The peace lily, also scientifically known as Spathiphyllum, is an evergreen flowering tropical plant native to Central and South America. It usually flowers in the spring, but a well-cared-for peace lily can surprise you by blooming twice a year for several months. I love these plants not just for their elegant, arching leaves and striking white flowers that bring a serene vibe to my home, but also for their air-purifying qualities. Beyond their beauty and health benefits, peace lilies are very easy to care for, and with proper care, they can live for 20 years or more. Whether you’re thinking of bringing one to your home or already have one, this peace lily care guide will help you with some helpful tips for growing it and addressing common issues like drooping or yellow leaves.
What Are Benefits to Grow Peace Lily Plant Indoor?
As I mentioned earlier, peace lilies offer aesthetic appeal, but more than that, they have many other benefits. Notably, these plants can improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, and increase indoor humidity through a process called transpiration. In addition, studies have shown that the the calm and understated of peace lilies can help foster a more peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Personally, I have definitely become less stressed since I started growing peace lilies, and I always feel a sense of tranquility and peace every time I come home and see them.
Peace Lily Plant Care
While peace lilies are relatively easy to care for, knowing some of their specific growing needs will help them bloom twice a year and live longer. Since you’re already here, let’s dive into what you need to know.
Light Requirements
Peace Lilies prefer bright, indirect light, about 6-8 hours a day. In their native habitat, they prefer shade, but in your home, they prefer filtered light. An east-facing window is usually ideal, or a few feet away from a south or west window with gauzy curtains. Don’t place your peace lilies in direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. If you notice the leaves turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign of too much sunlight. Conversely, if they’re not blooming, they may not be getting enough light.

Temperature and Humidity
Peace lilies are tropical plants, so they prefer warm and humid environments. Specifically, they do best at room temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F) and require humidity levels above 50%. These plants are sensitive to cold, and temperatures below 13°C (55°F) can be fatal.
To ensure their well-being, it’s a good idea to monitor the temperature and humidity around your plants with a thermometer and hygrometer. Once the thresholds fall outside the ideal range, move them to a more suitable place, which is especially necessary in winter. I would recommend using INKBIRD's Wi-Fi models, such as IBS-TH5-WIFI, so that you can remotely monitor conditions and receive timely reminders even when you are not at home.

To maintain humidity, you can place your peace lilies on a pebble tray filled with water and spray the leaves with water regularly, which will help their growth and prevent the leaf tips from turning yellow.
Water
How often should you water your peace lily? Actually, it’s not how often you water it that matters, but how dry the soil is. Before watering, insert your finger about 1-2 inches into the soil, and if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Fortunately, peace lilies can be quite dramatic - when their leaves start to droop, they definitely need water. If you water them promptly, you’ll see them perk up within a few hours.
However, if you water them too much, it will cause root rot, so there must be drainage holes in the flowerpot. Plus, it’s best not to use tap water since peace lilies are sensitive to water quality. Chemicals like chlorine and fluoride in tap water can cause the leaf tips to turn yellow, so go for filtered water, rainwater, or tap water that has been left out overnight.

Fertilizer
Peace lilies don't like too much fertilizer, so they only need occasional fertilization. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks in the spring and summer using a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, but remember to dilute it to half the concentration recommended on the label, or they will burn easily. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.
Pruning
Pruning your peace lily regularly is essential for keeping it healthy and vibrant. To maintain its appearance, remove any yellow or brown leaves by cutting them at the base of the stem. When the white blooms begin to fade and turn green, it's also time to trim those off. This not only helps your peace lily look neat but also encourages the growth of new flowers.
How to Propagate Peace Lily?
The easiest and most reliable method to propagate peace lilies is by division, which is best done when repotting. Before you start, check for small offshoots, or ramets, near the main plant. If you find any, water the plant thoroughly a day before.
Remove the plant from the pot and carefully separate the ramets with a clean knife or your hands, ensuring each once has healthy roots and a few leaves. Plant each ramet in a separate pot, filled with well-drained potting mix, and water thoroughly. Place the plant in a warm, bright location with indirect light and high humidity, and refer to the care requirements above for specific care requirements. The roost should be able to regrow in less than a month.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting
Even the most serene plant can have issues. Here's how to diagnose and fix them:
- Yellow leaves: The most common cause is overwatering, but natural aging of the plant can also result in this. Underwatering, excessive light exposure, and nutrient deficiencies are other potential culprits. To fix peace lily yellowing leaves, adjust your watering practices and ensure the pot has good drainage first. Then, consider moving away them from direct sun and repotting if root rot is suspected.
- Brown tips: One of the most common culprits is low humidity. Additionally, underwatering, chemical buildup, and over-fertilizing is other frequent issue that can result in unsightly brown tips. To fix this, try increasing humidity, watering more consistently, flushing the soil every few months, using filtered or rainwater, reducing fertilizer concentration, and trimming brown tips.
- Drooping leaves: Again, underwatering is the most common culprit. Other potential issues include root rot, temperature shock, extreme heat, or the plant being rootbound. To address these problems, check the soil moisture. If it's dry, give the plant a good drink, and it should perk up quickly. Conversely, if the soil is overly wet, investigate for signs of root rot and consider repotting if necessary. Additionally, ensure the plant is positioned away from drafts and heat sources, and repot if it has outgrown its container.
FAQs
Is peace lily toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, unfortunately, peace lilies are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that, when chewed or ingested, can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If you have pets, it's best to keep your peace lily out of their reach.
Can a peace lily live outside?
Temporarily and conditionally, but it's primarily an indoor plant. When growing outdoors, it requires a shady, humid location with temperatures above 60°F (15°C). Direct sunlight will scorch its leaves. Consider bringing it back inside during colder months.
Where should I place my peace lily in my home?
The ideal location for a peace lily is one that provides indirect sunlight. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet away from a south or west-facing window is usually a good choice. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. They also appreciate humidity, so a bathroom or kitchen can be a suitable location.
What does peace lily’s flower smell like?
The fragrance of a peace lily flower is typically described as subtle and sweet, with hints of jasmine or lily-of-the-valley. However, the scent is not overpowering and may only be noticeable when you're close to the flower. Some people may not detect any fragrance at all, especially if the plant is not in optimal blooming conditions.