Fertilizing your peace lily is a simple way to keep this elegant plant healthy and encourage those signature white blooms. While peace lilies don’t need a lot of fertilizer, the right type and timing can make a noticeable difference.
So how often should you fertilize – and what’s the best fertilizer to use?
Let’s explore the basics of fertilizing your peace lily for vibrant growth and flowers.
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Easy Peace Lily Care Guide 💚
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💧 Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Peace Lilies like consistently moist soil but don’t tolerate sitting in standing water.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix with good moisture retention - I personally use this potting mix. A mix with peat, perlite, or coco coir, like this one, works well.
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal for blooming, but Peace Lilies can also tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep your Peace Lily in a room between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid drafts, cold temperatures, and sudden temperature changes.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Pause fertilizing in fall and winter.
Best Fertilizer for Peace Lilies
Peace lilies prefer fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio (like 10-10-10), although it’s best to use them at half-strength to avoid damaging your plant. Liquid fertilizers are also often preferred, as they allow for more precise control and even distribution of nutrients.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
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The best fertilizer for Peace Lilies, supporting bright, lush foliage and beautiful blooms. Feeds instantly to keep your plant looking its best
NPK stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The ratio on fertilizer packages shows the proportion of these nutrients.
For peace lilies, as mentioned, a balanced ratio works well. This means equal parts of each nutrient.
During the growing season, you might use a higher nitrogen ratio like 3-1-2. For more blooms, try a phosphorus-rich mix like 3-12-6. That said, whichever way you go, always dilute fertilizers to half-strength for peace lilies to avoid burn.
In addition, I’d suggest that you go for a liquid fertilizer (like my preferred one above), which will dissolve in water for easy application. They’re absorbed quickly by plants and ideal for frequent, light feedings. You can apply them every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your plant every month or so. In fall and winter, reduce fertilizing to once every 3-4 months or stop completely if growth slows significantly.
Essential Nutrients for Peace Lilies
Peace lilies require several key nutrients for optimal health. Nitrogen promotes lush, green foliage. Phosphorus supports root development and flowering. Potassium aids overall plant strength and disease resistance.
Calcium strengthens cell walls and helps new growth. Magnesium is crucial for chlorophyll production. Iron prevents leaf yellowing.
Micronutrients like manganese, zinc, and boron play smaller but vital roles in plant processes. A balanced fertilizer typically provides these in the right amounts for peace lilies.
Signs of Nutritional Deficiency
Yellow leaves often signal a lack of nitrogen or iron. Stunted growth may indicate phosphorus deficiency. Brown leaf edges could mean too little potassium.
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Similarly, brown flowers on your peace lily can indicate a nutrition problem too.
Pale leaves with green veins suggest magnesium shortage. New leaves appearing small or misshapen point to calcium deficiency.
Slow growth, lack of flowers, or general poor health can also indicate nutritional problems. Regular fertilizing helps prevent these issues in peace lilies.
Can You Use Organic Fertilizers For Peace Lilies?
Organic fertilizers come from natural sources like compost or animal byproducts. They release nutrients slowly, improving soil structure over time. For peace lilies, organic options like fish emulsion or seaweed extracts work well. They’re gentle on roots and promote beneficial soil microbes.
Synthetic fertilizers are chemically produced and provide quick, targeted results – which is why, in general, I recommend them. They’re more concentrated, although that can mean that they can burn plants if overused.
Slow-Release Fertilizers and Sticks
Slow-release fertilizers provide a steady supply of nutrients over time. They come as coated pellets or compressed spikes. These are great for busy plant owners who can’t fertilize regularly.
Fertilizer sticks are convenient for indoor plants. You simply push them into the soil, and they release nutrients gradually. For peace lilies, use sticks formulated for flowering houseplants.
Both options reduce the risk of over-fertilizing. They’re especially useful during the growing season when peace lilies need consistent nutrition. Replace slow-release fertilizers or sticks every 2-3 months or as directed on the package.
