Symptoms of Over-watering in Spathiphyllum

Water Needs

• Spathiphyllum plants need moist soil, but not soggy soil. Test the dryness of the soil by inserting your finger 1 to 2 inches in the soil. If the soil is dry, the plant needs water. If the soil is damp, wait a few days and test again. Water the plant thoroughly until the water runs out of the bottom drainage holes. After 10 to 15 minutes, empty the water out of the drainage tray from under the plant container.

Type of Water

• Peace lilies need the correct amount of water, but they also need the correct type of water. Salt buildup in the soil will cause the plant to wilt or keep it from blooming. As the water sits out to warm, the chemicals in the water also dissipate. Do not use water from a water softener. Bottled water is fine to use on peace lilies.

Cylindrocladium Root Rot

• If the peace lily has yellowing leaves on the bottom of the plant closest to the roots and appears to be wilting, it is a symptom of overwatering that caused cylindrocladium root rot. Another symptom of this particular disease is brownish spots on the petioles and leaves. If the disease isn’t spread throughout the root system, you may be able to save the plant using a chemical treatment formulated for this specific root rot, but, generally, chemical treatments do not work if more than half of the roots are affected.

Pythium Root Rot

• Plants that constantly have wet soil will develop root rot. When the roots of the Spathiphyllum start to rot, the plant will show symptoms of wilt. You may think that the plant is wilting because it needs water, but if the soil is wet, it is because the roots are rotting in the wet soil. Remove the plant from the pot and soil. If the roots are black or brown, root rot has started. You can use a product especially formulated to treat pythium root rot.

Shore Flies

• Soil that is overwatered can grow algae, which attracts shore flies. If you see flies about 1/8 inch in diameter sitting on the leaf tips or feeding on the soil surface, the plant is being over-watered and algae is growing. Scrape off the surface soil to remove the algae and add new, dry soil.