How to Repot and Divide a Peace Plant

Water your peace lily thoroughly until water runs freely through the bottom on the pot. Allow the plant to rest for one hour. This prepares your plant for transplanting by moistening and loosening the soil. It also reduces stress to the plant from loss of moisture while transplanting.

Slip one hand over the rim of the plant pot so that the stem of the peace lily rests between your fingers. Place your palm against the soil.

Invert the pot with your other hand, allowing the peace lily to slide free of the pot and onto the supporting hand. Squeeze or tap the bottom of the pot to loosen the soil if it resists your efforts.

Guide the plant out of the pot whiling supporting its weight with your hand. Place the plant on a solid surface, such a a work table or bench.

Examine the roots of your peace lily for any signs of disease or decay. Darkened or soft roots indicate disease, whereas firm white or tan roots are a sign of health. Cut away any diseased or damaged roots with a sharp knife.

Untangle any twisted or tightly wound roots with your fingers as you pull gently to separate sections of the peace lily. Each section should have two to four shoots. If roots resist your efforts, cut them apart with a clean, sharp knife.

Fill the new plant pots two-thirds of the way with fresh potting medium. Peace lilies prefer soil high in organic matter. Although a commercial potting medium may be adequate, mixing equal parts potting soil and peat moss adds organic matter to the soil, making it suitable for peace lilies, explains horticulturist Ron Smith from North Dakota State University.

Spread the roots out over the soil and fill in around the roots with additional potting medium. Position the new plants so that they rest at their original planting depth. Firmly press down the soil to secure the plants.

Water thoroughly until water drains freely at the bottom of the pot. Place the plants in similar lighting as the original and resume normal care. Peace lilies may take a few weeks to resume growth. Apply water when the soil dries, but do not try to force new growth with fertilizer or excessive water.