4 min readPeace lilies have long surpassed their reputation as a plant given for condolences. These low-maintenance beauties, with glossy dark green leaves and elegant spoon-shaped white blooms, are one of the most popular houseplants on the market.
“They can live a decade or more with good care,” Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms, says. Most peace lilies, also known as spathiphyllum, grow to be about one to four feet wide, though some varieties can get up to six feet tall and wide. It can be pretty dramatic about its watering needs, but it’s low-light tolerant and suits luxury interiors well.
To get the most out of your peace lily plant, keep scrolling for expert advice on how to get it to bloom and thrive.
Additional copy by Arricca Elin SanSone.
How Much Light Does a Peace Lily Need?
If you are just enjoying the deep green foliage, then you can feel free to place your peace lily in a low-light environment. The leaves of the plant are actually delicate and sensitive to harsh sun exposure, so only place it in a windowsill if you have north- or east-facing windows that get less direct sun.
If you want it to flower, though, plenty of bright, indirect light is a must. “While peace lilies tolerate low and medium light, they love bright light,” Hancock says. “The more light your plant gets, the happier it will be, the faster it will grow, and the more it will bloom.”
How Often Should You Water a Peace Lily?
Peace lilies are tropical, so they like to stay lightly moist. Stick your finger in the soil to check before watering, because you don’t want the roots to stay soggy. A few bits of dirt should stick to your finger, but the soil shouldn’t feel sopping wet. How often you need to water depends on a few things, such as how much light your plant gets.
“You can water daily if you apply small amounts, but if you don’t want to mess with that, get a self-watering container,” Hancock says. Self-watering planters allow the plant to take exactly what it needs when it needs it, but they can also be a magnet for fungus gnats, so keep an eye on it to catch any pests early on.
Temperature and Humidity for Peace Lilies
Like most indoor plants, peace lily plants like humidity but tend to do fine in average room conditions. They prefer average indoor temperatures, ranging between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Too little humidity, particularly in the winter, can cause peace lily plants to develop brown leaf tips. Place it near a humidifier or on top of a pebble tray to mimic its natural South American environment.
How to Plant and Repot Peace Lilies
Peace lilies need well-draining, all-purpose soil. They can also grow in water alone, in which case the base of the plant should sit above the waterline. This allows the roots to grow into the water while keeping the leaves from being constantly submerged, which can cause them to rot.
Peace lilies planted in soil like to be a little root-bound, so you don’t need to repot often—perhaps every few years or more. If you see roots starting to poke out from the bottom of the pot, it's probably time to repot.
Do Peace Lilies Need Fertilizer to Grow?
These plants don’t need a ton of fertilizer. Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every six to eight weeks during the spring and summer growing season. When mixing, use one-quarter of the recommended strength. But don’t overdo it: Overfertilizing peace lilies can cause the leaf tips to burn and turn brown.
Types of Peace Lily Plants
There are many different varieties of peace lilies, including these popular types:
- ‘Domino’ is a variegated type that has white splotches on its foliage.
- ‘Mauna Loa Supreme’ grows up to 4 feet tall with leaves that can be 8 inches across.
- ‘Picasso’ is a rare variety with dramatic white variegation that’s different on every leaf.
Common Problems and Pests
Peace lilies are fairly resilient and tend to have few disease and pest issues. Most problems occur because they’re not getting sufficient light or due to over- or underwatering. These issues include the following:
Yellowing Leaves
If your yellow leaves come with dry tips or leaf curl, chances are you’re underwatering. However, if the soil is wet and you notice damp brown spots, overwatering is likely the culprit. And be sure to check the drainage hole of your pot—if roots are poking out, the pot has become too small, and it needs repotting.
Fungus Gnats
These tiny flies feed on decaying organic matter in the soil. They may appear when your plant’s soil is too wet. Let it dry out between waterings if you’re having fungus gnat issues. Add a few sticky traps to catch mature ones that are already flying around.
Are Peace Lilies Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Unfortunately, peace lilies are toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA. In fact, they’re also poisonous to humans if chewed or swallowed, according to Poison Control. Keep kids and animals away from these pretty plants, which contain calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, peace lilies can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and mouth and throat pain. If you think your child or fur baby has eaten any—even if you’re not sure—call your doctor or vet ASAP. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
What Causes Brown Tips on a Peace Lily?
Most commonly, brown tips on a peace lily are due to low humidity, excessive fertilization, or bruising from frequent contact with people or pets. “It’s often frustrating for new plant parents because it’s one symptom, but there can be many causes. It’s like the upset stomach of the plant world,” says Hancock.
Should I Cut the Brown Tips Off My Peace Lily?
Good news: Those unsightly brown tips aren’t hurting your peace lily. “The brown tips don’t affect the plant. It’s more your perception of the plant,” says Hancock. You can trim them off if you don’t like how they look, but it’s not really necessary and won’t impact the plant’s health.
