Why Are My Peace Lily Leaves Curling?

When a peace lily’s leaves begin to curl, it is a visual cue from your plant that its conditions are not ideal. A curling leaf signals distress that is almost always correctable. By identifying the underlying cause, you can take simple steps to restore your plant to its graceful state.

Primary Causes Related to Water and Humidity

Watering issues are a primary reason for curling leaves in peace lilies. A frequent cause is underwatering; when the plant is thirsty, its leaves will curl inward as a defense mechanism to reduce surface area and minimize moisture loss. To check for this, insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry and the soil is pulling away from the pot’s edges, your plant needs water.

Conversely, overwatering can also cause curling. When a peace lily is overwatered, the soil becomes waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. This condition damages the roots, impairing their ability to absorb both water and nutrients, effectively starving the plant. Signs of overwatering include yellowing lower leaves, consistently soggy soil, and sometimes a musty odor.

Peace lilies are native to tropical rainforests where the air is consistently moist. Low humidity in a home, especially during winter, can cause problems. Dry air accelerates the rate of water evaporation from the leaves. When this loss surpasses the rate at which the roots can supply water, the leaf edges will curl and may feel crispy.

Environmental Stress Factors

The placement of your peace lily influences its health. While tolerant of lower light, they are sensitive to bright, direct sunlight. Intense sun can scorch the foliage, causing leaves to curl, turn yellow, and develop brown, burnt-looking patches. The curling is a protective response to limit exposure to the harsh light.

These tropical plants thrive in stable temperatures, ideally between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They are sensitive to abrupt temperature shifts and drafts. Placing a peace lily near a frequently opened door, a drafty window, or a heating or air conditioning vent can cause stress, leading to curled leaves as it struggles to adapt.

The type of water used can also be a source of stress. Peace lilies are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride present in tap water. Over time, these chemicals can accumulate in the soil as mineral salts, harming the root system and leading to brown, curled leaf tips. Using filtered, distilled, or collected rainwater can prevent this chemical buildup.

Pest and Nutrient Issues

Indoor plants are susceptible to pests that can cause leaves to curl. Sap-sucking insects like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are the main culprits. These pests feed on the plant’s juices, causing a loss of nutrients and moisture that results in distorted, curled leaves. A close inspection of the undersides of leaves may reveal fine webbing, sticky “honeydew” residue, or the insects themselves.

Fertilizer issues can also cause curling leaves. Peace lilies are not heavy feeders, and over-fertilization is a mistake. It leads to a buildup of fertilizer salts in the soil, which can “burn” the roots. This damage hinders the roots’ ability to take up water, creating drought-like symptoms, including leaf curl, even when the soil is moist.

How to Revive Your Peace Lily

If the soil is dry, water the plant thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes. For an overwatered plant, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. If you suspect root rot, you may need to repot the plant, trimming away any brown, mushy roots.

To address environmental issues, move your plant to a location with bright, indirect light, like near an east-facing window. Keep it away from drafts and sudden temperature changes. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, group it with other plants, or place it on a pebble tray filled with water.

For pest problems, isolate the plant and wipe the leaves with a cloth dipped in soapy water. For persistent infestations, insecticidal soap may be necessary. If you suspect over-fertilization, flush the soil by watering it heavily and letting the water drain completely to wash away excess salts. Repeat this a few times to remove the buildup.

Preventing Future Leaf Curling

Establishing a consistent care routine is the best way to prevent leaves from curling. Water your peace lily based on need rather than a strict schedule; check the top inch of soil and water only when it feels dry. This practice helps avoid both under and overwatering. Providing a humid environment will also help the tropical plant thrive.

Maintaining a stable environment is also important. Find a location with filtered, indirect sunlight and protect the plant from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. Finally, be conservative with fertilizer. Feed your peace lily sparingly during its growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength to avoid root damage.