One leggy peace lily is a type of issue that plant keepers usually experience, but it is one that has a simple solution if only the plant is taken care of well. The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) belongs to famous indoor plants characterized by the fact that it has green foliage and white flowers. But, if the plant is neglected, it can get ‘leggy’. What do we mean by ‘leggy’ in relation to peace lilies? How do we correct this?
This article will delve into the basics of a leggy peace lily, why it happens, and the preventative measures that can be taken, as well as the corrective actions that follow the occurrence of this phenomenon.
Leggy peace lily refers to plants with thin and unsupported bare stems with residual foliage at the tips of the stems. Nobody wants to have ugly plants in their houses. It is closely related to a deficiency in growth. Instead of having a bushy full plant, a peace lily is left and underestimated to be weak and overgrown by a delivery plant. The leggy look is common to the peace lily plant because it is not getting sufficient care in terms of light and pruning as it should.
There are several reasons that can explain why a peace lily is leggy. Being aware of these causes, however, is important when seeking to curb or rectify the situation.
Leggy leaves on your peace lily houseplant may be due to a lack of light. Peace lilies perform best in indirect sunlight; however, if they are confined to an area with little light, they will begin to elongate in search of light. This gives way to longer, thinner stems and scanty leaves, which is where the term “leggy” comes from.
It is a usual situation when encountering a leggy peace lily; however, it can still be attributed to overwatering. Without a doubt, the peace lily enjoys affecting moist conditions around its leaves, but there comes a time when water becomes too much for the plant, making the roots puff with water and thus become inefficient in taking in nutrients. This means that the plant is weakened and tries to stretch out for survival.
Peace lilies usually grow upward with time since they are tropical plants. Older leaves may soon droop, or even die off the plant, making it appear to be leggy. This, resembling the growth of a small child into that of an elderly person, is a normal occurrence. Unfortunately, due to negligence, the persistence of the process of aging has conspiring effects.
If there is no adequate pruning done, peace lilies can become bushier. In case the dead foliage is not taken off or the plant is not pinched back, it can result in bare leaves and stretched internodes.
For a peace lily that is well-nourished and healthy-looking, there is a need to take a preventative approach; as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. There are several guidelines that one will adhere to in order to avoid having their peace lily become elongated.
Lamminda also claimed that peace lilies like clear, bright, indirect light. In order to keep the growth from getting too leggy, ensure that your plant is positioned within reach of a consistent amount of light, but not too much direct sunlight, as this will burn the leaves of the plant. In case there is not much natural light in your home, you can purchase grow lights to use in addition.
Another common problem faced by peace lilies revolves around this sphere. Such plants prefer being adequately moist but do not want to be soaked in water. Wait until the top 1 inch of the soil feels dry to the touch before watering your peace lily. Always remember to use a pot that has holes so that water does not settle at the bottom of the pot.
It is important to allow your peace lily relative to develop strong new traits. Come season, cut off those branches that have either shriveled or that are turning yellow. Shear off some of the long stem parts that would make the plant protrude in shape.
Peace lilies do not need too much fertilizer or manure. In fact, this leads to thin, weak-growing stems. Every six to eight weeks in spring and summer, fertilize your plant with a balanced, soluble fertilizer, like 20-20-20.
Relax, your peace lily is leggy, and there are ways to revert it to its lush growth condition.
For example, if the leggy peace lily doesn’t get enough light, bright areas may be exceptional places to consider. Find a place where it can have bright and indirect light. In case this is not possible, special artificial enrichment lights intended for plant use can be installed to ensure that the plants grow straight.
After some days when you have repaired the light condition, it’s cutting time. Prune the leggy stems and promote the growth of new and thicker stems. There should also be any dead or dying leaves cut off. This enables the concentration of the plant to healthier leaf production only.
When your peace lily needs more room or when the soil has gone to sludge, it is time to repot. Select a container that is just a bit larger than the one you have and fill it with new drainage soil. This will create room for the roots to expand and consequently enable fuller formation of the plant.
In order for your peace lily to stop getting leggy, it must be watered in the right manner. Water the plant such that the soil is kept moist but not wet. A half inch of soil above the ground should be dried out between watering sessions to help balance the moisture uptake by the plant.
If your peace lily has not had fertilizer for some time, introduce a little balanced fertilization to it. This is useful in helping the plant gather strength and prompt deeper and fuller growth. Bear in mind, however, not to apply too as this can enhance the leggy growth.
A healthy peace lily will not only be pleasing to the eye but will also have a host of benefits.
One main advantage of having a peace lily indoors is its effective air-cleaning function. This lily plant can detoxify indoor air. It absorbs and removes harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Peace lilies, once planted, do not require much attention. In well-lit environments with ample watering and the occasional trimming, they can be healthy in most indoor settings.
The peace lilies, with their glossy green leaves and white flowers, may upgrade any interior. Any indoor space can be made even more beautiful with a well-grown and bushy peace lily.
It is quite common for nursing mothers to face this problem of a gray leggy peace lily. With a little helpful understanding, the reasons—too little light, too much water, no pruning—can be identified and taken care of in order to avoid or already save a plant that is becoming leggy. However, for good bushy vegetative growth of peace lily, the watering, light, and management practices of pruning and scapes should be done. You do not need to work much on the plant as even the smallest amount of care would result in satisfactory peace lily maintenance.
The Peace Lily, with its elegant white blooms and lush green leaves, purifies the air and symbolizes nature’s calming beauty.
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