Peace Lily · Spathiphyllum
A peace lily is one of the most forgiving plants there is, and it tells you exactly what it needs. When it is thirsty it droops, and an hour after a good drink it stands right back up.
Despite the name, it is not a true lily. It comes from the floors of tropical forests, which is why it is happy in the medium light of most homes. It is one of the plants we send most often for sympathy, and with simple care it can live for many years as a reminder.
Water when it tells you to
Let the top inch of soil dry, or wait for the first slight droop, then water thoroughly. Take it to the sink, let water run through, and let it drain completely before it goes back in its basket or cover.
The droop is a signal, not an emergency, but don’t make it go through that every week. Constant wilting will brown the leaf edges over time.
Finding the right spot
Bright, indirect light gives you the most white blooms. Medium light keeps it green and healthy.
- A spot a few feet from an east or north window is ideal.
- It tolerates lower light better than almost any blooming plant, but it will flower less there.
- Keep it out of direct afternoon sun, which bleaches and scorches the leaves.
- Keep it away from heat vents and cold doors. It likes the same temperatures you do.
Everyday care
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
- Light
- Medium to bright, indirect light. No direct afternoon sun.
- Water
- When the top inch is dry or the leaves just start to droop, usually once a week. Filtered or rain water keeps the tips from browning.
- Humidity & temperature
- 65–80°F, never below 55°F. It loves humidity, so group it with other plants or use a pebble tray in winter.
- Feeding
- Half-strength houseplant food every six to eight weeks in spring and summer. Too much food browns the leaf tips.
- Blooms
- Each white bloom lasts several weeks, then turns green or brown. Cut the stem off down at the base of the plant.
- Cleaning
- Wipe the big leaves with a damp cloth every month or so. Dusty leaves can’t take in light.
Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing it causes mouth pain, drooling and vomiting. It is not one of the true lilies that cause kidney failure in cats, but keep it out of reach. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
Getting new blooms
A peace lily blooms most in spring and early summer. If yours has stopped flowering, it almost always needs more light. Move it closer to a bright window, out of direct sun, and feed it at half strength in spring. Older, well-established plants bloom more than young ones.
The eastern North Carolina year
What to do through our Johnston County seasons.
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| SpringMarch–May | The main bloom season. Start half-strength feeding and repot if the roots are crowded. |
| SummerJune–August | Drinks the most. Check it twice a week, and keep it out of hot afternoon sun through the windows. |
| FallSeptember–November | Growth slows. Stop feeding by October. |
| WinterDecember–February | Heat pumps dry the air and brown the tips. Water less often, raise the humidity, and keep it away from cold glass and doors. |
Repotting
Repot every year or two in spring, when the roots fill the pot or water runs straight through. Go up one size, with drainage holes, in regular houseplant mix.
A large, crowded peace lily can be divided: slide it out of the pot, gently pull it into two or three clumps, each with leaves and roots, and pot each one separately.
Quick fixes
Leaves drooping
It is thirsty. Water thoroughly and it should perk up within a few hours.
Still drooping in wet soil
The roots are too wet. Let it drain and dry out more before the next watering.
Brown, crispy leaf tips
Tap water minerals, dry air or too much plant food. Use filtered water and add humidity.
Yellow lower leaves
A few old leaves yellowing is normal. Many at once means too much water.
No new blooms
Not enough light. Move it closer to a bright window.
Blooms turning green
That is normal as a bloom ages. Cut the stem off at the base.
Common questions
How often should I water a peace lily?
About once a week for most homes, whenever the top inch of soil is dry or the leaves begin to droop.
Can a peace lily live in low light?
Yes, it is one of the best plants for lower light. It will just flower less.
Why does my peace lily have brown tips?
Usually minerals in tap water, dry winter air or too much plant food.
Can I plant a peace lily outside?
Only for the summer in a shady spot. It cannot survive a North Carolina winter outdoors.
More plant care guides
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
The easiest houseplant there is. Medium light, water when the top two inches are dry.
Read the guide →Dish Gardens & Planter Baskets
Mixed green and blooming plants
Several plants in one container. Water lightly, give it bright indirect light, and separate them when they outgrow it.
Read the guide →Dracaena
Dracaena fragrans and relatives
Medium light, light watering and filtered water. Slow, steady and long-lived.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com