Peace Lily - All You Need to Know to Grow a Beautiful Plant 🕊💚

Anna Shpomer·December 20, 2023

Are you thinking of having a Peace Lily in your space? 🤔

Or maybe you already have one and want to ensure it receives the best care possible?

Well, you're in the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn:

🌱 Origins of the Peace Lily and why it's an ideal houseplant.
🌞 The best lighting conditions for your houseplant.
💧 Nailing the watering schedule - not too much, not too little!
🌻 Soil and potting secrets for a happy Peace Lily.
🌡️ The ideal temperature and humidity for thriving Peace Lily plants.
💪 Fertilization facts - what, when, and how much?
🚑 Troubleshooting common problems - no more yellow leaves!
🐛 Dealing with pesky pests that love your Peace Lily.

Keep reading to transform from a Peace Lily novice to a pro! 🌟

#1 Peace Lily Introduction ✋

Peace Lily - Origins 🌎

The Peace Lily, scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, is a genus with a name that derives from the Greek words "spath" meaning spoon, and "phyllon" meaning leaf, referring to the spoon-shaped spathes of its flowers.

Originating from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in regions like Colombia and Venezuela, Peace Lilies thrive in a warm, humid, and shaded environment. 🌿🌎

The key to success in growing Peace Lilies indoors?

Replicate this type of climate in your home.

Read our guide to learn exactly how. 🤩

Piece Lilly as Your Houseplant 🏡

Is the Peace Lily popular as a houseplant?

Absolutely!

Renowned for its striking appearance and air-purifying qualities, the Peace Lily is a favorite among indoor gardeners.

And this is no wonder:

It looks stunning with its glossy dark green leaves and elegant white flowers, that are spathes in reality.

Typically, they grow up to 2-3 feet tall, making them a perfect addition to homes or offices.

Despite their tropical origin, they adapt well to less humid conditions, making them a versatile and low-maintenance choice.

Peace Lilies are generally slow growers, but their ease of care and beautiful foliage more than make up for it. 🌱💚

#2 Peace Lilies Care - Light Requirements

Understanding the importance of light for your Peace Lily is crucial for its health and growth.

Light is vital for photosynthesis💚, the process where plants convert light into energy.

In photosynthesis, plants use light, carbon dioxide, and water to create their food, which is essential for their growth and health.

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What Light is The Best for Your Peace Lily 🤔

Peace Lilies are adaptable to various lighting conditions, each affecting their growth differently.

Here are the options that you might want to consider when placing your Peace Lily:

Direct Sunlight ⛔: Peace Lilies generally do not tolerate direct sun 🥵 well. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (more than 1-2 hours per day), especially during the peak hours of the day, can cause their leaves to burn and yellow. If you have a spot that receives direct sunlight (it's typically an east facing window), it's best to filter it with curtains or blinds. 🌞
Bright Indirect Light ✅: This is the ideal lighting condition for Peace Lilies. They thrive in well-lit rooms where they receive plenty of light but are shielded from direct sunbeams. A spot near an east-facing or west-facing window, where sunlight is bright but diffused, is perfect for encouraging healthy growth and flowering. 🌤️
Low Light ✅: Peace Lilies are quite resilient and can survive in low light conditions, although their growth might be slower, and they may not produce flowers as readily. Low light conditions are common in areas farther away from windows or in rooms with north-facing windows. While not ideal, Peace Lilies can still maintain their lush green appearance in these settings. 🌒

#3 Peace Lily Care - Watering It Right 💧

How Much Water Does Peace Lily Plant Need? 🌊

Peace Lilies grow in a tropical environment, so they are naturally used to a consistent supply of moisture in their natural habitat.

They prefer their soil to be consistently moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Never let the soil completely dry out!

Typically, you can safely water Peace Lilies every 1-2 weeks is adequate, but this can vary based on several factors:

Season/Growth Stage🌱🌤️❄️: During the growing season (spring and summer), your Peace Lily may need more frequent watering. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce the frequency.
How Much Light It Receives:💡🌿: Plants in brighter light may require more frequent watering than those in low light.
Soil Type🌱🧱: The type of soil impacts how quickly it dries out. Well-draining soil will require more frequent watering.
Temperature and Humidity🌡️💧: Higher temperatures and lower humidity will increase the rate of soil drying.

👉 You Might Also Like: Peace Lily Watering Guide (Super Easy to Follow) 💦

How Do You Know When It's Time to Water?

Your Peace Lily's soil should be moist but not soggy.

Instead of relying on a set schedule, it's always better to check first before watering.

