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Peace Lily Care Tips: How to Grow Spathiphyllum Plants

close up of a peace lily flower with greenery and foliage
Image Credit:
Georgina198/Getty Images
Botanical Name
Spathiphyllum spp.
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun
Shade
Soil pH
Neutral
Bloom Time
Varies
Flower Color
Green
White
Plant Type
Houseplants
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Learn how to care for a peace lily, one of the most popular indoor plants. These beautiful houseplants are fairly easy to grow, but knowing how often to water peace lilies and what to do if their leaves droop or turn yellow is essential. Plus, find tips on how to repot your peace lily to keep it happy!

About Peace Lilies

Peace lilies are not true lilies. They are tropical, evergreen plants in the Arum family, native to tropical Central and South America. These plants thrive on the forest floor, receiving dappled sunlight and consistent moisture and humidity. Replicating these conditions in the home is the key to keeping your peace lily happy and healthy.

With enough light, peace lilies produce white to off-white flowers starting in the early summer and continue to bloom throughout the year in the right conditions. 

Most household varieties of peace lily grow up to 16 inches tall, but larger outdoor cultivars can reach up to 6 feet tall. Peace lilies are not cold-hardy, so they can only be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates (USDA Zones 10, 11).

Peace lily in a white pot
Photo by izzzy71/Getty Images

Planting

How to Plant Peace Lilies

Plant or replant your lilies in a container twice as large as the root ball (typically 6–12 inches in diameter) with well-draining, all-purpose potting soil. The soil should be able to hold moisture and dry out slowly over time (see how much soil you need to fill your pot!). Peace lilies don’t like to dry out entirely, but they also won’t do well if kept in soil that’s constantly wet, as this fosters root rot fungus.

Repotting the peace lily plant every few years in the spring is suitable for the peace lily, as it will appreciate the refreshed soil.

How to Repot a Peace Lily

Eventually, the peace lily may grow too large for its pot, at which point it can be divided. Remove the plant from its pot and split it into smaller plants, being sure to leave several leaves per clump. Peace lilies grow from rhizomes, so they can tolerate a bit of tough treatment during division.

Learn more about repotting houseplants.

How to Propagate a Peace Lily

Propagating a peace lily is a great way to expand your plant collection or share one with a friend. The easiest and most reliable method is division, since peace lilies grow in clumps that can be gently separated into new plants.

Start by removing the peace lily from its pot and gently loosening the soil around the roots. You’ll notice that the plant has several “crowns,” or clusters of leaves, each with its own root system. Identify a healthy section with at least a few leaves and strong roots. Using clean hands or a sharp, sanitized knife, carefully separate it from the main plant—trying to keep as many roots intact as possible.

Once separated, plant the division in a pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water it thoroughly, then place it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks to help the plant establish itself.

Peace lilies typically bounce back quickly after division, and within a few months, your new plant should be thriving. Propagating not only creates more plants but also helps keep older peace lilies healthy by reducing crowding in the pot.

Growing

Peace Lily Care

Perfect for busy plant parents, total beginners, or anyone whose home doesn’t get a ton of sunshine, Spathiphyllum plants are surprisingly easygoing. They don’t mind lower light, and if you forget to water them once in a while, they’ll usually forgive you. These plants look right at home in offices, apartments, or any cozy, shaded corner—bringing fresh green leaves and graceful white blooms without demanding much in return. Once you get the hang of peace lily care, you’ll find they’re the kind of plant that quietly gives back all year long.

Lighting

  • Place peace lilies in indirect but bright sunlight. An east-facing window is perfect, as the plant will be exposed to the bright morning sun. A north-facing window would also be a good choice for a peace lily.
  • Keep peace lilies out of areas where they’ll get direct sunlight all day (such as in a south-facing window), as it may dry them out too much.

Watering

  • The dryness of the soil is what counts. Keep the soil lightly moist to the touch but not overly saturated. Peace lilies can tolerate short periods of dry soil, but their leaves will develop brown tips if they don’t have enough water or humidity.
    • Tip: One nice thing about peace lilies is that they will tell you when they’re thirsty: the plant’s leaves start to droop. When the plant starts to look less “perky” than usual, test the soil with your finger. If it feels dry, it’s time to water again. They can be a bit dramatic; don’t panic if they start to wilt.
  • Peace lilies are sensitive to chemicals commonly found in tap water, such as fluoride, which may cause brown leaf tips. Use filtered, room-temperature water or distilled water if possible.
  • Learn more about watering houseplants.

