peace lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Evergreen tropical houseplant with glossy leaves and white spathes; commonly called the peace lily, tolerant of low light and easy to grow.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing in pets and children. Skin contact may cause mild irritation.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place your peace lily in bright, indirect light near an east- or north-facing window or several feet back from a south- or west-facing window. Avoid direct midday sun which will scorch the leaves. It tolerates low light but flowers best with consistent filtered light.
Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of soil is dry. Water until it drains from the pot, then discard excess. Use room-temperature water; reduce frequency slightly in winter. Avoid letting it sit in soggy soil to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Peace lilies prefer high humidity (50–70%). Raise humidity by grouping plants, using a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or misting foliage regularly, especially in dry indoor air or heated rooms.
Temperature
Keep between about 18–26°C (65–79°F). Avoid temperatures below 15°C (59°F) and prolonged exposure above 29°C (84°F). Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature swings.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Brown leaf tips or edges
Cause: Low humidity, fluoride/salt buildup, inconsistent watering or over-fertilization.
Solution: Raise humidity, flush soil occasionally to remove salts, trim tips with clean scissors, and water evenly. Reduce fertilizer strength and frequency.
Yellowing lower leaves
Cause: Natural leaf aging, overwatering, or poor drainage leading to root stress.
Solution: Check roots for rot, allow topsoil to dry between waterings, repot into well-draining mix if needed, remove severely yellow leaves.
Wilting or drooping leaves
Cause: Either underwatering or root problems from overwatering; rapid change in environment or temperature stress.
Solution: Feel soil moisture to determine cause. If dry, water thoroughly. If soggy, reduce watering, improve drainage and consider repotting to treat root rot.
Brown spots or leaf lesions
Cause: Fungal or bacterial leaf spots from prolonged wet foliage or poor air circulation; pest feeding occasionally.
Solution: Remove affected leaves, improve air flow, avoid overhead watering, treat persistent fungal issues with suitable fungicide and isolate infected plants.
✂️How to Propagate peace lily
Best done in spring when active growth begins. Gently remove the plant from its pot, tease away excess soil and identify natural clumps with their own roots and at least 2–3 healthy leaves. Using a clean knife or your hands, separate sections so each division has roots and foliage. Repot each division into a well-draining, peat-based potting mix in pots only slightly larger than the root ball. Water well, keep in bright indirect light and high humidity, and avoid fertilizing for 4–6 weeks while roots re-establish. Maintain even moisture but do not waterlog.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Araceae
Native to: Native to tropical rainforests of Central and northern South America, notably Colombia and nearby regions.
Natural Habitat: Grows as an understory plant in humid tropical rainforests with consistently warm temperatures, filtered light, rich organic soil and steady moisture near streams or shaded forest floors.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering frequency and stop fertilizing; keep plant away from cold drafts and radiators. Maintain humidity with a tray or humidifier and keep temps above 15°C (59°F).
Spring
Resume regular watering and begin light fertilization every 4–6 weeks. Consider repotting or dividing if rootbound and refresh topsoil for spring growth.
Summer
Maintain consistent moisture and high humidity; provide bright, indirect light. Increase humidity and monitor for pests; blooming often occurs during warm months.
Fall
Gradually reduce fertilization as growth slows. Continue consistent watering but allow slight drying between waterings; prepare for cooler indoor conditions and lower light.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my peace lily?
Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry, typically every 7–14 days depending on pot size, light and season.
Why are my peace lily leaves turning brown?
Brown tips usually mean low humidity, salt buildup, over-fertilization or inconsistent watering; flush soil and raise humidity.
Can peace lilies bloom indoors?
Yes. With bright indirect light and consistent care they produce white spathes; more light encourages blooming but avoid direct sun.
Is the peace lily safe for pets?
No. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats and dogs and can cause drooling, vomiting and oral irritation.
How do I propagate a peace lily?
Propagate by division in spring: separate clumps with roots and repot each section in fresh, well-draining mix. Keep humid and shaded until established.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025