how to care for peace lily

With its elegant white blooms and glossy 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. However, even the most resilient plants have their preferences. Knowing exactly how to care for peace lily is the simple secret to keeping it vibrant and encouraging those beautiful flowers to return.

The Simple Secret to Watering Your Peace Lily

Peace lilies are excellent communicators. When they’re thirsty, their leaves will dramatically droop, telling you it’s time for a drink. A good, thorough watering will perk them back up within hours. It’s best to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if possible, as peace lilies can be sensitive to the chlorine and fluoride found in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips.

Finding the Perfect Light for Healthy Leaves

While they can survive in lower light, peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is often ideal. Direct, harsh afternoon sun can scorch their delicate leaves, causing yellow or brown spots. If your lily isn’t blooming, it might be asking for a little more light. Those distinctive white “flowers” are actually a specialized leaf bract that protects the true flower, and they need sufficient light to form.

Creating a Comfortable Home Environment

These plants enjoy the same comfortable temperatures that we do, ideally between 65°F and 80°F. They also appreciate a bit of humidity. If your home is dry, misting the leaves occasionally or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles with water can make a big difference. You’ll also want to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every so often to keep them dust-free and efficient at absorbing light.

A Quick Guide to Feeding and Repotting

For nourishment, feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the spring and summer. There’s no need to feed in the fall and winter when growth 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 hole. Choose a pot that is only one to two inches larger to give it a comfortable new home.

By paying attention to these few simple needs—water, light, and a comfortable environment—you can enjoy the lush, calming beauty of a healthy peace lily for many years. It’s a rewarding plant that truly thrives with just a little bit of attentive care.