Humidity

  • Peace lilies enjoy high humidity. Misting their leaves or placing their pot atop a moistened tray of gravel can help to increase humidity around the plant. 

Fertilizing

  • Peace lilies are not heavy feeders, so fertilize only occasionally. To encourage spring and summer growth, fertilize every 6 weeks or so with a balanced houseplant fertilizer starting in late winter.

Temperature

  • Peace lilies are tropical plants; they do best in temperatures between 65° and 75°F (18 to 23°C) during the day and about 10°F cooler at night.
  • Keep these plants away from the furnace or a drafty window or door.

Other Peace Lily Care Tips

  • The large leaves of peace lilies tend to collect a lot of dust in the home. Gently wipe them down with a wet paper towel occasionally; a thick layer of dust can inhibit photosynthesis.

Peace Lily plant and flower

How to Get Peace Lilies to Flower

  • Most often, if no flowers appear, the plant is not getting enough light. Peace lilies are very tolerant of low light, but “low light” doesn’t mean no light! To encourage flowering, move the plant to a brighter location where it will receive bright, indirect light for at least a few hours each day.
  • Green flowers, weak-looking flowers, or a general lack of flowers can also be caused by improper fertilizing. In the case of green flowers, cut back on fertilizing, as the plant may be getting too much nitrogen. In the case of weak-looking flowers or a lack of flowers, try switching to a fertilizer made for flowering plants. This type of fertilizer will have a higher amount of phosphorus, which plants need for blooming. 

Pests and Problems

  • Brown leaf tips are commonly caused by excessive direct sunlight, over-fertilization, lack of water, and/or low humidity. Keeping the plant on a tray of moistened gravel or misting the leaves can help to increase humidity.
  • Yellow leaves may be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or old age (of the leaf). If the oldest leaves are yellowing and the plant hasn’t been repotted in a while, it may just need more space to stretch its roots.
  • Scale insects and mealybugs will happily take up residence on the plant, if given the opportunity. A thorough wipe-down of leaves with a dish soap and water solution or insecticidal soap can be effective at stopping them, though repeated applications may be necessary. Learn more about how to get rid of scale insects and mealybugs.
  • Droopy or wilting leaves are often the result of too much water. Often, once per week is enough. When you water the plant, wait until the moisture comes out of the drainage holes, but never leave water sitting in the saucer or water the saucer, hoping the moisture moves up the plant. If the water drains too quickly through to the saucer, then your soil is too sandy; your soil needs to be well-draining and porous, containing peat moss, fine bark, or perlite.

FAQ

Is the Peace Lily Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Yes, peace lilies are mildly toxic. All parts of the peace lily plant contain calcium oxalate, which may cause stomach and respiratory irritation if ingested in large amounts. Keep peace lilies out of reach of small children and pets who might chew on the plant. Common plants containing calcium oxalate also include philodendrons, daffodils, true lilies, and hyacinths.

Learn more about houseplants that are toxic to your pets.

Why is My Peace Lily Drooping?

Peace lilies are drama queens! When their leaves start drooping, it’s usually their way of saying, “Hey, I need something, fast!” The most common reason is thirst; peace lilies quickly wilt when the soil dries out, but they perk back up within hours after watering. Overwatering, however, can also cause drooping by suffocating roots. Other culprits include low humidity, too much direct sunlight, or root-bound conditions. Check the soil first: if it’s dry, give it a drink. If it’s soggy, let it dry out.

Can Peace Lilies be Grown in Water?

Yes, peace lilies can grow in water alone; they are often sold in vases without any soil. Ideally, the base of the plant should be suspended above the water line, either by a specially made vase insert or a layer of small river stones. This allows the roots to grow down into the water but keeps the base of the plant and its leaves from being constantly wet, which can cause rot. 

How Can I Revive a Peace Lily?

If your peace lily is drooping or looking sad, start by checking the soil. If it’s dry as a desert, give it a good soak and watch those leaves start to perk up in just a few hours. On the flip side, if the soil feels soggy or smells funky, you might be overwatering. In that case, carefully trim any mushy roots and repot your plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Find a nice bright spot with indirect light; too much sun can scorch those leaves. Don’t forget to remove any yellow or dead leaves to help your plant focus on new growth. Keep the air a bit humid if you can, and hold off on fertilizers until your peace lily looks healthier. With a little TLC and patience, your peace lily will bounce back and be the star of your indoor jungle again!

Types

Specialty varieties of peace lilies are not very easy to come by in most garden centers, though they have been growing in popularity. You may have more success ordering them from an online source. 

