Peace lily care made easy! Learn how to keep your plant thriving with this comprehensive guide.
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum ), with its lush, dark green foliage and elegant white “flowers” (actually modified leaves called spathes), is a beloved houseplant known for its beauty and air-purifying qualities. They are known for speaking to their plant parents and are pretty easy to grow.
But while they’re relatively low-maintenance, understanding their needs is key to keeping them thriving. This guide covers everything from basic peace lily care to troubleshooting, so you can become a true peace lily expert.
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About the Peace Lily
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, peace lilies thrive in warm, humid environments with dappled light. There are many varieties, with the “Mauna Loa” being one of the most popular for its large size. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, peace lilies are known to remove certain toxins from the air, like formaldehyde and benzene. (To learn more about houseplants that clean the air, read this post that I wrote).
Peace Lily Care: Light Requirements
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight they receive in their natural rainforest habitat. An east- or north-facing window is ideal.
- Too much direct sunlight: Can scorch the leaves, causing brown tips or spots.
- Too little light: May result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
I’ve moved my peace lily around to a few different spots in my home. It seems to love and thrive in the sidelights to my front door of the front entry hall. This sits on the south side of our home but has a front porch so it is not getting that direct sunlight. We rarely go in and out through this door too, so it is not affected by temperature changes.
It can tolerate low light conditions in your home, but won’t thrive. If you decorate your home with the peace lily and want to use it in a space that lacks good lighting, consider adding a grow light like this one.
Soil Conditions
A well-draining potting mix is crucial. Peace lilies like their soil to be consistently moist but not soggy. A good mix should contain organic matter (like peat moss or coco coir) for moisture retention and perlite or sand for drainage.
Peace Lily Care: Temperature and Humidity
These tropical plants prefer temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid placing them near cold drafts or heat sources.
Humidity is also important. If your home is dry, you can increase humidity by:
- Misting the leaves: Use distilled or filtered water to avoid mineral deposits.
- Using a humidity tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
- Grouping plants together: This creates a microclimate with higher humidity.
- Use a humidifer: Add a humidifier to your space to bump up the humidity in your home.
Watering Your Peace Lily
One of the most common mistakes with peace lilies is overwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering thoroughly. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, and discard any excess water that collects in the saucer. I usually walk my plant to the kitchen sink and soak it well before returning it to it’s decorative pot.
Peace lillies will let you know whey they are thirsty with drooping leaves. It can be a bit dramatic but that’s their way of letting you know if you aren’t on top of it. Fortunately, these plants rebound well but try not to let it get to that point if you can. Here’s how to know!
Stick your finger down into the soil about 1-2″ and feel for dryness. But you can also use this moisture meter instead if you prefer.
Reduce watering in the winter months when growth slows down, but keep in mind dry heat from indoor air can also dry out the soil much quicker. Keep an eye on the soil and watch the foliage for clues it needs watering.
Signs of Overwatering
- Yellowing leaves
- Mushy stems
- Root rot
Signs of Underwatering
- Drooping leaves
- Brown leaf tips
Pro-Tip: Water plants with distilled or rainwater as it’s naturally soft and free of chlorine and other chemicals that can harm plants or cause salt buildup.
Fertilizing Your Peace Lily
Peace lilies are light feeders. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 20-20-20) diluted to half strength. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer, and reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter. I feed my peace lily plant with this balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
Foliage Care
It’s a good idea to wipe down your leaves every so often with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. This is especially important in dry environments.
Repotting
It’s also a good idea to repot your peace lily every year or two, or when they become root-bound. This helps refresh the soil and provides more space for the roots to grow.
Peace Lily Care: Pruning and Deadheading
Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and prevent the spread of diseases. It’s also a good idea to deadhead spent blooms down to the base of the plant as far as you can reach with a good set of sharp snips.
Peace Lily Care: Common Pests and Diseases
- Mealybugs: These tiny, white insects suck sap from the plant. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Look for fine webbing and tiny, moving dots. Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering. Repot the plant in fresh soil and adjust watering habits.
Peace Lily Propagation Methods
- Division: The easiest way to propagate a peace lily is by dividing the plant during repotting. Gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with its own leaves and roots then replant.
- Stem cuttings: Take cuttings with at least one leaf and node. Root them in water or moist potting mix.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering, but can also be due to nutrient deficiencies or aging.
- Drooping leaves: Usually a sign of underwatering, but can also indicate overwatering or temperature stress.
- Brown leaf tips: Can be caused by dry air, underwatering, or fertilizer burn.
- Lack of blooms: May be due to insufficient light, improper watering, or lack of nutrients. However, peace lilies may need a period of dormancy with cooler temperatures and reduced watering to encourage blooming.
Final Thoughts About Growing Peace Lillies
With proper care, your peace lily will reward you with lush foliage and elegant blooms. Remember to provide bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture. By following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy a thriving peace lily for years to come.
For more information about peace lily care, please read this article from the Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:
- Easy Houseplants for Busy People: The Low-Maintenance Approach to Growing an Indoor Garden
- From Shop to Home: How to Acclimate Your Tropical Plants
- Stop Guessing and Master Watering Indoor Plants Like a Pro
- How to Revive Houseplants You Thought Were Goners
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