Here is how you do this 👇:

Finger Test (or Bamboo Chopsticks) 👉🌱🥢: This is a simple yet effective method. Insert your finger or a bamboo chopstick approximately one-third deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your Peace Lily. If using chopsticks, notice if the chopstick appears damp or has soil sticking to it when removed, indicating moisture. If it comes out clean and dry, your plant needs water.
Moisture Meter 🔍💧: For a more precise approach, use a moisture meter. Insert the probe of the meter into the soil near the plant's base, avoiding the very surface or the bottom of the pot. Check the reading: if it falls in the 'dry' range, it's time to water. Be cautious of the meter reading 'wet', which suggests the soil is still sufficiently moist and might indicate overwatering.
Wilting Leaves 👀🍃: Pay attention to the leaves of your Peace Lily. If they start to wilt or droop, it's often a sign that the plant is thirsty and in need of water. This visual cue is a quick way to recognize that your Peace Lily requires immediate attention.

#4 Peace Lilies Care - Soil and Potting 🪴

Choosing the right soil and understanding the potting needs of your Peace Lily is crucial for its health and longevity.

The Best Potting Mix for Your Peace Lily 💚

For a thriving Peace Lily, you need soil that is nutrient-rich, well-draining, and airy. This type of soil ensures the right balance between oxygen and moisture around the roots, preventing root rot.

Aroid/Tropical Plant Mixes: Look for potting mixes specifically designed for aroids or tropical plants 🌴. These mixes are formulated to provide the necessary good drainage and aeration.
Drainage Components: If a specialized mix isn't available, ensure your chosen potting mix contains at least 30% drainage-enhancing components such as perlite, pumice, or coarse sand 🏖️.
Drainage Holes: Ensure your pot has drainage holes. These are vital for allowing excess water to escape, preventing the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to rot and other health issues for the plant 🕳️💧

Repotting Peace Lily Indoor Plants 🔁

Repotting is an essential aspect of caring for Peace Lilies.

By repotting, you are refreshing the nutrients that are required for a healthy plant and giving the additional space for Peace Lily growing roots.

Here's what you need to know:

When to Repot: Repot your Peace Lily every 1-2 years (preferably early spring) or when you notice it becoming root-bound or the growth slowing down.
Choosing the Right Pot: Most Peace Lilies prefer to be slightly root bound, so select a pot that is a bit larger (1 inch) than the root ball.
The Process: Carefully remove the plant from its current pot and gently shake off excess soil. Place it in the new pot and fill around it with the appropriate potting mix.
Aftercare: Water the plant lightly after repotting to help settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.

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#5 Peace Lilies Temperature and Humidity 🌡️

Ideal Temperature Range for Your Peace Lily

Peace Lilies thrive in a temperature range similar to their native tropical environment. Ideally, they prefer temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) 🌡️.

It's important to avoid exposing your Peace Lily to temperatures below 45°F (7°C) ❄️, as they aren't cold hardy, and cold temperatures can cause harm to the plant.

Maintaining a consistent temperature away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes is key.

Ideal Humidity For Peace Lily Plants 🚿

Peace Lilies flourish in higher humidity levels, reflecting their rainforest origins. The ideal humidity range for these plants is between 50% and 60% 💧.

If your home's humidity is lower than this, you can increase humidity by:

Using a Humidifier: This is the most effective way to consistently raise humidity levels 🌬️.
Grouping Plants: Placing several plants together can create a microclimate with higher humidity 🌿.
Pebble Tray: Place a tray filled with water and pebbles under the plant pot, ensuring the pot is not sitting in water 🪵🚿.
Misting: Lightly misting your Peace Lily can temporarily boost humidity, but it's not a long-term solution 💦.

#6 Peace Lilies Care - Fertilization 🔬

Fertilization is an important aspect of Peace Lily care, as it replenishes essential nutrients in the soil, promoting healthy growth and blooming.

What Fertilizer Is the Best for Your Peace Lily? 🧪

Selecting the right fertilizer is crucial for providing your Peace Lily with the nutrients it needs.

A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 is typically recommended.

Nitrogen (N): Promotes healthy leaf growth.
Phosphorus (P): Essential for root development and flowering.
Potassium (K): Supports overall plant health and disease resistance.

You can choose from different forms of fertilizers based on your preference:

Liquid Fertilizer: Easy to apply and allows for quick nutrient absorption.
Soluble Powder: Can be mixed with water, offering flexibility in terms of concentration.
Slow-Release Granules: Convenient as they provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.

How Often Should You Fertilize? ⏲

For best practices in fertilizing your Peace Lily:

Frequency: Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). In the fall and winter, reduce the frequency or stop fertilizing as the plant's growth slows.
Dilution: Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the package to prevent over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Application Tips: Apply the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the leaves to prevent burns.

#7 Peace Lilies Common Problems 🤒

Even with proper care, Peace Lilies can sometimes face common issues.

Understanding these problems and their solutions will help keep your plant healthy.

Here are some visual signs that your Peace Lily needs help 🆘:

Yellow Leaves 🟡

Potential Causes: Leaves can turn yellow due to overwatering, poor drainage, too much direct sunlight, or nutrient deficiency.
Solutions: Ensure proper watering and drainage, move it to a location where it can receive more light, provide bright light, and consider a balanced fertilizer if a nutrient deficiency is suspected.

