Peace lily care: watering, light and repotting
Also called spathiphyllum, spath, white sails · Spathiphyllum wallisii · Araceae family
8 d in winter
How often to water the peace lily?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 8 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
It tells you when it's thirsty: its leaves droop. Likes soil that is just moist.
Misting every 4 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The peace lily is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in March, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from March to September, feeding every 3 weeks is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 16–32 in (40–80 cm).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Brown leaf tips
Cause: Dry air or hard water. What to do: Mist it and water with soft water.
No flowers
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Move it closer to a window out of direct sun.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the peace lily?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 8 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the peace lily?
The peace lily is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the peace lily?
Yes, misting every 4 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the peace lily?
Every 2 years, ideally in March, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the peace lily safe?
The peace lily is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the peace lily forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.