Debate: Is it better to underwater or overwater a peace lily?

My peace lily started drooping last week and I couldn't figure out why. Turns out I was watering it every 3 days when it actually needed it every 6. My friend swears by letting them go bone dry between waterings but my neighbor says that shocks the roots. Which side are you on for a fussy plant like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

barbara_kim1d ago

Oh man, I did this exact same thing with my peace lily last year. I was watering it every few days like clockwork and wondering why it looked sad all the time. Letting it go bone dry between waterings is the way to go, I swear by it. Mine actually perked up way faster once I started waiting until the leaves just barely started to droop before giving it a drink. The roots don't get shocked as long as you don't let it sit completely dessicated for days on end.

lucas_carr241d ago

Hmm, I gotta push back a little on the droopy leaf trick. I learned the hard way that letting mine get to that point too often can actually stress the plant out. The leaves might perk up but they never quite look the same after a few rounds of wilting. I usually just stick my finger in the soil about an inch deep, and if it's dry down there I water it. That whole "set schedule" thing is a disaster though, you're right about that. Plants don't wear watches.