Brown Tips 🟤

Potential Causes: Underwatering, low humidity, or buildup of minerals and salts from tap water (peace Lilies can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water).
Solutions: Increase watering frequency slightly, maintain moderate humidity, and use filtered or distilled water if possible.

Peace Lilies Black Leaves ⚫

Potential Causes: Overwatering, root rot, or exposure to cold temperatures.
Solutions: Reduce watering, ensure well-draining soil, and keep the plant away from cold drafts or temperatures below 45°F.

Peace Lily Drooping Leaves 🍃

Potential Causes: Inconsistent watering (either too much or too little), or the plant is root-bound.
Solutions: Establish a regular watering schedule, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. If the plant is root-bound, repot it into a larger container.

Peace Lily Doesn't Flower ❔

Causes: No bloom can be due to insufficient light, lack of nutrients, or the plant may be too young.
Solutions: Move your Peace Lily to a brighter location, where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Also, be patient with young plants, as they may take time to mature and start flowering.

Remember, that affected leaves (yellow, brown, etc) will not recover. You can just cut them off ✂.

#8 Peace Lilies Pests 🐜

Like many houseplants, Peace Lilies can occasionally suffer from pest infestations.

Recognizing these common pests and knowing how to combat them effectively is crucial for maintaining your plant's health.

Spider Mites 🕸

Signs: Fine webs on the plant, tiny white or red mites, and yellow or bronzed leaves.
Treatment:
1. Isolate the Plant: To prevent the spread to other plants.
2. Wash the Plant: Gently rinse the leaves with water to remove mites. Cut off the most affected leaves if needed.
3. Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil: Apply as directed to eradicate the mites.
4. Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on the plant for any signs of recurrence.

Mealybugs 🐞

Signs: White, cotton-like masses on the leaves and stems, and sticky residue (honeydew).
Treatment:
1. Quarantine the Plant: Separate it from your other plants.
2. Remove with Alcohol: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe away the bugs. Cut off the most affected leaves if needed.
3. Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil: Apply to control and prevent further infestation.
4. Check Regularly: Inspect your plant periodically to ensure mealybugs haven't returned.

Fungus Gnats 🦟

Signs: Small, black flies around the soil, particularly in overwatered plants.
Treatment:
1. Reduce Watering: Overwatering is a common cause of fungus gnats. So let the soil dry out a little bit.
2. Yellow Sticky Traps: These can catch adult gnats.
3. Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (BTI): This biological larvicide can be applied to the soil to kill gnat larvae.
4. Change the Top Layer of Soil: Sometimes, replacing the top layer of soil can help reduce gnat populations.

Final Thoughts on Peace Lilies Care 💭

Let's recap the key learnings to keep in mind:

🌱 Origins and Houseplant Adaptation: Understanding its tropical rainforest origins helps in replicating the ideal indoor environment.
💡 Light Requirements: Peace Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light but can adapt to low light conditions.
💧 Watering Needs: Water every 1-2 weeks, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and adjust based on various factors like light and temperature.
🪴 Soil and Potting: Use a nutrient-rich, well-draining, and airy soil mix. Repot every 1-2 years to encourage growth.
🌡️ Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a temperature between 65°F and 80°F and aim for 50-60% humidity for optimal growth.
🔬 Fertilization: Use a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
🤒 Common Problems: Address issues like yellow leaves, brown tips, and drooping leaves by understanding their causes and implementing solutions.
🐜 Pest Control: Be vigilant about pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats and treat them promptly.

Remember, Peace Lilies not only add beauty to your space but also purify the air, making them a wonderful addition to any home.

Share these tips with fellow plant lovers and help others enjoy the beauty and benefits of Peace Lilies!

Happy Planting!🌿💚

Peace Lilies FAQ ⁉

Q: Are Peace Lilies toxic to cats and dogs? 🐈

A: Yes, Peace Lilies are toxic to both cats and dogs (and humans). They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested. It's important to keep these plants out of reach of pets and small children.

Q: How Do I Propagate Peace Lilies? ✂

A: Propagate Peace Lilies by division. Gently remove the plant from its pot and separate the clumps of stems and roots into smaller sections. Each section can be potted in its own container with suitable soil, providing a new plant.

Q: Can I grow Peace Lily Outdoors?

A: Peace Lilies can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates (typically USDA Zones 10-12). They prefer shaded areas as they do not tolerate direct sunlight well.

Q: Why is my Peace Lily dying? ❔

A: Common reasons for a Peace Lily dying include overwatering, underwatering, exposure to extreme temperatures, or pest infestations. Check for these issues and adjust your care routine accordingly.

Q: Why isn't my Peace Lily blooming? 🥀

A: Lack of blooms in Peace Lilies can be due to insufficient light, the need for fertilization, or the plant being too young or too crowded in its pot. Ensure adequate light, consider a balanced fertilizer, and possibly repot the plant.

Q: Why are my Peace Lily flowers turning green? 🟢

A: Peace Lily flowers (called spathes) may turn green over time, which is a natural aging process. However, if new flowers are green, it could be due to not enough light. Move your plant to a location with bright, indirect light.

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December 18, 2023