When running a magnolia farm and tree nursery, we often get asked specific questions about how to care for a variety of plants. As one of the most popular memorial gifts and houseplants, we frequently get questions about how to take care of a peace lily. With their beautiful green foliage and elegant white blooms, it’s no surprise that peace lilies are a popular choice for indoor plants. Despite this, peace lilies can be fussy and sometimes by treating them like other common houseplants, you can end up doing more harm than good. So after two decades of raising peace lilies, here is everything we know on how to keep your peace lilies healthy and happy.
Let there be (filtered) light!
Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so it's best to place them in a location where they'll receive filtered light. A north-facing window is usually a good choice, but you can also place your peace lily in a spot that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day. Peace lilies are tropical plants that grow beneath taller trees and plants in the wild so they are made to receive sunlight that is filtered through the leaves above before reaching them.
The Perfect Amount of Water
Watering your peace lily can be a bit tricky. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. The key is to find a balance. Water your peace lily when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to use room-temperature water and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to leaf spots.
If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow, you may be overwatering your plant. Allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering again. You can also take a slightly wet cloth and go over each of your leaves. This will help remove any dust and dirt that might be keeping your peace lily from soaking in all of that sunshine.
Keeping Things Humid
Peace lilies thrive in humid environments. You can create a more humid environment for your plant by pairing it with humidifying plants. If your house is really dry, try choosing a more humid room or placing a small humidifier near your plant. If you don't have a humidifier, you can also place a tray of water near the plant, or mist the leaves with water every few days.
Fertilizer for Some TLC
Peace lilies don't need to be fertilized often, but giving them a dose of a balanced, slow release, water-soluble fertilizer every six months can help keep them healthy. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully, as overfertilization can damage the plant. It is best to fertilize them once in early spring and once in early fall.
Pruning Your Plant
To keep your peace lily looking its best, you can prune it occasionally. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves, as well as any spent blooms. You can also cut back any leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Overall, taking care of a peace lily is all about finding the right balance of light, water, and humidity. With a little bit of attention and care, your peace lily can thrive and bring beauty to your indoor space. Remember to check the soil regularly, keep the plant away from direct sunlight, and provide it with some humidity to keep it happy and healthy.