Peace lilies are a beautiful and low-maintenance choice for indoor gardening, known for their lush green leaves and striking white blooms. These adaptable plants not only add elegance to any room but also help purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. With just a bit of attention to their care needs, peace lilies can flourish and bring a touch of nature and freshness to your space.
Let’s dive into the essentials of peace lily care to help your plant stay healthy and happy.
Understanding Peace Lily Basics
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum species) are native to tropical regions, where they grow in warm, shaded, and humid environments. Indoors, they thrive best in temperatures between 65-85°F, making them perfect for typical room conditions. Their distinctive white “flowers” are actually modified leaves called spathes, which protect the central cluster of small flowers.
By replicating their natural environment, you’ll give your peace lily the ideal conditions to flourish.
Finding the Perfect Place for Your Peace Lily
Peace lilies dislike direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves. They grow well in low to moderate indirect light, making them perfect for indoor spaces. Place your peace lily near a filtered window for the best light exposure, but position it away from drafts, heaters, or air conditioners, as sudden temperature shifts can put stress on the plant.
During colder months, ensure they’re not exposed to cold drafts from doors or windows to keep them healthy year-round.
Selecting the Correct Soil
Peace lilies need well-draining, rich soil. You can get a general potting mix for houseplants, or you could add a little perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage. The peace lily does not prefer to have compacted dirt so the mix needs to be light and loose. Repotting every year or two will help renew fresh soil, thus providing the peace lily opportunities to grow.
Watering Your Peace Lily Correctly
Peace lilies need regular watering but can tolerate a bit of dryness. A general rule of thumb is to water when the top one inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In warmer months, you may need to water more frequently, while in winter, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down. If leaves begin to droop, this is a sign they need water, whereas yellowing leaves and root rot indicate overwatering. For best results, use filtered or distilled water, as peace lilies are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine.
Boosting Humidity for Better Growth
Peace lilies are tropical flowers and prefer moist surroundings. If your house is not humid, especially in winter, you can enhance the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves periodically or by using a humidifier. Another trick in doing this is placing the pot on a tray which is filled with water and pebbles provided the pot is not sitting directly in the water. Such extra humidity will make leaves look fresh and prevent them from browning.
Cleaning and Care for the Leaves
For best leaft health, wipe your peacy lilly leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. It not only clears dust from the leaves but also helps the plant absorb more light. Cleaning the leaves gives you a chance to check the plant for pests or issues, but never use any kind of chemical leaf-shine products as they might ruin the leaves of your peace lily. The general cleaning will keep your peace lily fresh and boost its air-purification abilities.
Feeding Your Peace Lily for Vibrant Health
Peace lilies don’t require heavy fertilizing but benefit from a light feeding schedule. In spring and summer, feed your peace lily every six to eight weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Hold off on fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can cause salt buildup in the soil, which may harm the roots. A light feeding schedule is best for your peace lily’s health.
Common Pests and Problems
Generally, peace lilies are resistant to pests, but spider mites or mealybugs may occasionally infest them. Check regularly for signs of these pests, especially on the underside of the leaves. If you find any, spray a mild insecticide or wipe the leaves with a diluted soap solution. Watching for pests and treating them quickly will keep your peace lily healthy.
Pet Safety and Peace Lilies
While peace lilies make beautiful and beneficial additions to your home, it’s important to know that they are toxic to pets if consumed. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and even vomiting if consumed by cats or dogs. To keep your pets safe, place peace lilies out of their reach or in areas where pets cannot access them. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian promptly for advice.
Repotting for Fresh Growth
Repotting is beneficial for the roots to spread and for the plant to gain new nutrients. Typically, peace lily repotting should be done yearly or every two years; otherwise, you will notice that the pot is too small when the roots start piling in it. When repotting, find a fresh pot that is one to two inches larger than before. Fresh soil that drains well will be used. It promotes new growth, keeps the plant healthy, and can even encourage new blooms.
Encourage Blooms on Your Peace Lily
With the right care, peace lily blooms white in the spring and summer months. If it has stopped blooming, move the plant to an indirect light position. Know that sometimes plants need rest periods without blooms. Patience and gentle care are sure to bring blooms after a while.