Why Is My Peace Lily Not Growing? (Causes+Solution)

Peace Lilies are low-maintenance and beautiful houseplants with exotic green leaves. However, it is disheartening to see your peace lily not growing for a long time. It means that there is some underlying problem, and you need to identify it to fix it as soon as possible.

Inadequate light and watering are the primary problems for stunted growth in the peace lilies. Other than these, water quality, pot size, wrong soil mix, over-fertilization, transplant shock, pests, and temperature fluctuations can also lead to slow and inadequate growth in peace lilies.

Unlike many other houseplants, peace lilies do not have any dormancy period. They grow throughout the year. So if by any chance, your peace lilies have stopped growing, it means there is some problem with your plant, and you need to detect the problem and solve it soon.

Continue reading this article to know why the peace lilies are not growing and how you can help them revive and flourish well again.

How fast do Peace Lilies grow?

Peace Lilies grow at a moderate pace. They grow well during the springs and summers. They take 2 to 5 years to reach their maturity level.

The mature size of this plant is 1 to 3 feet. However, the timing might differ depending on the variety, care, light levels, temperature and humidity levels, etc.

They are not fast growers, but they are not slow growers either. They keep growing well if you provide all their requirements and check whether they are facing any problem or not.

If they are by any means growing slower than their actual speed, you need to assess the issues and solve them.

Why is my Peace Lily not growing?

Many houseplants stop growing when they are in their dormant period. But Peace Lilies do not have any dormancy stage. So, they will not stop growing or blooming.

They will grow the whole year, provided they are taken good care of. If your plant is not growing, there might be some severe concerns with your plant.

Let us discuss some possible problems in detail.

Light

The light is one of the most common problems for stunted growth in the Peace Lily plant. 

Peace Lilies are plants that can grow in low light. But they grow best when they receive bright indirect sunlight. It means they need bright indirect light without getting direct intense sunlight.

The amount and intensity of the sunlight depend upon the day, weather, and seasons. The amount of light is based on your room.

Whether the plant is near the window or far, on the balcony, or near the door, these determine the amount and intensity of sunlight your peace lily receives.

While selecting a spot for your Peace Lilies, you need to look for three factors – amount, intensity, and spectrum. It must be balanced for your plant if you want it to grow well.

If the Peace Lilies are not getting enough light for a prolonged period, they would not be able to function, and it will affect the performance of photosynthesis, resulting in stunted growth.

On the other hand, your plant must not get direct sunlight as it can result in sunburns and stunted growth.

Also read: What Kind Of Light Does A Peace Lily Need? (Peace Lily Light Requirements)

Watering issues

Watering issues will not allow any growth in the peace Lilies. Too much or too little water will affect their growth.

Allowing the plant to remain in soggy soil for a long time will suffocate the roots. The roots will constantly struggle to breathe, and due to extended hold in the water, they will start rotting. 

Without healthy and strong roots, your peace Lilies will not grow. If the situation gets worse, your plant will even end up dying.

Similarly, the plant will not grow because of underwatering. They need water to remain hydrated and receive all nutrients from the soil and roots.

If you are not giving your plant enough water, it will not receive its nutrients from the root system, and thus there will be no growth. The leaves will start wilting and become dry, crisp, and yellow.

Also read: How Often Should A Peace Lily Be Watered? (Peace Lily Water Requirements)

Poor water quality

Water containing chlorine is harmful to the Peace Lilies. If you are taking good care of your plant but still not growing, the reason probably might be poor water quality.

These plants are sensitive to chlorine, and if your peace lily is watered with the water having a high amount of chlorine, it will affect the growth of the plants. Using such water quality will result in yellow leaves and stunted growth.

Improper fertilization

Improper fertilization can be another reason why your Peace Lilies are not growing. Over-fertilizing has more impact on growth than under fertilization. Peace lilies are not heavy feeders, so fertilizing them occasionally will work well.

If you over-fertilize your plant, it will affect its root system, and without healthy roots, your plant will have no growth.

Peace Lilies will survive well by getting all the nutrients already present in the soil most of the time. After repotting, they will again get fresh nutrients from the soil.

Fertilizing once every 2 to 3 months will work well. Little fertilizer is needed to get nutrients, or else your plant will not grow strong and appealing.

Also read: What Kind Of Fertilizer Does A Peace Lily Need? (Peace Lily Fertilizer Ratio)

Temperature problems

The ideal temperature for Peace Lilies ranges from 65-85°F. Temperature higher or low than this range will cause harm to your plant. And will not allow your Peace Lilies to grow well. 

