Peace lilies are one of the most popular indoor plants, loved for their stunning white flowers and their ability to purify the air.
They are native to tropical regions of the Americas and are part of the Araceae family, which includes other popular houseplants like the philodendron and the pothos.
Peace lilies are relatively easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts.
In this article, we'll go over all the details you need to know about peace lily care, from when to plant them to how to troubleshoot common problems.
All About Peace Lily
Peace lilies, or Spathiphyllum, are a group of tropical plants known for their large, glossy leaves and beautiful white flowers.
They are native to Central and South America and can grow up to 6 feet tall in their natural habitat. Peace lilies are often used as houseplants, where they can thrive in low to medium light conditions.
When To Plant Peace Lily
Peace lilies can be planted at any time of the year, but they will grow best in the spring and summer months when the days are longer and brighter.
If you live in a colder climate, it's best to wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting your peace lily outside.
Peace Lily Care
Light & Temperature
Peace lilies are popular indoor plants that can thrive in a variety of light conditions. While they prefer bright, indirect light, they can also tolerate lower light levels, making them ideal for homes and offices with limited natural light.
However, it's important to avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant. Instead, it's best to place peace lilies in a location that receives bright, filtered light for several hours a day, such as near a window with a sheer curtain or in a well-lit room.
In terms of temperature, peace lilies prefer warm conditions between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's important to avoid exposing them to cold drafts or temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can harm the plant.
By providing peace lilies with the right amount of light and temperature, you can ensure that they thrive and remain healthy and vibrant for years to come.
RELATED: Top 5 Best Grow Lights For Indoor Plants
Water & Humidity
Peace lilies are a type of indoor plant that require regular watering to stay healthy and vibrant. However, it's important not to overwater them, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
To ensure that your peace lily stays healthy, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to waterlogged soil, which can suffocate the roots and prevent them from absorbing essential nutrients.
One way to determine if your peace lily needs watering is to check the top inch of soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water the plant. However, if the soil feels moist or wet, it's best to wait a few days before watering again.
In addition to regular watering, peace lilies also prefer a humid environment. This can be achieved by misting the leaves with water or placing a tray of water nearby to increase the humidity levels.
This can help prevent the leaves from becoming dry and brown, which is a common issue with peace lilies that are grown in low-humidity environments.
RELATED: Top 10 Watering Cans to Keep Your Garden Thriving
Soil
Peace lilies require a soil mix that is well-draining, as too much moisture can cause root rot. The soil should be loose and airy to provide good air circulation and drainage.
A potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is recommended as it provides the necessary nutrients and drainage that peace lilies need to thrive.
Peat moss retains moisture, while perlite and vermiculite add air pockets to the soil, allowing the roots to breathe. It is important to note that the soil should not be too compact, as this can hinder the plant's growth and cause water to collect around the roots.
Using a high-quality potting mix and ensuring proper drainage can help to keep your peace lily healthy and happy.
RELATED: Dirt Matters: A Guide to Choosing the Right Soil for Your Plants
Fertilizer
Peace lilies do not require frequent fertilization as they are not heavy feeders. They need to be fertilized once a month during their growing season, which is usually from spring to early fall.
When selecting a fertilizer for your peace lily, it's best to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This can be added to the soil or mixed in with the water when you water your plant.
It's important not to over-fertilize your peace lily as this can lead to chemical burn, which can damage the roots and leaves of the plant.
RELATED: 10 Organic Fertilizers for Optimal Plant Health
Repotting
Repotting is an essential aspect of peace lily care, and it's essential to do it right. Peace lilies should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their current container. Choosing the right pot size is crucial since a pot that's too big can cause the soil to stay wet, leading to root rot.
It's recommended to choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current one, as this will give the roots enough room to grow. When repotting, it's also essential to use fresh potting soil to prevent soil compaction and allow for good water drainage and airflow around the roots.
Care should be taken when repotting, as peace lilies have fragile roots that can be easily damaged. Gently loosen the roots and remove any dead or rotted parts before placing the plant in the new pot. After repotting, water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil and help the roots adjust to their new environment.
Propagation
Peace lilies can be propagated through division or stem cuttings. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting them separately, while stem cuttings involve taking a cutting from the plant and rooting it in water or soil.
Pruning
Peace lilies can be propagated using two methods: division and stem cuttings.
Division involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots, leaves, and stems. This can be done by gently digging up the plant, separating the sections, and replanting them in separate pots. Division is usually done when the plant has outgrown its current container, or when the gardener wants to create more plants from a single parent plant.
Stem cuttings involve taking a section of stem from the parent plant and rooting it in water or soil to form a new plant. This can be done by selecting a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves, and placing the stem in a container with water or in a soil mixture. Over time, roots will develop and the new plant can be transplanted into a pot or the ground.
Both methods are effective in propagating peace lilies, but it's important to note that division may be the preferred method for older plants or those that have become root-bound, while stem cuttings are often used for younger plants or to produce a large number of new plants from a single parent plant.
RELATED: 10 Pruning Sheers that will Give your Garden a Professional Touch
Troubleshooting Peace Lily Problems
Growing Problems
Common growing problems for peace lilies include yellow leaves, root rot, and stunted growth. Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering, while root rot can occur when the soil is too wet or the plant is in a poorly draining container. Stunted growth can be a sign of too little light or too little fertilizer.
Pests
Common pests that can affect peace lilies include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects . These pests can be controlled through a combination of physical removal and insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays.
RELATED: 9 Organic Pest Control Methods For a Healthy Garden
Diseases
Peace lilies can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by avoiding overwatering, ensuring good air circulation around the plant, and removing any affected leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when to repot a peace lily?
Knowing when to repot a peace lily is important for ensuring the plant's continued health and growth. Here are some signs that it may be time to repot your peace lily:
1. Root Bound: If the roots are visible and growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, or if the plant seems to be struggling despite regular watering and fertilization, it may be root bound and in need of a larger pot.
2. Stunted Growth: If your peace lily has stopped growing or pro