Peace Lily plants are a popular choice for indoor plant lovers. Their beautiful white flowers and green leaves make them a great addition to any space. But like most houseplants, they can attract unwanted pests. If you’ve noticed tiny white bugs, sticky residue, or yellow leaves on your Peace Lily, pests might be the problem. The good news? You can get rid of them and keep your plant healthy with the right approach.
Common Bugs That Infest Peace Lily Plants
Spider Mites – These tiny pests are hard to see with the naked eye, but their damage is obvious. If you notice webbing on the leaves of your Peace Lily and yellowing foliage, spider mites are likely the cause. They thrive in low humidity and can quickly take over an entire plant.
Mealybugs – These white, cotton-like bugs love to hide in the base of the plant and on the underside of leaves. Mealybugs suck sap from the plant, causing weak, droopy leaves and brown tips. If left untreated, they can spread to other indoor plants.
Aphids – These small, sap-sucking insects cluster on new growth, causing leaves to curl and distort. They leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew, which can lead to mold growth. Aphids multiply quickly, making early intervention important.
Fungus Gnats – If you see tiny black flies hovering around the soil surface, you’re dealing with adult fungus gnats. These pests lay eggs in moist soil, and their larvae feed on organic matter and plant roots. Overwatering and poor drainage holes are common causes of infestations.
Scale Insects – These hard-shelled pests attach to stems and leaves, sucking nutrients from the plant. They often look like small, brown bumps on the plant’s leaves or stems. Serious infestations can weaken the entire plant over time.
How to Identify an Infestation
Check your Peace Lily regularly, especially the undersides of leaves and the soil surface. Common signs of pest infestations include:
Properly identifying a pest problem early on is crucial for saving your Peace Lily and preventing the infestation from spreading to other indoor plants. Here’s what to look for and how to check for pests effectively.
Signs of Pest Damage
Yellow Leaves – This can be caused by spider mites, aphids, or scale insects sucking nutrients from the plant.
Brown Leaf Tips – Often a sign of mealybug damage or stress from an infestation.
Sticky Residue – Aphids and scale insects leave behind honeydew, which can lead to mold growth.
Webbing on Leaves – A telltale sign of spider mites.
Wilting or Drooping Leaves – If your Peace Lily appears weak even when soil moisture is adequate, pests could be attacking the roots or leaves.
Black Spots or Dark Brown Spots – These can be signs of plant diseases triggered by pest activity.
Tiny White Bugs – These could be mealybugs or newly hatched spider mites.
Fungus Gnats or Fruit Flies – If you see small flying insects near the soil, they may be feeding on the organic matter and plant roots.
Where to Look for Pests on Your Plants
Pests tend to hide in specific areas of your Peace Lily, so it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection to catch them early. Start by examining the undersides of the leaves. Many pests, including spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, prefer these hidden areas where they can feed without immediate detection. Look closely for speckled discoloration, webbing, or tiny white or brown spots that may indicate an infestation.
Next, inspect the base of the plant, particularly where the leaves meet the main stem. Mealybugs and scale insects often cluster here, feeding on plant juices and weakening the structure of the plant. If your Peace Lily has been struggling with yellowing or wilting leaves, carefully examine this area for any unusual bumps, cotton-like clusters, or sticky residue.
Another hotspot for pests is the leaf joints and new growth areas. Aphids and mealybugs love to gather on tender, developing leaves since they are rich in nutrients. If you notice distorted or curling leaves, pests may be feasting on the young foliage. Be sure to part the leaves gently to check for hidden bugs.
The surface of the soil is another crucial area to inspect. If you have been overwatering your plant or using soil rich in organic matter, fungus gnats may be present. Their tiny black larvae thrive in moist soil, feeding on plant roots and decaying material. If you see small, mosquito-like flies hovering around the pot, they are likely adult fungus gnats searching for places to lay eggs. Scraping the top layer of soil can sometimes reveal tiny white larvae wriggling beneath the surface.
Don’t forget to check the bottom of the pot and drainage holes. Some pests, like root aphids and fungus gnat larvae, may take refuge in the moist, dark areas at the base of the plant. If your Peace Lily is experiencing unexplained wilting or stunted growth, gently remove it from its pot and inspect the roots for signs of infestation or root rot.
Lastly, consider the environment surrounding your plant. Pests can easily spread from one houseplant to another, so check any plants nearby for similar signs of infestation. If you recently introduced a new plant into your collection, inspect it thoroughly before placing it near your Peace Lily.
Tools to Help Identify Pests
Sometimes, pests are too small to see clearly with the naked eye. These tools can help:
Magnifying Glass – This makes it easier to spot tiny pests like spider mites and aphids. Get one with a light included!
Cotton Swab – Running a cotton swab over leaves can reveal sticky residue or hidden pests.
White Paper Test – Shake a leaf over a white sheet of paper. If you see tiny moving specks, you likely have spider mites.
Spray Bottle with Water – Lightly mist the leaves; pests like mealybugs and aphids become more visible when wet. You'll also be able to see if there is any webbing from spider mites. Get a continuous spray bottle. The mist is super fine and great for your plants.
Flashlight – Shining a light at different angles can reveal pests camouflaged against the green leaves.
If you notice these issues, it’s time to take action before the pests spread to your other indoor plants.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Bugs
Manual Removal – Start by wiping the plant’s leaves with a damp cotton swab or cloth. If you see scale insects or mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. Trim off any severely damaged leaves.
Neem Oil – Neem oil is one of the best natural solutions for houseplant pests. Mix it with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the leaves and stems. This works well for spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. For best results, spray the plant once a week until the pests are gone.
Insecticidal Soap – A gentle yet effective option, insecticidal soap suffocates soft-bodied pests like aphids and spider mites. Spray it directly onto the plant’s leaves, focusing on the undersides where pests hide. Continue treating weekly until they‘re gone.
Mosquito Bits for Fungus Gnats – If you’re dealing with fungus gnats, mix the mosquito bits with water, let it sit for a while, and pour it into the potting mix. This kills larvae without harming your Peace Lily’s roots.
Introducing Beneficial Predators – If you prefer a natural method, introducing ladybugs or predatory mites can help control spider mites and aphids. This is a great solution for those who have multiple plants. Koppert has everything you need!
High-pressure Sprayer - use it to spray pests off the plant with water.
Diatomaceous Earth - Sprinkle it on the soil and leaves to disrupt their life cycle. Note: DE is ineffective when wet. Also, it can affect beneficial insects, so apply with care.
Non-toxic Insecticide - for infestations, use Lost Coast Therapy. Follow label instructions and repeat as necessary.
Preventing Future Pest Problems
Maintain Proper Soil Moisture – Overwatering is a common cause of fungus gnats and root rot. Use well-draining soil and only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid letting excess water sit at the bottom of the pot.
Provide Good Air Circulation – Pests thrive in stagnant air. Keep Peace Lilies away from air vents, but ensure they have enough airflow to prevent pest buildup.
Check New Plants Before Bringing Them Indoors – Pests often hitch a ride on new plants. Inspect all new plants before placing them near your Peace Lily.
Use Proper Lighting and Temperature – Peace Lilies prefer bright indirect light and room temperature conditions. Cold drafts and too little light can stress the plant, making it more susceptible to pests.
Pests are one of the most common problems for Peace Lily plants, but they don’t have to be a long-term issue. By identifying bugs early and using natural treatments like neem oil, insecticidal soap, and hydrogen peroxide, you can keep your plant pest-free. Remember to maintain good plant care habits, like using well-draining soil, avoiding excess moisture, and keeping an eye on new growth.