To repot a peace lily, water it 1–2 days in advance of repotting. Then, choose an appropriately sized pot, gently remove the plant, place it in the new pot, fill with soil, and water it thoroughly. Be sure to choose the right type of soil and loosen any bound roots before replanting.
If there are any signs of root rot, repotting is a great opportunity to treat your peace lily. This is also a great time to divide a large peace lily into two or more smaller plants.
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5 Steps to Repotting a Peace Lily Plant
Peace lilies are easy to care for, and don’t mind if they slightly outgrow the pot they are planted in. In fact, a slightly root-bound peace lily may be more likely to produce flowers. However, it’s a good idea to repot your plant about once every year. This will encourage growth and allow your peace lily to continue to thrive. Here are five easy steps to repotting your peace lily:
Water Your Plant
1–2 days before repotting, water your peace lily. This will make sure the plant is well fed and minimize stress caused by replanting.
- Water your peace lily 1–2 days before repotting.
- This will minimize the stress caused by replanting.
- It will also make the soil easier to work with.
- Don’t go overboard. A normal watering is fine.
It will also make the soil easier to work with as you go through the repotting process. This doesn’t have to be an intense watering. Water according to our peace lily watering guide and you’ll be just fine.
Choose a New Pot
When it comes to pots, size does matter. Choose a pot that is only one size larger than your peace lily’s current pot. Anything larger can actually be detrimental to your plant’s continued growth.
- Select a pot that is 1 size larger than your peace lily’s current pot.
- Measure the dimensions of your current pot and choose a slightly larger one from your gardening store.
- A pot that is too large can make it difficult for your plant to get the nutrients it needs.
- Too much soil can become waterlogged and cause root rot.
Repotting a peace lily in a pot that is too big can make it hard for your plant’s roots to reach the nutrients it needs. An excess of soil can also cause moisture to build up in the pot, creating the conditions for harmful root rot.
Remove the Plant
To remove your peace lily from its pot, gently turn the pot on its side. If it is a plastic or soft pot, gently squeeze the sides to loosen the plant. Using one hand, grasp the plant as close to its base as possible. Gently wiggle the plant out of the pot.
- Turn the pot on its side.
- If the pot is soft, gently squeeze its sides to loosen the plant.
- Grasp the base of the plant with one hand, and gently wiggle it out of the pot.
- If the plant is stuck, use a butter knife or other flat object around the interior edges of the pot to free the soil.
- Once the plant is free, shake off as much soil from the root ball as possible.
- Free any tightly bound roots.
- Look for signs of root rot. If roots appear rotten, treat them immediately.
If you have trouble freeing the plant and root ball, use a butter knife around the interior edges of the pot to loosen the soil. Once the plant is free, shake as much soil from the roots as possible. Next, use your fingers to gentle disentangle any bound roots. This is also a great opportunity to examine the root ball for signs of root rot. If you see any, treat accordingly.
Place in a New Pot
Fill the bottom 1/3 of your new pot with fresh potting soil. A basic indoor soil blend works just fine. For even better results, add one part coconut coir and one part perlite to two parts soil. This will improve the soil’s aeration and drainage.
- Fill 1/3 of the new pot with fresh soil.
- A basic indoor potting soil works just fine.
- If you want to enhance the quality of your soil, you can add one part coconut coir and one part perlite to two parts soil.
- Place your peace lily on top of the soil.
- Fill in any gaps with more soil.
- Gently press the soil down with your fingers until it is firm.
- Leave 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between the top of the soil and the top of the pot.
Place your peace lily on top of this first layer of soil, making sure it is centered. Fill in any gaps with more soil. Gently press the soil down with your fingers, until the plant is secure. There should be about one inch of space between the top layer of soil and the top of the pot.
Water Your Peace Lily Again
Once your peace lily is repotted, water it generously once again. Watch what happens when you water it. If no water comes out of the drainage holes, the soil may be packed too tightly. In this case, loosen it up a bit.
- Once your plant is repotted, water it generously.
- If no water comes through the drainage holes, the soil it too compacted.
- Loosen compacted soil with your fingers.
- If all the water immediately rushes through the drainage holes, or if the soil level lowers upon watering, the soil may be too loose.
- If soil is too loose, use your fingers to gently press the soil down, and add more as needed.
- Watering after repotting encourages root growth and reduces the stress associated with the repotting process.
If all the water quickly comes through the drainage holes, or if the soil level lowers upon water, it may not be packed tightly enough. Gently press the soil down with your fingers and add more as needed. Watering right after replanting encourages roots to grow, and reduces the stress associated with repotting.
When Should You Repot a Peace Lily Plant?
There are a few instances in which you should repot a peace lily. If your plant is very root-bound, it should be repotted. If you notice root rot, it should be treated thoroughly and replanted in a new pot with new soil.
- A very root-bound plant should be repotted.
- If your peace lily has root rot, treat it, and then replant it in a new pot with new soil.
- Repot peace lilies once each year.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to repot your peace lily once per year. This ensures your plant has fresh, nutrient-rich soil, and allows it room to grow.
What is the Best Soil to Repot a Peace Lily?
Peace lilies can grow well in basic indoor potting soil. Look for one that has good drainage and offers a fair amount of aeration.
- All a peace lily really needs to grow is basic indoor potting soil.
- Look for varieties that offer good drainage and aeration.
- You can make your own potting mix using three ingredients.
- Mix two parts of potting soil with one part coconut coir and one part perlite.
- This blend will maximize drainage and aeration while holding on to enough moisture to let your plant thrive.
If you’d like, you can make your own blend. Simply mix two parts of potting soil with one part coconut coir and one part perlite. This improves drainage and prevents root rot while capturing enough moisture for the plant to remain well hydrated.
Steps for Repotting a Peace Lily
To repot a peace lily:
- Water peace lily 1–2 days before repotting.
- Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot.
- Gently remove the plant from the existing pot.
- Repot your peace lily in fresh potting soil.
- Water your peace lily immediately after repotting.
By following these steps, your newly repotted peace lily will begin growing and thriving again instantly, thanks to your careful attention. By working gently and providing moist soil, you reduce repotting stress on your peace lily. This makes plant care even easier.