How to Fertilize Peace Lilies
Fertilizing peace lilies is essential for their health and growth. Proper nutrition helps these plants produce lush foliage and beautiful blooms.
The process involves preparing the soil, applying the fertilizer correctly, and determining the right frequency for feeding.
Pre-Fertilization Soil Preparation
Before fertilizing your peace lily, check the soil moisture. Water the plant if the top inch of soil feels dry. This ensures the roots can absorb nutrients effectively.
Remove any dead leaves or debris from the soil surface and gently loosen the top layer of soil with a small fork or your fingers. This improves aeration and helps the fertilizer penetrate more easily.
Don’t fertilize a newly repotted peace lily. Wait at least 2-3 months to allow the plant to adjust to its new environment.
If you’ve recently acquired a peace lily, hold off on fertilizing for a few weeks to let it acclimate to your home.
How to Apply Fertilizer
Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the package.
Peace lilies are sensitive to over-fertilization, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
To apply:
- Mix the diluted fertilizer solution in a watering can
- Slowly pour the solution around the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves
- Water thoroughly until you see excess liquid draining from the bottom of the pot
For an even distribution, rotate the pot a quarter turn after each watering session. This ensures all sides of the plant receive equal nutrients.
Determining the Correct Frequency
Peace lilies don’t need frequent fertilization. During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your plant around every 4 weeks. In fall and winter, you’ll only typically have to fertilize to once per quarter – or you can even stop completely if growth slows significantly.
Watch your peace lily for signs of over-fertilization:
- Brown leaf tips
- Wilting
- Slow growth
If you notice these symptoms, flush the soil with plain water to remove excess salts. Then, wait a few weeks before fertilizing again at a reduced strength.
Adjust your fertilizing schedule based on your plant’s growth. If it’s producing new leaves regularly, you can maintain your current routine.
For slower growth, reduce the frequency or strength of fertilizer applications.
Post-Fertilization Care
Proper care for your Peace Lily after fertilizing it is crucial for its health and growth. You’ll need to adjust your watering routine, monitor the plant’s response, and fine-tune your fertilization schedule.
These steps will help ensure your Peace Lily thrives and avoids potential issues from over-fertilization.
Watering After Fertilizing
Water your Peace Lily thoroughly after applying fertilizer. This helps distribute nutrients evenly and prevents root burn.
Use room temperature water and ensure it drains freely from the pot’s bottom. Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again.
Don’t let your plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. Empty the saucer under the pot after watering.
If you’ve used a liquid fertilizer, you might need to water less frequently in the following days.
Keep an eye on the soil moisture levels in the week after fertilizing. The plant may require more or less water depending on how it reacts to the nutrients.
Monitoring Peace Lily Response
Watch your Peace Lily closely for signs of positive or negative reactions to fertilization. Healthy growth includes new leaves, vibrant green color, and sturdy stems. These are good indicators that your plant is benefiting from the added nutrients.
Look out for yellowing leaves, brown leaf tips, or wilting – these might signal over-fertilization.
If you notice these symptoms, flush the soil with plain water to remove excess nutrients. Reduce the amount or frequency of fertilizer in future applications.
Pay attention to the plant’s growth rate. A sudden burst of growth is normal, but if it becomes leggy or produces pale leaves, you might need to adjust your fertilizer routine.
Adjusting Fertilization Schedules
Tailor your fertilization schedule to your Peace Lily’s specific needs. In particular, if your plant shows signs of stress or slow growth, consider extending the time between fertilizations.
On the other hand, if your Peace Lily seems to thrive and grow quickly, you might maintain your current schedule.
Always dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. This reduces the risk of over-fertilization while still providing necessary nutrients.
Keep a calendar or set reminders to stay on track with your fertilization routine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Fertilizing peace lilies can sometimes lead to unexpected problems. Recognizing symptoms early and taking swift action can help your plant recover quickly.
Over-Fertilization Symptoms
You’ll notice over-fertilization in your peace lily through several signs. The leaf tips might turn brown or yellow, and the edges may appear crispy.
