The Unsuspecting Reason That Your Indoor Peace Lily Is So Droopy

Have you noticed your indoor peace lily (Spathiphyllum) suddenly becoming droopy? While this plant is usually known to be easy to care for, the unsuspecting reason it has starting looking a little limp could be that you've recently moved it. 

Peace lilies are calming houseplants that make your space feel fresh and contribute to a soothing, peaceful environment in your home. However, they can have a dramatic reaction when moved to a new location, particularly because they can be temperature sensitive. As they are native to warmer climates, they prefer temperatures between 68- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit.

The peace lily – which is not actually a true lily — is a member of the arum family (Arcaeae), native to Mexico, tropical environments in the Americas, and the western Pacific islands. This means that when caring for any of the varieties of peace lilies that grow well indoors, it is important to consider temperature and the sunlight available. If you move your plants to a new location that significantly changes the temperature or the amount of sunlight they get, the plant will quickly show signs of not thriving. Try moving plants to a place that better meets their need for warmth and indirect sunlight.

Improper lighting is a common mistake that could kill your peace lily plants – they should thrive in lower light and indirect sunlight. But temperature is also key. If you move your peace lily to a drafty location or the plant is exposed to sudden temperature changes, it will droop and wilt, as it does when it needs water. Additionally, the leaves can become yellow and wilted when they are exposed to cold for a prolonged amount of time.

To avoid temperature changes that can stress the plant, keep them away from air conditioning vents and drafty doors or windows, especially in colder climates. When the temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves will begin to droop, and the plant's growth will slow. On the other hand, when the temperature gets above 80 degrees, the plant's leaves may droop and wilt due to heat stress.

You should also avoid keeping peace lilies on a windowsill in direct, hot sunlight. Too much sun can make their leaves turn yellow and wilt or become scorched and brown. As long as you avoid drafty conditions, too much light, and sudden temperature changes, the ideal temperature range for these plants should be compatible with common indoor temperatures.