summer watering mistake with peace lilies can kill them

Peace lilies, known for their striking beauty and low maintenance, thrive when watered correctly, a point emphasised by Lively Root's gardening expert Matt Slaymaker. Matt highlighted a common error among peace lily enthusiasts.

That, he said, was sticking to a rigid watering timetable, which can be detrimental, especially since these plants demand more hydration in warmer climates. He explained: "During the summer, your plant's soil will likely dry out quickly and require more frequent watering The opposite happens in the winter when the plant's soil tends to lose water at a snail's pace, due to excess moisture in the air."

For optimal care, it's advised to abandon a strict watering regime for peace lilies, opting instead to monitor the soil's moisture levels regularly, reports the Express.

Matt said: "It's a good time to water your peace lily again if the soil has slightly dried out. You can identify this by testing the top layer with your finger or if you notice that the soil surface is of lighter colour."

When it comes to watering, immerse the peace lily under tepid water until it seeps out from the bottom of the pot, ensuring a thorough soak. However, it's crucial to avoid letting peace lily roots marinate in water, as this can beckon pests and promote fungal infections.

Matt also warned against using water at extreme temperatures, as it can stress the plant, potentially causing leaf browning or even death, recommending mildly warm water as the ideal. However, it's crucial to ensure that the soil of a peace lily has only slightly dried out before watering again. Waiting too long can lead to stunted growth, resulting in a lack of leaves and flowers.

Matt advised: "You can look for the signs of stress to tell the difference between overwatered and underwatered plant lilies. While an overwatered plant will have yellow, wilting leaves, and smelly, soggy soil, an underwatered plant will have droopy leaves and dry soil."

Caring for a peace lily during the summer months is relatively straightforward as long as you monitor its soil and adjust watering based on moisture levels. However, you can also give your plant a boost by feeding it banana peel-infused water.

Matt added: “Flowering plants like peace lilies like banana water. This is because it’s rich in potassium, which helps the plant’s wellbeing.”

Potassium is a nutrient that enhances flowering, disease resistance, and water regulation in plants, helping a peace lily withstand high summer temperatures. The process is simple: place a banana peel in a jar of water and leave it overnight or for a couple of days.

Once the water turns cloudy, remove the peel by pouring the water into a jug or watering can and then water your peace lily. Watering your peace lily with this banana-infused water every few weeks during the summer will result in a thriving, healthy, and blossoming plant.