If you have a store-bought plant, it's fairly safe to assume it will need to be transplanted once you get it home. Play it safe: you don't know how long it has lived in its container, or what's going on with the soil. Generally speaking, it's also a good idea to repot your peace lily every few years. This refreshes the plant and its soil, and will provide a more comfortable living space.

Plants can get sick or appear lifeless for a number of reasons, and you'll usually see outward signs of this on their foliage. Black, brown, yellow, or rotting leaves indicate a number of problems, including overwatering or over-fertilization. Giving your peace lily fresh, clean, and dry soil without excess chemicals can be a life-saving measure.

One of the most important steps to replanting a peace lily is the pot. It's not so much about the container, but what it'll provide. Material is unimportant, so you can use glass, plastic, clay, or anything else. The keys to success are in the size and drainage. Peace lilies need adequate drainage to thrive, so make sure you find a container suitable for this purpose. Excess water retention can kill your plant, so holes in the bottom go hand-in-hand with the pot's size. These flowers are fine with being a bit rootbound, so when selecting a container, don't go too large. Each time you transplant, choose a planter one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous home.

Peace lilies aren't all that picky when it comes to soil, so you don't have to worry about buying a specialized product. A basic potting soil for indoor plants is usually safe. With very few exceptions, peace lilies like a neutral or slightly acidic pH.

If your peace lily has some offshoots, take a little detour down the road of propagation before transplanting. Carefully separate the babies from the mother and give them a home of their own. If you have the pots and soil to do so, you'll be able to create a few new plants to keep or gift.

Gently loosen your peace lily from its current home. Once it's out of the pot, it's important to clean the roots. At this point, the soil likely has little to offer in the way of nutrients, or it could be the cause of your plant's sickness. Using your fingers, delicately untangle the root ball. Dust off the remaining loose soil and place the plant in the pot. Don't want to put rocks at the bottom of a peace lily's home, as this can inhibit drainage. Just remember to pick a pot with holes.

Holding the plant with the roots positioned in the middle of the container, incorporate handfuls of soil with the other hand, filling about two-thirds of the pot. Lightly pat the soil to create a sturdy foundation for the plant. Add only a small amount of distilled, well, or rainwater at this stage. Add more soil around the plant until the pot is full. Loosely pack it once more, then put a final layer on top. Do not add any more water. Even when everything's settled and it's happily thriving, your peace lily may only need a drink every week or two.

New potting soil has a decent amount of nutrients to get a plant started, so adding fertilizer when planting can do more harm than good. Your peace lily may suffer burns from the overabundance o of chemicals, and these could harm or kill your plant. Always wait a few months before fertilizing your flower. A magnesium-based product works best, but just dissolving some Epsom salts in the distilled water will often be sufficient.

Though low-maintenance, peace lilies are a bit stubborn and temperamental. They need an adjustment period before they begin to thrive. Transplanting them is a stressful process, so you may not see much growth for a few weeks. It's best to place the plant in an area with low or no sun. Peace lilies prefer indirect lighting, but after being repotted, they're fine dwelling in a shady area for a few days. The plant may wilt, but this is natural. Give your flower its space, then move it to an area with a bit more light.

If you're tired of the same setup for a plant and want a fun idea, some growers prefer to plant their peace lily in water. Using a clear vase or bowl, you can have a cool and eye-catching focal point. As an added bonus, introducing a betta fish to this watery environment will enhance the display. It'll love swimming amid a natural root habitat. Plus, the showy fish and peace lily will develop a symbiotic association in this mini ecosystem: the roots will feed off fish waste as they provide the betta a home.

Peace lilies, with their elegant white spathes and lush green leaves, have graced many homes with their beauty. Originating from tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia, these plants are not true lilies but belong to the Spathiphyllum genus. Their striking appearance, combined with their air-purifying qualities, makes them a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.

Before diving into the repotting process, it's crucial to gather the right tools. A pair of gloves, a clean pot, fresh potting mix, a butter knife or straight knife, and a trowel should be at arm's reach. Having these tools prepared in advance ensures a smooth and efficient repotting experience, minimizing stress for both you and your peace lily.

As peace lilies grow, they may produce offshoots or "pups" that can be separated and planted individually. To divide your peace lily, gently remove it from its pot and identify the natural divisions in the root system. Using your hands or a clean knife, separate the offshoots, ensuring each division has a healthy set of roots. Plant each division in its own pot with fresh soil, and you'll have multiple peace lilies to enjoy or share with friends.

A rootbound peace lily can be easy to spot if you know what to look for. If you notice roots protruding from the drainage holes or circling the surface of the soil, it's a clear sign that your plant is craving more space. Additionally, if the soil dries out too quickly after watering or the plant wilts despite regular watering, it might be time to consider repotting.

After the hustle and bustle of repotting, your peace lily deserves a little rest. Place the newly repotted plant in a shady spot for a few days. This allows the plant to recover from any potential transplant shock and adjust to its new environment. Gradually reintroduce it to its usual spot, ensuring it receives indirect sunlight and the right amount of water. This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.