how to care for a peace lily indoors

With its elegant white blooms and lush, dark green leaves, the peace lily is a beloved houseplant that brings a touch of serenity to any room. It’s often celebrated for its forgiving nature, making it a fantastic choice for both seasoned plant parents and beginners. While it has a reputation for being low-maintenance, knowing a few key secrets will help your plant truly flourish. Learning how to care for a peace lily indoors is simple and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful presence for years to come.

The Simple Secret to Perfect Watering

Peace lilies are excellent communicators. Instead of sticking to a rigid watering schedule, simply watch your plant. When it starts to droop slightly, it’s telling you it’s thirsty. This is the perfect time to give it a thorough drink. Water it deeply until water runs out of the drainage holes, then let it be until the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering is one of the few things that can cause trouble, leading to yellow leaves, so it’s best to err on the side of underwatering.

Finding the Right Light for Your Plant

While they can survive in lower light, peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot a few feet away from a north or east-facing window is ideal. Direct, harsh sun can scorch their beautiful leaves, causing brown tips and spots. If you notice the leaves looking pale or the plant stops producing its signature white flowers (which are actually a specialized leaf bract called a spathe), it might be asking for a little more light.

Creating a Comfortable Home Environment

Your peace lily enjoys the same comfortable temperatures you do, preferring a range between 65°F and 80°F. It also appreciates a bit of humidity. If your home is dry, you can mist the leaves occasionally, place the pot on a tray of pebbles with water, or group it with other plants. To keep your plant looking its best, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every so often to remove dust, which helps it breathe and absorb more light.

A Practical Guide on How to Care for a Peace Lily Indoors

Feeding your peace lily is simple. During the spring and summer growing seasons, use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month. There’s no need to feed during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down. You’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots circling the surface of the soil or growing out of the drainage holes. Move it to a pot that is only one to two inches larger to give it a little more room to grow.

By paying attention to its simple cues for water and light, your peace lily will reward you with vibrant growth and stunning blooms. It’s a resilient and graceful plant that truly makes indoor plant care a pleasure.