Overview
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is prized for its dark glossy leaves and elegant white blooms. It tolerates low light better than most flowering plants and is excellent at purifying indoor air.
Light
- Ideal: Medium to bright indirect light
- Tolerated: Low light (may not bloom but survives well)
- Avoid: Direct sunlight — leaves will scorch
Watering
Peace lilies are dramatic drooping when thirsty, then bounce back quickly after watering.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry, or when leaves begin to droop slightly
- Use room-temperature water
- Sensitive to fluoride and chlorine — filtered or rainwater is ideal if leaves develop brown tips
Humidity
Peace lilies prefer higher humidity. In dry homes:
- Mist leaves occasionally
- Place on a pebble tray with water
- Group with other plants
Temperature
Keep between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Blooming
Blooms appear in spring and sometimes again in fall. Good indirect light encourages flowering. The "flower" is actually a spathe (leaf) surrounding a spadix. Remove spent blooms at the stem base.
Common Issues
Problem
Yellow leaves
Cause
Over-watering or too much direct light
Problem
Brown tips
Cause
Low humidity or fluoride in water
Problem
Drooping
Cause
Under-watering (or root-bound)
Problem
No blooms
Cause
Insufficient light
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs. Keep away from pets.
Propagation
Divide at the roots during repotting in spring.