The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the most beloved indoor houseplants, celebrated for its elegant white blooms, air-purifying qualities, and low-maintenance nature. Despite its forgiving nature, proper peace lily care is essential to keep your plant healthy, lush, and blooming throughout the year.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to care for a peace lily, including best practices for watering, light, humidity, repotting, fertilising, troubleshooting common problems, and more.

Why Peace Lilies Make Excellent Indoor Plants

Peace Lilies are consistently recommended by plant experts and horticulturists as ideal houseplants. Their resilience, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal make them a favourite choice for homes, offices, and low-light spaces.

• Low Maintenance: Tolerant of occasional neglect and adaptable to varying light conditions.
• Air Purifying: Listed by NASA as one of the best plants for removing indoor toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
• Visual Appeal: Elegant white “flowers” (spathes) and deep green foliage add serenity and style.
• Space-Friendly: Suitable for desktops, shelves, and floor pots; grows well in limited light.
• Non-Allergenic Blooms: The “flowers” don’t produce pollen in the traditional sense, making them more allergy-friendly.
• Petite to Tall Sizes: Available in sizes ranging from compact table plants to large floor specimens.

The Different Peace Lily Varieties

There are over 40 varieties of peace lilies, each with unique characteristics in terms of size, leaf shape, and blooming habits. Here are some of the most popular types for indoor growers:

• ‘Mauna Loa’: Large, glossy green leaves with tall white blooms. One of the most common types.
• ‘Domino’: Features attractive variegated foliage with white streaks.
• ‘Sensation’: The largest peace lily variety with bold, ribbed leaves. Great as a statement plant.
• ‘Power Petite’: Compact, dwarf variety ideal for small spaces and desktops.
• ‘Cupido’: Known for frequent blooming and lush green foliage.

Choosing the right variety depends on your available space, aesthetic preferences, and care goals. All peace lily types generally require the same care basics.

Soil & Potting

Healthy roots are the foundation of a thriving Peace Lily. Choosing the right soil and pot ensures good drainage, adequate aeration, and consistent nutrient supply.

• Soil recommendation: Combine 1 part coco coir, 1 part perlite and 1 part compost. This soil mix promotes a well-draining and nutrient-rich environment to avoid root rot and promote healthy growth.
• Pot size & type: Use one a couple of inches (2-5cm) larger than the root ball, with drainage holes.
• Repotting timing: Every 12–24 months or when roots are growing out of the drainage holes. Wait for Spring to repot and choose a pot an inch (2cm) larger than the previous one.

Watering Techniques & Frequency

Watering is the most critical aspect of peace lily care, and one of the most common areas where plant owners go wrong.

• Frequency: Generally once a week in spring/summer; every 10–14 days in autumn/winter. Always adjust to your environment, water if the top inch (2cm) of soil feels dry.
• Method: Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, and discard excess water sitting in the saucer after 10–15 minutes to prevent root rot.
• Signs you’re overwatering: Yellowing leaves, soggy soil, mushy roots.
• Signs you’re underwatering: Drooping leaves and yellow leaves with brown tips

Feeding & Fertilizing

While peace lilies are low-maintenance plants, regular fertilising during the growing season can significantly improve their leaf vitality, flowering frequency, and overall health.

• Fertiliser type: Balanced liquid or water-soluble fertiliser with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
• Feed frequency: Feed every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (Spring, Summer), avoid feeding during Autumn/Winter.
• Dosage: Use at half or a quarter of the recommended strength to avoid burning the plant.
• Pre-water: Always water prior to fertilising, or risk root burn!

Light Requirements

Light plays a key role in the Peace Lily’s ability to photosynthesise and bloom. Fortunately, they are adaptable to a wide range of indoor lighting conditions.

• Bright, indirect light is best: Place your peace lily near a north- or east-facing window where sunlight is filtered. Avoid direct sun, which scorches leaves.
• Avoid harsh midday sun: Direct afternoon light, especially through south-facing windows, can bleach or burn foliage. Use sheer curtains to diffuse intense rays.
• Tolerates low light: Peace lilies can survive in dim rooms but may stop flowering. Leaf growth slows and may become leggy.
• Rotate your plant every 2–3 weeks: This ensures even exposure to light and promotes symmetrical leaf development.
• Grow lights for dark rooms: If your space lacks natural light, supplement with full-spectrum LED grow lights. Use a 12–14-hour light cycle to mimic daylight.

