Why are my peace lily’s lowest leaves turning yellow?
Start with two checks: which leaves are turning yellow, and how does the compost feel? This helps you choose a sensible next step without watering on guesswork.
An occasional older leaf can turn yellow as it ages. But if more leaves are changing, you need to investigate. The photograph shows yellow lower leaves; their colour alone is not enough to establish the cause.
Feel the compost before watering
Push a finger a couple of centimetres into the compost. If it still feels damp, wait before adding more water. If the top layer has dried out, it is time to water. Empty the saucer or decorative outer pot afterwards so that excess water does not remain around the inner pot.
Look for a pattern in the leaves
One older leaf turns yellow
The rest of the plant looks unchanged.
Next step: Watch to see whether it remains confined to that leaf. A spent flower stem or yellowed leaf can be cut off at the base.
Several leaves turn yellow and the compost is wet
The pot stays damp for a long time or sits in water.
Next step: Empty any standing water and check the drainage before watering again.
The plant droops and the compost is dry
The top layer of compost has dried out.
Next step: Water and let the excess drain away. Then watch how the plant responds.
Check its position too
Peace lilies do well in bright, indirect light. Protect them from strong direct sun, cold draughts and the heat beside a radiator.
Sources and images 3
- Reader question: yellow leaves on a peace lily ↗Reader question and image
- RHS: peace lilies ↗Reference
- University of Maryland: yellow leaves and watering ↗Reference
