Peace lily care guide
Spathiphyllum
Also known as: Spath, White sails
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Leaves and flowers contain calcium oxalate, and chewing causes mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting; it is not a true lily, but keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Peace lily
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- Water thoroughly as soon as the topsoil dries, as a guide; it droops quickly when dry, so check it daily in midsummer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 5 days
- Generally water about a day after the topsoil dries; it dries more slowly now, so avoid overdoing it.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Water lightly about two to three days after the soil dries, misting the leaves when heating dries the air.
Light and placement for Peace lily
Bright shade out of direct sun is about right; it tolerates a dim spot, but flowering generally needs sheer-curtain light.
Overwintering Peace lily
Overwintering guide: 8°C (46°F) or above
Overwinter it indoors above roughly 8°C, away from a cold window at night, and water less so the roots do not chill.
Fertilizing and repotting Peace lily
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid feed about every two weeks from May to September; the leaves pale when it runs short, but give none in winter and let it rest.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Peace lily
- Repeated drying out browns and crisps the leaf tips.
- Winter cold blackens the leaves and the plant shrinks.
- Too little light and it grows only leaves, with no flowers.
Tips for growing Peace lily
- A drooping plant perks up within hours of watering, but repeated wilting weakens it.
- Once a flower turns green, cut the stalk at the base to encourage the next one.
- It can be divided when the pot is full, at repotting time.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
