The Effects Of Chlorine On Peace Lilies

Ask the Expert: Peace lily sensitive to chlorine
Just learned that when watering peace lily, should let water sit out 24 hours to evaporate the chlorine. Wondering if this is what has been ailing my plant. What are the symptoms of chlorinated water being used?

Thanks for your expertise!! Donna

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:Houseplants and chlorine don’t mix well, but many plants will not show any signs of damage when watered with tap water containing chlorine. Sometimes peace lilies (spathiphyllum) don’t show any signs of damage when exposed to chlorine. When they do, I have found the overall health of the plant seems to decline and the leaves will look brown and burnt.

At home, I water mine with tap and have no problems. In the greenhouse, we have noticed the leaves tend to brown and the new leaves of the peace lilies lack vitality when we water with the public water instead of our well water.

With that said, the more important question to ask is “when did the plant start to decline?” If it was recently and you have always watered it with tap water, you need to rule out all other potential causes. If it was after watering with tap water that recently had a stronger chlorine aroma, then chlorine is the problem.

My recommendation is to fill your watering can and let it sit over night. This way you can determine if chlorine is a problem. If it is a chlorine issue, it should be resolved in a few weeks of watering with the exposed water.

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