I love growing Peace lilies, which are popular indoor plants due to their glossy, dark green leaves and delicate white blooms. For plant enthusiasts and beginners alike, peace lilies are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Peace Lily Care
Peace lilies are also effective air purifiers, known for removing pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Peace lilies are perfect for a wide range of indoor environments. Check out this post on the 50 best air-purifying houseplants recommended by NASA.
This guide provides comprehensive care instructions to help you keep your peace lily thriving. It covers everything from light and water requirements to dealing with common problems.
Peace Lily Basics
Peace lilies are herbaceous perennials native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
They are prized for their striking white flowers (spathes), which are often mistaken for blooms but are actually modified leaves that surround the plant’s small, real flowers.
Beyond aesthetic appeal, peace lilies help purify indoor air, reduce mold spores, and add a calming ambiance to indoor settings.
Peace lilies’ ability to filter toxins can contribute to an overall healthier indoor environment, making them popular in homes and offices.
Varieties Of Peace Lilies
Several varieties are popular, each offering a unique look:
Spathiphyllum Mauna Loa: Known for its large size and lush, glossy leaves.
Spathiphyllum Domino: Features variegated leaves with white streaks, adding extra visual interest.
Spathiphyllum Sensation: A larger variety, growing up to 4-5 feet, suitable for more open spaces.
Light Requirements
Peace lilies thrive in low to medium, indirect light, making them ideal for spots that don’t receive intense sunlight.
They can tolerate low light but will grow slower and may produce fewer flowers.
Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, turning them yellow or brown. Place your peace lily in a spot with filtered light, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south-facing window.
If your peace lily’s leaves begin to droop or lose their vibrant green color, it may indicate that the plant isn’t getting enough light.
Relocate it to a spot with slightly brighter, indirect light if you notice these changes.
Watering Needs
Peace lilies enjoy consistently moist soil, but they don’t tolerate standing water. Aim to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Typically, watering once a week works well, though you may need to adjust based on humidity and temperature.
Overwatering is a common mistake and can cause root rot, leading to yellowing leaves. Underwatered plants, on the other hand, may droop dramatically.
Peace lilies are resilient and will usually perk up after a good watering, but it’s best to prevent this by keeping a regular watering schedule.
Peace lilies are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, often found in tap water.
Using filtered or distilled water can help prevent brown leaf tips and salt buildup, keeping your peace lily healthier.
Humidity and Temperature Requirements
Peace lilies prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C). They are not frost-tolerant, so avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Peace lilies love humidity, as they are native to tropical regions. Misting the leaves once a day, placing the pot on a humidity tray, or using a humidifier can help create an environment that mimics their natural habitat.
Peace lilies are sensitive to sudden temperature changes and drafts, which can cause stress and leaf damage.
Avoid placing your plant near doors, windows, or air conditioning vents where drafts are common.
Soil and Potting
Peace lilies thrive in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
A mix designed for indoor plants, with added perlite or coarse sand for aeration, is ideal.
Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom. The pot should be slightly larger than the root ball, as too large a pot can lead to overwatering issues.
Repot your peace lily every 1-2 years or when you see roots poking out of the drainage holes. Repotting helps refresh the soil, providing essential nutrients and space for growth.
Fertilizing Peace Lilies
Fertilize your peace lily every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength.
If the plant’s leaves become brown or crispy, it could indicate overfertilization. Flushing the soil with water can help to remove excess fertilizer salts.
Avoid fertilizing during the winter when growth slows. Fertilizing only during active growing months supports healthy, balanced growth without overwhelming the plant.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing is often caused by overwatering, inadequate light, or nutrient deficiency. Evaluate these factors and adjust as necessary.
Brown Leaf Tips: Brown tips can result from low humidity, excessive fertilizer, or chemicals in tap water.
Ensure sufficient humidity, avoid over-fertilizing, and use filtered water to mitigate this issue.
Drooping Leaves: Drooping is usually a sign of underwatering, though it can also occur due to low humidity or root issues.
If the soil is dry, a thorough watering should help revive your peace lily.
Pests and Diseases
Peace lilies can occasionally suffer from pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Regularly inspect the leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
Diseases like root rot occur when the soil is too moist. To avoid root rot, make sure the plant is in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Peace Lily Propagation
Peace lilies are best propagated through division. Wait until the plant has grown several stems, and then carefully separate these from the main root ball, ensuring each division has roots and leaves.
Spring is the best time to propagate, as the plant is actively growing and can more easily adjust to the division process.
After dividing, plant the new divisions in pots with fresh soil. Keep them in a warm, humid area with indirect light and water regularly to help them establish strong roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get my peace lily to bloom?
Peace lilies often bloom in spring and summer. To encourage blooms, ensure the plant receives enough indirect light and feed it during the growing season.
What’s the best place to keep a peace lily indoors?
Peace lilies thrive in spaces with indirect light and consistent humidity, like bathrooms, kitchens, or living rooms away from direct sunlight.
How do I clean my peace lily’s leaves?
Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the leaves and remove dust buildup, which can improve photosynthesis and the plant’s appearance.
Final Thoughts
Peace lilies are a wonderful addition to any home, offering elegance, ease of care, and air-purifying benefits.
I have owned my Peace lily for many years and propagated many new plants from the original plant.
I highly recommend getting a peace lily. It is one of the most rewarding houseplants and will easily thrive when provided with the right care.
I hope this post provided you with everything you need to care for your peace lily. Subscribe to my mailing newsletter and also save the Pinterest pin below to receive more awesome plant care guides.
