The Simple Weekly Check You Can Do To Keep Your Peace Lily From Browning

With their rich, rubbery foliage and stunning white blooms, peace lilies (Spathiphyllum sp.) are a houseplant beloved by many. But when they aren't happy, their leaves may turn brown. A relatively common problem in peace lilies, there are a few different reasons why this may happen. However, a weekly check can keep the peace lily from browning. Browning of the leaves is often caused by a lack of water. This means that you can avoid this issue from happening by checking the soil of your peace lily every week. 

Test the soil of your peace lily by sticking your finger into the potting mix. Feel for moisture about an inch below the surface, and if it feels dry, your peace lily could do with some water. A general rule when it comes to watering peace lilies is that you should keep the soil moist but not too soggy. It is all about balance, and testing with your finger can usually give you a good idea. Soggy soil can cause root problems, so if the water feels too wet, you may need to hold off on the watering.

The finger test method helps keep your peace lily leaves from browning due to a lack of water. However, peace lilies can also turn brown from excessive light, low humidity, and overfertilization. This means you need to make sure you are keeping your plant in a suitable location. Peace lilies can really suffer from too much sunlight, with their foliage getting scorched, so try to keep your plant somewhere where you get bright, indirect light. A bit of morning sunlight is usually fine, but definitely avoid that intense afternoon sun.

You should also be mindful when it comes to fertilizing your peace lily, as too much feed can cause its leaves to burn and turn brown. A little goes a long way with these houseplants, so give them a balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks during their growing season. When you feed them, only use one-quarter of the recommended amount. Lastly, consider the humidity your peace lily is receiving and if it is enough. It's helpful to consider the native environment your houseplants thrive in. Peace lilies are tropical plants from Central and South America, so they like a decent amount of moisture in the air. Aim for a medium level of humidity, around 40 to 50 percent.  

By checking its soil and ensuring it has the right light and humidity conditions, you can help your peace lily flourish as an indoor houseplant and enjoy its beauty season after season.