Best Practices for Keeping Your Peace Lily Thriving Indoors

New to plants? Or a seasoned plant-parent who appreciates lush white blooms and vibrant greenery? Well, you’ve come to the right place with the peace lily!

Not only is the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) a stand-out choice of indoor plant for its good looks; It’s also super low-maintenance and one of the few foliage plants that will flower in low light – making peace lily care a breeze. Plus, it contributes to a healthier home thanks to its fabulous air-purifying qualities. 

Fun fact too: It’s not actually a lily. It’s a tropical perennial that will bless you with stunning white flowers and dark green leaves year after year… provided you practise good peace lily care.

If you’re looking for tips and tricks on how to look after a peace lily plant, look no further. Peace lily indoor care is pretty easy once you’re in-the-know!

Essential Care Tips

Firstly, nobody’s perfect and that applies to plants too. All parts of the peace lily are mildly poisonous, and can be harmful if ingested—so keep those kids, cats and dogs well away. In rare cases, it can also cause contact dermatitis in humans.

When it comes to how to care for a peace lily, consider the following:

Lighting: Does the peace lily like sun? The answer is – in moderation. Peace lilies are known for their ability to adapt to low-light conditions, making them perfect for homes and offices. But they’ll never thrive without some exposure to bright, indirect sunlight. Position your peace lily near a window with sheer curtains or in a location that receives dappled sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.

Watering: Wondering how often to water your peace lily? We recommend immersing your peace lily in water once a week in summer, and fortnightly in winter. If you do miss a water, or your baby’s particularly thirsty—trust us, it’ll tell you. Once you see those dramatically drooping leaves, there’s your cue!

One of the most common mistakes with peace lilies is overwatering. They prefer to be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again, and always ensure that water drains freely from the bottom of the pot to prevent root rot. 

Humidity: Native to tropical regions, peace lilies thrive in high humidity. While they can adapt to lower humidity levels, providing a humid environment can make them really happy. You could increase humidity by misting the plant or placing a tray of water near it, but be cautious not to over-mist, as this can lead to fungal issues. 

Temperature: Peace lilies love a temperature between 18°C to 27°C. They’re sensitive to cold drafts, so avoid placing them near windows or doors that might expose them to chilly air. And keep them away from heating vents to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.

Can peace lilies grow outside? Peace lilies are traditionally an indoor plant, but they can grow outside if planted in a shady area with well-draining, consistently moist soil and ambient sunlight.  

Nourishment for Peace Lilies

Soil: Choosing the right soil is crucial for the health of your peace lily. Use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. 

And if you’re wondering when to repot your peace lily; Tell-tale signs it’s outgrown its pot are if the leaves are starting to wilt more frequently, or the roots are crowding and protruding out the bottom. It’s recommended to repot them into a slightly bigger pot every one to two years, to refresh the soil and provide essential nutrients. 

Fertilisation: It’s not just all about water—If you want those gorgeous blooms, you’ll need to provide the best feed for your peace lily too. Choose a good quality liquid fertiliser and feed it to your peace lily every 4-6 weeks during the hotter months of the year. This will help give your plant the nutrients it needs to flourish.

Pruning: Regular pruning can also help maintain the overall health and appearance of your peace lily. Remove yellow or brown leaves to encourage new growth, and trim dead flowers at the base to redirect the plant's energy toward producing new blooms.  

Special Care Considerations

Brown tips on leaves: If you’re noticing the tips of your peace lily’s leaves are turning brown, it could be due to a variety of reasons including too much direct sunlight, over-watering, or over-fertilising. Experiment with pulling back on these a little to see if it makes a difference.

Yellow leaves: This is sometimes a sign of an ageing leaf, and it can simply be cut off. It may also indicate overwatering, in which case you should let the soil dry out a bit and hold off on watering to allow the plant to recover.

Pests: While peace lilies are relatively resistant to pests, they can still attract spider mites, aphids, or scale insects. Regularly inspect the leaves for any signs of infestation, and if necessary, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate the affected plant to prevent the pests from spreading to other indoor plants. 

Get Quality Peace Lily Plants at The Indoor Plant Co

Caring for peace lily plants doesn’t have to be difficult. Requiring just a little TLC, they’re the perfect gift for any plant lover or person who appreciates a greener, healthier, calmer space. At The Indoor Plant Co, we believe plants = happiness, so why not check out our range of peace lilies and other beautiful indoor plant gifts today!