  • Spathiphyllum wallisii is a smaller peace lily, reaching only 12 inches tall.
  • ‘Petite’ is smaller still, at approximately 8–10 inches.
  • ‘Sensation’ is the largest variety available, capable of growing up to 4–6 feet in height and width.
  • ‘Domino’, is a medium-sized variety with attractively variegated leaves.
  • ‘Mojo Lime’, which has lime-green foliage, is another medium-sized peace lily.

Wit and Wisdom

  • The peace lily is said to have gotten its common name from its white flowers, which rise timidly above its green foliage and resemble white flags of peace.
  • Despite the peace lily’s common name, it is not related to true lilies at all.
  • The plant’s attractive blooms are also the source of its Latin name, Spathiphyllum, meaning “spathe-leaf.” The flowers consist of the spathe (the white, sheath-like leaf) and the spadix (the spike of small flowers located within the spathe).
Peace Lily flower
A peace lily’s flower consists of a spathe (white sheath) and a spadix (green or off-white spike of flowers). 
Photo by W. Carter/Wikimedia

Houseplant Guides

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Haley</span> Mon, 12/07/2015 - 15:47
What type/brand of fertilizer should I use?
<span>Danielle Ledbetter</span> Fri, 12/04/2015 - 08:54
Good Morning, I had a peace lily from my Aunt's funeral over two years ago. About 9 months or so ago I completely over watered it and killed most of it (rot EVERYWHERE). I was devastated. I managed to save a small sprout of it that had grown off to the side. At first this thing was sprouting leaves left and right leaving me to believe that I had saved the last bit of my Peace Lily. Then, one by one the new leaves would turn yellow and fall off. Once a new leaf grew, another would crumble away. I have 10 leaves total and its been that way for a couple month but now a few of them have started to shrivel up and turn brown along the edges. Is this normal? What can I do to help my Peace Lily grow big and strong??
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 12/08/2015 - 17:19

Hi Danielle,

Make sure that the soil is welldraining and moist, not wet. Brown leaf tips are common with excessive light or over fertilization. Move the plant away from the window to a spot with indirect light.

 

 <span>Bish</span> Tue, 11/24/2015 - 22:18
love all about flowers. keep it up guys...
<span>Angel Akhtar</span> Sat, 11/21/2015 - 01:44
I have returned home after being gone for week. I noticed a musty mold smell in my home. Can peace lilies or other house plants cause this smell? My peace lily is about 2.5-3 feet tall. I removed the plant from my home and began spraying a homemade air freshener with baking soda, fabric softner and water hoping to remove the smell. I bought the plant on sale at the end of summer last year. I have taken many trips before buying the plant and never noticed the smell when I returned. I also started having severe migraines a few months ago. Could all this be from the peace lily? If it is the peace lily is there something I can do to keep from discarding the plant?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 11/23/2015 - 12:25

Hi, Angel, You have not described the plant at all. How's the soil? Could it have had too much water and so gotten moldy? Do you see deterioration (rot!) on it at all? If the plant is not showing signs of decay, it may not be the source of the smell. Also, your past experience suggests it's not the plant.

Try one more thing: close examination of the plant: the aroma would probably be stronger up close, too—another sign; if no smell up close, then again, it's probably not the plant.

You've probably thought of the alternatives: Is the smell in every room? Can you isolate the general, or specific, area? That might help, too. Could something have spilled and dampened something that is out of sight?

On a completely different track, how about asking a friend/neighbor to come in and help you to identify the smell. Don't think of it as embarassing; every home has some funny smell at some time or another.

Hope you find the solution!

 <span>Lara Lavery</span> Mon, 11/02/2015 - 01:17
I've had my plant since my Dads funeral 1997, it's very precious to me and my son talks to it all the time!
<span>Emilyp</span> Thu, 10/22/2015 - 14:01
I purchased 5 small lilies as decorations for an event that I hosted and they're in glass containers. They need to be put into permanent pots, but I was wondering if it would be OK if I put all of them into one large pot as opposed to 5 separate smaller pots?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 10/26/2015 - 11:06

Hi Emily,

Yes, you can plant the lilies in one big pot. Just make sure to follow the planting and care advice on this page.

After the lilies grow bigger you may need to transplant them to individual pots.

 <span>L. Heron</span> Wed, 10/14/2015 - 11:29
I am trying to revive my sister's peace lily she received from our grandfather's funeral. Some of the leaves from this now pitiful looking plant have brown areas on the edges of the leaves. Do I cut the entire stalk down, or should I cut the area only where the leaf has the browned?