How to Successfully Repot a Peace Lily Plant

Peace lilies have become popular houseplants due to their easy-to-care-for nature, stunning green leaves, symbolic white flowers, and a host of added beneficial properties. While these plants don’t require much care, they do need to be repotted when they become rootbound or diseased. Since they’re slowing-growing plants, you can expect to repot your peace lily plant every few years. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about repotting peace lilies.

Repotting Peace Lily Plants – The Essentials 

• The slow-growing peace lily typically needs to be repotted every three to five years, or when it becomes rootbound or diseased. 
• Choose a well-draining soil mix and repot it into a container that is a few inches larger than the original.

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Why Repotting Your Peace Lily Might be Necessary

Since repotting is an inherently stressful process, you should only repot when your plant when necessary. Here are some signs it’s time to move your peace lily into a new pot.

Your Peace Lily is Rootbound

As your plant’s leaves grow above ground, the roots also ground below the soil. Over time, the roots can outgrow the planter and tightly encircle the bottom of the container. At this point, your plan is rootbound.

While peace lily plants don’t mind being a bit snug in their containers, they don’t like when their roots are severely restricted. When this happens, it’s time to repot.

If you see roots growing out of the bottom of the pot, your plant is likely rootbound. Your plant may also be rootbound if water drains out of the pot as soon as you water it.

Your Peace Lily has Developed Root Rot

Even if your plant’s roots have room to expand in the current pot, diseased roots can mean it’s time to repot. Root rot is a fungal disease that impacts plant roots. If left untreated, you’ll likely notice yellowing leaves, and drooping, and your plant may eventually wither and die.

Repotting your peace lily will allow you to trim infected portions of the roots as well as replace old soil with fresh potting mix. This can help your plant recover from root rot.

How Often Do Peace Lilies Need Repotting?

Since they’re slow-growing, peace lilies generally need to be repotted every three to five years. However, the exact timeline depends on numerous factors, including the pot’s size and the plant’s growth rate.

Additionally, if your plant develops a disease, you may need to repot it sooner rather than later.

Before you repot your peace lily, consider that it can be a stressful process for your plant.
Therefore, only repot when absolutely necessary.

Best Times of Year to Consider Repotting a Peace Lily

Since peace lilies are growing indoors throughout the year, you can repot them at any time. However, the best time of year to repot peace lilies is the late winter or early spring (also a good time for propagating peace lilies). Plants are actively growing during this period, so they will quickly settle into their new pots.

The Best Soil Mix When Repotting Peace Lilies

Peace lilies prefer a well-draining and well-aerated soil mix. However, the mix should also have a good water-holding capacity so you don’t need to water it every few days. It should also have a pH between 5.8 and 6.5.

A good mix for peace lilies contains a blend of water-holding peat moss or coco coir as well as aerating perlite, bark, or pumice. You should avoid mixes that are labeled for cacti, succulents, and orchids.

Some potting mixes that work well for repotting peace lilies include FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil and Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix.

(Editors Note: Petal Republic participates in partnership programs with Amazon and other merchants to help connect readers with relevant products and services we may recommend).

What Tools Will I Need To Repot a Peace Lily?

You will need a container that is a few inches larger than the original and a new soil mix. You may also want to gather an old towel or sheet so you can easily clean up any messes.

Since peace lily sap also contains irritating insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, it’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling the plant.

Considerations for Size & Type of Planter

Peace lilies like to be a little snug in their containers, so choose a pot that is just a bit larger than the plant’s root ball. If your plant is rootbound in its current container, choose a new pot that is just two or three inches larger in diameter.

If you choose a container that is too large, the potting soil may hold excess moisture which can lead to root rot and other issues. However, if you choose a container that is too small, your plant will quickly become rootbound.

As far as material goes, there isn’t one best option. Plastic, ceramic, and terracotta planters are all good options. However, if you choose a terracotta planter, be aware you will likely need to water your plant more often than if you choose a plastic or glazed ceramic option.

No matter which type and size of planter you choose, ensure it has drainage holes that allow excess water to escape.

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How to Repot Your Peace Lily

Once you’ve gathered your peace lily and your new container, follow these steps to repot your plant.

1) Prepare your area.

Repotting can be a messy process! If you’re repotting inside, you may want to lay down a sheet or towel to catch any dirt.

Once you’re finished, you can fold up the towel or sheet and shake it outside.

2) Inspect your plant.

Before you begin the repotting process, take a few minutes to carefully inspect your peace lily to make sure it needs to be repotted. Are the roots growing out of the bottom of the container? Are the roots showing signs of disease?

If you want to get a closer look at the roots, you can grasp the base of the peace lily and gently wiggle it until it comes out of its pot. Look for any signs of discolored or mushy roots.

3) Shake off excess soil.

Once you’ve removed your plant from its pot, gently shake off excess soil. If the roots are extremely rootbound and compacted, use your fingers to gingerly tease them apart.

4) Trim roots if necessary.

If your roots show signs of root rot, trim the infected portions with a sharp pair of scissors or shears. The goal is to trim away any mushy or otherwise rotten-looking portions.

Make sure to thoroughly clean your scissors or shears once you’re done.

5) Fill the new pot with potting mix.

Add fresh potting mix to the soil until the container is about one-third full.

6) Add the peace lily.

Place the peace lily in the new pot and add more potting mix to fill in the remaining empty space. Gently press on the soil to support the plant.

7) Water.

After your plant is repotted, water your peace lily well.

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Post Repotting Care

After you’ve repotted your peace lily, place it in an ideal environment. These plants like indirect sunlight, temperatures between 65 and 85ºF, and moderate humidity.

Avoid moving your plant, and don’t fret if it looks a bit sad in the weeks following repotting. This is a stressful process, and your plant may need some time to recover.

Aim to keep the soil moist but not damp, and monitor your plant for signs of common peace lily pests and diseases.

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Repotting Peace Lilies FAQs

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Repotting Peace Lilies – The Final Word

Remember to only repot your peace lily when necessary, such as when it is rootbound or has developed root rot. By following the repotting instructions detailed above, you can help your peace lily live a long and healthy life.

If you’re looking for your next peace lily to add to your collection, see our in-depth guide to the best plant shops delivering peace lilies nationwide.

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