During the cold winter months, you need to keep them under warm weather conditions. They cannot withstand low temperatures. Cold drafts will slow down their growth, and there will also be no blooms in your plant.

Similarly, high temperatures will not allow the plant to grow well. Your plant will have stunted growth if it is exposed to temperatures above 90°F.

Transplant shock

Peace Lilies do not need frequent repotting unless you trouble them with overwatering. If you constantly repot your plant for minor stress, the plant will not grow well. It will disturb the natural and smooth growth.

Repotting gives stress to your plant, and thus the plant needs some time to get adjusted to the new soil, new pot, and new environment. The root system temporarily shuts down due to this stress.

If you are repotting due to root rot, it causes more stress to your plant, and the peace lily might take more time to grow again. The plant needs some time to digest both root rot issues and transplantation.

Acclimation

Sometimes the Peace Lilies halt their growth because they are in the period of acclimation, especially when you buy and bring them home.

When they are growing in the market or greenhouse, they are adjusted to perfect growing conditions there. Once you bring them home, they face a change. This environmental stress causes slow growth in your plant. 

If your peace lily is not growing for 1-2 months, there is nothing to worry about. It happens due to environmental change and is normal. Have patience and wait for some time until the plant gets used to its new environment.

Using wrong soil and wrong pot

Using the wrong soil for Peace Lilies can lead to many problems, slow growth being one of them. Planting the plant in the wrong soil can lead to overwatering, root rot, dry soil, and even a lack of nutrients.

Peace Lilies do not prefer soggy soil. They cannot resist drought either. So the soil mix for these plants should be such that it can drain excess water and retain enough moisture.

If the soil fails to drain excess moisture, it will cause overwatering; excess water will suffocate the roots and result in root rot.

In contrast, if the soil is draining too much water, the soil medium might have too much sand content, and thus it is unable to hold the water. In such a case, the plant will have to tolerate drought. 

In both cases, the health of the roots will be compromised, and the plant will stop its growth.

If your soil does not have good nutrient supplements, the plant will not get enough nutrients, thus affecting the plant’s growth. Along with the soil, the right pot choice is also necessary. 

Firstly, you must choose the pot according to the size of the plant. If the plant size is bigger than the pot, it will suffocate the healthy growth of roots, resulting in root-bound and stunted growth. If the pot’s size is bigger, it will cause overwatering.

Secondly, your pot must have drainage holes so that it can drain excess water, or else your plant will experience overwatering.

Also read: What Kind Of Soil To Use For Peace Lily? (Peace Lily Soil Mix)

Pests

If your Peace Lily is not growing well despite all efforts, it might be due to pests. These plants do not attract pests, but you may be doing something wrong with taking care of them. Either you are overdoing it, or you are not giving them attention at all.

Mostly mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scales are the bugs that attack these plants because of cold, damp, or high humid conditions.

Also read: Do Peace Lily Attract Bugs? (Identification+How ToGet Rid Of Them)

Your Peace Lily is stressed

Your Peace Lily might not be growing because it might be stressed. It might get stressed due to environmental shifts. The plant seems to look very weak, dull, and tired; the reasons are temperature fluctuations, improper humidity, overwater or underwater, over-fertilization, or light issues.

These issues cause yellow leaves, brown spots, droopy and wilted leaves, stunted growth, and unhealthy plants. All these problems are signs that your Peace Lily is stressed and will affect the proper growth of the plant.

How can I make Peace Lily grow?

If you want to see Peace Lily grow strong and healthy, you need to provide all the requirements in an adequate amount. You should neither overdo anything nor deprive it of any requirements.

Sufficient light

You need to give your Peace Lily an adequate amount of light. They need bright indirect sunlight for good growth. However, it should not be direct sunlight. You can create a semi-shade or some filter to protect your peace lily from the direct sun.

Place your peace lily near a south or west-facing window to give your plant bright indirect sunlight. Put down the curtain if you find that your plant is getting direct sun. Keep them few feet away from the window for better results.

If you think that your plant is receiving less light, you need to move your plant to a place where it will get enough light. You can use grow lights for these plants as they will perform well under artificial lights.

Also read: Where Should Peace Lily Be Placed? (Ideal Spot+Placement Tips)

Proper watering schedule

The best way to determine the proper watering schedule is by checking the moisture content in the soil.

