Peace Lily Care Guide: How to Grow & Care for Spathiphyllum

About the Peace Lily

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the most popular and forgiving tropical houseplants, beloved for its elegant white blooms, glossy dark green leaves, and impressive air-purifying qualities. It's one of the few flowering houseplants that thrives in lower light conditions, making it ideal for offices, bedrooms, and shaded corners. Peace Lilies are also wonderfully communicative — they'll droop dramatically when thirsty, then perk back up within hours of watering.

Light Requirements

Peace Lilies thrive in bright to medium indirect light but are one of the most shade-tolerant flowering houseplants available. They can survive in low light but will produce fewer blooms. Avoid direct sunlight which scorches the leaves and causes yellowing. A spot 5–10 feet from a bright window is ideal.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry or when the plant begins to slightly droop — Peace Lilies are very good at telling you when they're thirsty. Water thoroughly and allow excess to drain. They prefer consistently moist soil but will not tolerate waterlogging. Use room-temperature water and avoid cold water which can shock the roots. If possible, use filtered water as Peace Lilies are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine.

Soil & Potting

Use a rich, well-draining potting mix with good moisture retention. A peat or coco coir-based mix works well. Repot every 1–2 years in spring when roots begin circling the pot or growing out of drainage holes. Peace Lilies like to be slightly rootbound, which also encourages blooming.

Temperature & Humidity

Peace Lilies prefer temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C) and should be kept away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents. They love humidity — aim for 50% or higher. Mist the leaves regularly, use a pebble tray, or place near a humidifier to keep them looking their best.

Fertilizing

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during spring and summer. Over-fertilizing can cause brown leaf tips and prevent blooming. Do not fertilize in fall and winter. To encourage blooming, use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content (the middle number on the label).

Getting Your Peace Lily to Bloom

Peace Lilies bloom most reliably in spring. To encourage flowering: provide bright indirect light, maintain consistent moisture, feed regularly during the growing season, and keep temperatures stable. If your plant hasn't bloomed in over a year, try moving it to a brighter spot.

Common Problems

• Drooping leaves: Usually thirst — water immediately and the plant will recover within hours.
• Yellow leaves: Overwatering, too much direct sun, or natural aging of lower leaves.
• Brown leaf tips: Low humidity, fluoride in tap water, or over-fertilizing.
• No flowers: Insufficient light or nutrients. Move to a brighter spot and feed regularly.

Toxicity

Peace Lilies are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Shop our Peace Lily collection at Izzy's Tropicals.