‘Avoid’ tap water to hydrate ‘sensitive’ peace lilies

Peace lilies are known for their glossy green leaves and white flowers, called spathes. They can help to purify the air, making them great bedroom houseplants which generally need very little care as they don’t require lots of light. However, according to an expert, owners should steer away from using tap water when watering this indoor plant.With winter just around the corner, the majority of houseplants will enter a dormant period, where they need to rest.They will also need watering less than in the summer months, with it recommended reducing their routine to once every two weeks instead of one.Overwatering is one of the biggest killers when it comes to houseplants as many can suffer from root rot or diseases brought on by too much water.Some can also be sensitive to tap water. Natalie Devereux, product specialist at Serenata Flowers, told Express.co.uk: ‘Peace lilies are considered easier than some other plants to look after in the winter when there are fewer sunlight hours.READ MORE: ‘Crucial’ areas to prune in the garden now ‘Avoid’ tap water to hydrate ‘sensitive’ peace lilies in winter – what to use instead (Image: Getty)’Despite being a tropical plant, they grow well in moderate to low lighting conditions. They will flower in spring if a minimum temperature of around 15C is maintained in the home throughout winter and their soil remains moist in a pot with good drainage.’It’s worth remembering that they enjoy a humid environment, and humidity in the air significantly reduces in the home when the central heating is on, so we always recommend misting regularly to counteract this.’Peace lilies don’t like being overwatered and owners should not water on a ‘schedule’ during the winter months, according to the experts.The expert added: ‘Where possible, use filtered water and avoid tap water which can contain fluoride, which peace lilies are sensitive to.DON’T MISS:Five ‘quick’ updates to ‘inject new life’ into your kitchen [COMMENT]Five ‘quick’ and ‘cheap’ methods to heat your bedroom without heating [INSIGHT]Method to banish damp clothing smells with vinegar [EXPLAINER] Owners should water their peace lily with rain water (Image: Getty) Houseplants need less water in the winter months (Image: EXPRESS)If the conditions for a peace lily aren’t right, they may suffer, including being more susceptible to pests, such as fungus gnats.Fungus gnats thrive in moist compost, so owners should water less frequently to break their lifecycle.Other common problems include mealybugs and scale. Mealybugs are one of the most common pests owners may encounter, but they are also the hardest to control.Owners can use an insecticidal soap spray or neem oil to fight off the pests. Dish soap mixed with water can also help to kill pests and keep them away.