New growth often comes in stunted or deformed. In severe cases, you might see a white crust forming on the soil surface – this is excess salt from the fertilizer.
Root damage is another serious consequence. It can cause wilting even when the soil is moist. If you suspect over-fertilization, stop feeding immediately.
Flush the soil thoroughly with water to remove excess nutrients. Allow the plant to drain completely before returning it to its spot.
Dealing with Fertilizer Burn
Fertilizer burn happens when too much fertilizer comes into direct contact with your peace lily’s roots or leaves. You’ll see brown, scorched-looking areas on the leaves or roots. The plant may wilt rapidly and show signs of stress.
To treat fertilizer burn, remove the affected parts of the plant. Rinse the leaves gently to remove any fertilizer residue.
If the soil is affected, repot your peace lily in fresh, clean potting mix (my preferred one for them is below). Water thoroughly to help the plant recover.
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix
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The best soil for Peace Lilies, providing the right balance of moisture retention and aeration. Made with perlite, sphagnum, and peat moss to support healthy roots while reducing the risk of gnats
For future applications, dilute your fertilizer more than the package recommends. It’s better to under-fertilize than risk burning your plant.
Fertilizer and Pest Attraction
Certain fertilizers can inadvertently attract pests to your peace lily. Organic fertilizers, especially those with fish emulsion, can draw fungus gnats and other insects.
If you notice an increase in pests after fertilizing, switch to a synthetic, water-soluble fertilizer.
Keep an eye out for small flies around the soil or sticky residue on leaves, which might indicate pest presence.
How to Get Rid of Pests on Your Houseplants
If you notice pests on your indoor plants, follow these steps to tackle the problem before it gets worse:
- Start with manual removal – For minor infestations, wipe leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or rinse the plant under lukewarm water to remove pests by hand.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap – If pests persist, treat your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap (those are my preferred ones!), both of which target common houseplant pests without harming your plant.
- Apply a houseplant-safe pesticide – For severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, use a broad-spectrum pesticide designed for indoor plants to eliminate stubborn pests – I use this pesticide for tough infestations.
By acting quickly and using the right treatments, you can keep your houseplants pest-free and thriving!
To deter pests, avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation around your plant.
You can also try placing yellow sticky traps near your peace lily to catch flying insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade fertilizers for my peace lily, and what are the best options?
You can use homemade fertilizers for your peace lily. A simple option is to mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with 1 gallon of water. This solution provides magnesium and sulfur, which peace lilies need. Another DIY choice is compost tea – steep compost in water for a few days, then strain and dilute before use.
Banana peel water is also effective. Soak banana peels in water for a few days, then remove the peels and use the nutrient-rich water to feed your plant.
Remember to dilute these homemade fertilizers to avoid overfeeding your peace lily.
Is it beneficial to use natural fertilizers like banana peels or coffee grounds for peace lilies?
Natural fertilizers can benefit your peace lily. Banana peels are rich in potassium, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. To use them, bury small pieces of peel just below the soil surface. The peels will decompose slowly, releasing nutrients.
Coffee grounds work well too. They’re acidic and contain nitrogen, which peace lilies love.
Sprinkle a thin layer of used grounds on the soil surface, but don’t overdo it – too much can lead to mold growth. Alternatively, mix coffee grounds into your compost before applying it to your plant.
When fertilizing a peace lily in water, are there special considerations I should take into account?
When fertilizing a water-grown peace lily, use a liquid fertilizer specifically designed for hydroponics. These fertilizers are formulated to be easily absorbed by roots in water. Dilute the fertilizer more than you would for soil-grown plants – about 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended strength.
Change the water completely every 4-6 weeks to prevent nutrient buildup. Between changes, top up with plain water as needed.
Watch for signs of over-fertilization like brown leaf tips or edges. If you notice these, reduce the fertilizer strength or frequency.
Always ensure your peace lily has access to fresh, clean water. Avoid using chlorinated tap water – let it sit out overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate before using it on your plant.