Use this magical antidote for your Peace Lilies to safeguard them from infections and promote their health but make sure to use it wisely.
Peace Lilies, did these ring any bells about shiny and glossy leaves with beautiful blooms? Yes, we are sure they must have, but our favorites can be sensitive to fungal infections, rotting, and stress caused by overwatering — which seems like just another watering routine to us. If you have been doing this, then it is time you stop and use this magical substance to protect them now.
Using Turmeric for Peace Lilies
Why Turmeric?
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. For peace lilies, this makes turmeric their best friend. Turmeric would help prevent fungal growth in the soil because fungal infections often develop due to excess moisture, poor drainage or contaminated soil. And our peace lilies are highly vulnerable to them.
Along with this, turmeric also has a mild pest-repelling quality. But it is important to note that turmeric won’t kill the pests straight away. But its strong scent and compounds can discourage pests from settling in the soil.
Another great advantage is that turmeric can support wound healing in plants. This can help our peace lilies to heal if they have recently been repotted or have damaged roots or stems.
How to Use Turmeric for Peace Lilies?
1. A Pinch
Use it in small quantities; this is the most safest and straightforward answer we could give. A pinch of turmeric powder can be mixed into the top layer of the soil to help prevent fungal growth. But wait, this should be done occasionally and not regularly. Overuse might lead to soil imbalance, and other beneficial microbes can be affected.
2. Dust a Little
If you forgot about it then, you can do it now. While repotting, lightly dust the roots with turmeric powder before placing the plant in fresh soil. This will help in protecting them against root rot and fungal infections. This technique can be your lifesaver if your peace lilies have shown signs of decay or root damage during repotting.
3. Solution
Make a turmeric solution by mixing a very small amount of turmeric powder in water and using it to water the plant once. If you choose this method, be careful! The solution needs to be very diluted. Concentrated turmeric water can stain the leaves, clog the soil pores and affect the pH of the soil.
What to Avoid and When to Avoid?
Using turmeric in large amounts and regularly is a big no. Excess turmeric can compact the soil, reduce airflow and interfere with water absorption. Peace lilies love their loose and well-draining soil and too much of turmeric can go against them rather than going with them.
This is not a free pass to sprinkle turmeric on their leaves or flowers. This can block leaf pores, attract moisture, and lead to fungal growth rather than preventing it.
Turmeric is not a fertilizer; we emphasize this again. Do not treat it as a replacement for your peace lilies’ everyday care routine.
But, if you see your peace lily growing healthy, stable, free from pests or fungal issues. Reduce the frequency of turmeric even more. Proper watering, indirect light, humidity, and good drainage are usually enough to keep them thriving. Turmeric can be seen as an organic and natural supplement used once in a while to add some boost for our peace lilies to thrive.
Using turmeric for peace lilies or other houseplants can be a smart move. But this smart move needs to be played well, or else we’ll end up being the strongest enemies of our plants rather than being their strongest friends. If you have tried turmeric, let us know in the comments below how it worked for your plants and which technique did you use!
