Wasted 2 years overwatering my peace lily until a yellow leaf told me the truth

I had this peace lily for about 2 years and it always looked sad with droopy leaves. I thought it needed more water, so I was giving it a cup every single day like clockwork. Then one leaf turned yellow and I googled it, turns out I was basically DROWNING the poor thing. My neighbor who grows orchids told me she only waters hers every 10 days or so and I felt like an idiot. Now I check the soil with my finger before watering and the plant finally perked up after 3 weeks. Has anyone else killed a houseplant with kindness like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_vera2h ago

I wasted 2 years overwatering my peace lily" - oh man, that hit me RIGHT in the plant parent guilt. I did the EXACT same thing with my snake plant for like a year and a half. Kept giving it water every few days because I thought the leaves were supposed to be firm and green. Turns out those things are basically cacti in disguise. My friend who works at a nursery laughed at me when I told her about my watering schedule. She said snake plants practically survive on neglect and dust. Now I only water mine maybe once a month and it's suddenly growing these weird little babies from the soil. I honestly think half the houseplant problems come from us loving them too much and not letting them just chill.

margaretf401h ago

Overwatered a cactus once. It literally melted.