Temperature & Humidity

Peace lilies thrive in warm, humid environments, much like their native tropics.

• Keep temperatures between 18–27 °C (65–80 °F): Ideal for tropical plants. Avoid placing near cold windows or vents in winter, which can stunt growth.
• High humidity is essential: Aim for 50–60% humidity. Dry air causes brown tips and leaf curling, especially in centrally heated homes.
• Mist the leaves weekly: Light misting increases humidity around the plant, especially helpful during dry seasons or in air-conditioned rooms.
• Use a humidity tray: Place a shallow tray of water and pebbles beneath the pot. As water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.
• Avoid cold drafts or hot air: Keep peace lilies away from radiators, heaters, open windows, or air-conditioning units. Sudden temperature shifts stress the plant.

Peace Lily Propagation

Propagating a Peace Lily is simple and rewarding. You can expand your collection or share with friends by dividing the plant during repotting.

1. Carefully remove the peace lily from the pot. Brush off any soil and untangle any roots.
2. Identify any natural offshoots with their own set of leaves and root systems, and carefully separate.
3. Plant each section in its own pot with well-draining potting mix. Alternatively, place in water until roots are visible prior to potting.
4. Water regularly to keep consistently moist and keep out of direct sunlight.

Routine Care

Keeping your Peace Lily in good condition involves regular maintenance and observation. A few small actions go a long way.

• Regularly wipe leaves: with a damp microfibre cloth to remove dust, which improves the plant’s ability to photosynthesise.
• Remove dead blooms: Prune yellow leaves and dying flowers at the base to prevent disease and redirect energy to healthy growth.
• Check for pests: Inspect the undersides of leaves weekly for aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites. Treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Seasonal Care Guide

Understanding seasonal changes helps you adjust care routines for year-round health and longevity.

Spring & Summer

• Increase watering frequency: Warmer temperatures may dry out the soil quickly. Check the soil multiple times a week and water when needed.
• Start fertilising: Every 6-8 weeks to provide the plant with the nutrients needed for growth.
• Consider repotting: Spring is the best time to repot. Check underneath the pot for roots growing out of the drainage holes, the primary indicator that your Peace Lily needs more space!

Autumn & Winter

• Reduce feeding: As growth slows, your peace lily will no longer need regular nutrients.
• Decrease watering frequency: Transpiration will reduce as growth slows, and less water will evaporate from the soil. Allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent overwatering.
• Avoid drafts/heating sources: Move your Peace Lily away from drafty locations or heat sources, as this may stress the plant.
• Monitor Light: Shorter daylight hours can reduce growth; consider using a grow light to maintain energy levels in low-light rooms.

Common Problems & Solutions

If your identified issue has more than one solution, it’s advisable to change one variable at a time. This helps to identify the real cause and avoids shocking the plant, preventing any further issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can peace lilies survive in low light?

A: Yes, peace lilies tolerate low light well and are ideal for indirect light environments like offices or bathrooms. However, they may not bloom unless exposed to brighter, filtered light for several hours daily.

Q: Is a peace lily safe for pets and children?

A: No. Peace lilies are toxic to pets and humans if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals. Symptoms include mouth irritation, drooling, or nausea. Keep out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children. For pet-safe alternatives, click here.

Q: What pests affect peace lilies?

A: Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and fungus gnats. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and isolate the plant if needed.

Q: Can peace lilies live outside?

A: Peace lilies are best kept indoors in most climates. In tropical or subtropical zones, they can grow outdoors in shaded areas. Protect from direct sun, wind, and cold.

Q: How big do peace lilies grow?

A: Depending on the variety, peace lilies can grow from 30 cm (1 ft) to over 1.2 m (4 ft) tall. Dwarf types like ‘Petite’ remain compact, while cultivars like ‘Mauna Loa’ become large floor plants.