Peace lily care
Peace lilies are forgiving, shade-tolerant plants with glossy leaves and white spathes. They tell you exactly when they need water by drooping, which makes them good for new plant owners.
Light
Medium to bright indirect light. It tolerates low light but rarely flowers there. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
Watering
Keep the soil lightly moist; water when the top inch is dry. A peace lily wilts dramatically when thirsty and recovers within hours of watering, but don’t rely on that signal every time.
Soil, feeding and repotting
Soil: Rich, peat-free potting mix with some bark or perlite.
Feeding: Half-strength balanced fertiliser monthly in spring and summer.
Repotting: Every 1–2 years in spring, one pot size up.
Propagation
Divide the clump when repotting; each section needs a few leaves and roots.
Problems and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Brown leaf tips | Dry air, fluoride or salt build-up in tap water, or over-fertilising. | Use filtered or rain water, flush the soil occasionally, raise humidity. |
| No flowers | Not enough light, or a young plant. | Move to brighter indirect light; flowers usually follow within a season. |
| Yellow lower leaves | Old leaves dying naturally, or overwatering. | Remove old leaves; let the top inch dry before watering. |
| Green flowers | Normal: spathes turn green as they age. | Cut the stalk at the base once it fades. |
Not sure what you’re looking at? Upload a photo to the plant doctor in “What’s wrong with it?” mode.
Ask about your peace lily
Questions gardeners ask
Why is my peace lily drooping?
Usually thirst. If the soil is wet and it still droops, suspect root rot or cold damage.
Is a peace lily safe for cats?
No. It causes mouth irritation and vomiting, though it is not deadly like true lilies.