When I brought my first peace lily plant home at a very young age, I was incredibly nervous about keeping it safe and healthy. As a beginner, I obviously wasn’t sure how to care for it, but over time, my gardener mom taught me the simple steps to keep it thriving.
Here’s all that I learned from her as well as answers to some questions you might have in mind regarding peace lily care.
How To Care For A Peace Lily Indoors
Caring for a peace lily indoors means placing it in bright, indirect light and keeping it in a warm room with relatively stable temperatures between 59ºF to 77ºF (15° to 25°C).
This plant benefits from regular watering but make sure to not let it get soggy or sit in excess water for long periods of time without drainage. Peace lilies also enjoy humidity so misting the leaves frequently or using a humidifier around them is a good idea.
How To Water A Peace Lily Indoors?
A general rule of thumb for watering plants is to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure not to use water that’s too warm or cold as it can place unnecessary stress on the plant — room-temperature water is ideal.
To add, ensure the pot has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling, which can lead to root rot.
Ideal Light Conditions For A Peace Lily
Peace lilies tend to thrive in bright but indirect light since direct rays can scorch their leaves, leaving them dry and yellow. Ideally, place them near a window with filtered light coming in through a curtain or a well-lit room.
Although peace lilies can survive in lower light conditions, their growth may slow considerably, and the leaves may begin to wilt.
Where To Place Your Peace Lily For Optimal Growth
A north or east-facing window that receives plenty of bright, indirect light is ideal for your peace lily. However, avoid placing the pot directly on the window sill, as the plant’s delicate leaves can be damaged by direct sunlight, heat, or harsh outdoor conditions.
Temperature & Humidity Needs
Peace lilies thrive in moderate temperature conditions. So, anywhere 68ºF to 77ºF (20° to 25°C). would be considered the “optimal range”. However, the temperature needs to be stable as sudden heat or cold can negatively affect your plant’s growth.
In terms of humidity, moderate to high levels tend to keep the peace lily leaves lush and vibrant. Consider misting the leaves often or using a humidifier near the plant to sustain adequate moisture in the circulating air.
Common Problems & How To Fix Them
1 – Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can either be a sign of nutrient deficiencies or overwatering. Keep in mind that peace lilies are particularly sensitive to excess moisture, so any amount of unnecessary water that’s pooling at the base of the plant can lead to root rot and yellowing.
Fix: Plant your peace lily in a pot that has plenty of drainage holes to allow excess water to leave the pot. If you believe the yellowing leaves are because of an unidentified nutrient deficiency, feed your peace lily with a balanced, high-quality fertilizer during the growing season.
2 – Wilting Leaves
Leaf wilting also tends to stem from watering issues. Whether it’s overwatering or underwatering, both extremes affect the plant’s ability to maintain optimal moisture levels.
Fix: Get your watering routine right and stick to it consistently. When confused about whether it’s time to water or not, simply poke your finger in the soil to see if the top inch feels dry. If it does, it’s time to water; if not, hold off a bit longer.
3 – Poor Blooming
If your peace lily isn’t receiving adequate sun exposure or nutrients, blooming might slow down or even come to a complete halt. As I said earlier, they need bright, indirect light to produce the best blooms, and, when that requirement isn’t fulfilled, their blooms may not look the best.
Fix: Move your plant to a location with plenty of indirect light and make sure you keep it there for some time. Patience is important, as some lilies bloom only after reaching maturity.
4 – Brown Leaf Tips
During periods of drought or low humidity, your peace lily leaves can turn brown near the tip and look miserable. Unfortunately, this plant is particularly sensitive to environmental stress.
Fix: If you have a humidifier available, use it near your plant and make sure good hydration levels are maintained. This means watering your plant as scheduled/needed.