Poke your finger into the soil. If the soil is wet, you need not water your plant. If you find that about 1-2 inches half the top part of the soil is dry, then your plant needs water.

Check your plant closely. If your plant needs water, the leaves start wilting.

Another way to check whether your plant has water or not is by feeling the weight of the pot. Lift your pot, and if you feel heavy, your plant does not need water.

Allow the soil to dry up before each watering for better results.

Good water quality

Avoid using water containing fluorine and chlorine. Chlorine is harmful to Peace Lilies and will cause stunted growth. Soft water, too, is not at all recommended.

Do not use tap water as it contains chlorine. Use rainwater or distilled water for the good growth of the plant.

If you want to use tap water, you need to eliminate the chlorine content from it. Let the water sit overnight. After that, you can use the water for watering.

Avoid using too hot or too cold water. Use room temperature or tepid water.

Proper fertilizer

Using fertilizer is vital to keep your plant healthy, appealing, and tempting.

While using fertilizers, make sure you do not over-fertilize your plant. 

Using less fertilizer is better than over-fertilizing your plant. If you are unsure of the quantity, use less quantity. At least it will not cause any harm.

Use a balanced fertilizer for good results, a fertilizer containing an NPK value 20:20:20. Fertilize once a month. Use it mainly during the growing season, which is summer and spring. Avoid fertilizing your plant during the winter months.

Fix the temperature

Keep your plants away from windows, doors, and balconies during the cold winter conditions. These are tropical plants, so they cannot tolerate cold weather conditions.

The ideal temperature for them is between 65°F to 80°F. They cannot tolerate temperatures below 45°F. You need to keep them away from cold drafts.

Try giving them at least 50% humidity for best results. Also, you need to keep your plant away from heaters and radiators. They will not tolerate temperatures above 90°F.

Due to such temperatures, these plants are best grown indoors at room temperature.

Repotting

Consider repotting during the growing seasons, which is during the summer and spring. It will give them time to adjust to the new environment quickly because it is the growing season.

You should not repot your peace lily due to minor problems. With patience, you can solve every problem. You should only repot if your plant is experiencing severe root rot or not changing the soil for long years.

Choose correct soil and pot.

For soil, you must use soil that can drain excess water and retain adequate moisture. Avoid using soil that has a high content of clay or sand. Clay will hold too much water, whereas sand will fail in retaining moisture and dry the soil quickly.

An ideal soil mix recommended:

• 50% of Coco Coir.
• 25% Perlite.
• 15% Orchid Bark.
• 5% Charcoal.
• 5% Worm Castings.

You can also use a commercial readymade potting mix preferred for Peace Lilies. Later on, you can add compost to it if there is any issue regarding watering or nutrients.

A good quality pot is also necessary for allowing your Peace Lilies to grow healthy. Choose a pot that is not heavy. Make sure that your pot has suitable drainage holes to drain excess water. For pot material, ceramic, plastic, or clay, anything will work.

The size of your pot must rely on the size of your plant. These plants will not require pots larger than 10 inches. So choose accordingly.

Save your plant from pests.

Peace Lilies do not get attacked by any bugs. If it gets attacked, it means something is done wrong with your plant. Either they are not getting enough light, or they are being overwatered or kept in damp conditions for a long time.

Isolate the peace lily and immediately get rid of the infected parts.

Secondly, you can handpick the bugs. If the bugs are more in number and the condition is severe, you can use some insecticides, alcohol, or soap water to remove them.

Some ways to control pests are:

• Use neem oil (1 tablespoon neem + 2 cups of water). Spray all over the plant.
• 1 tablespoon baby shampoo + 4-ounce water. Mix and spray. After 4 hours, rinse the plant.
• ½ cup crushed herbs + 3 cups of water. Keep the mixture overnight. Filter the water the next day and add ¼ tablespoon mild dish soap. Mix and spray. (herbs – basil, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, and sage).

Save the stress

It happens mainly due to transporting from one environment to another. There is no need to worry about it. Be patient and give your plant some time, and it will start growing well once it starts receiving ideal growing conditions and gets used to its current environment.

Observe your plant daily to watch its reactions, determine the real issues, monitor and provide your plant the proper care. Have patience, and you will see your Peace Lily flourish soon.

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Ref: ScienceDirect, NCBI, University of Vermont, Nationalgeographic, NC state university, University of Florida, The University of Arkansas, Queensland Government.