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Mastering Peace Lily Care at Home

Mastering Peace Lily Care at Home


Lady Manson Staff
Updated: Dec 16, 2024

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Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are not only stunning but also practical houseplants that elevate any space with their lush green foliage and pure white spathes. Loved for their low-maintenance nature, they thrive in low light while improving indoor air quality. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, peace lilies are a great addition to your home. Take a deep breath, grab your favorite drink, and let's dive into the essentials of caring for these beauties.

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01
Bringing your peace lily home
Bringing your peace lily home
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When selecting a peace lily, ensure the plant looks healthy with vibrant leaves. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, drooping stems, or any visible pests underneath. A thriving plant is the best start for your care routine.

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02
Planting your peace lily
Planting your peace lily
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Sure, peace lilies enjoy being crowded in their pots, but they still require the occasional transplant. Replanting every spring can help the plant thrive with fresh soil and keep it from outgrowing its current home. Especially if the peace lily begins to wilt every few days, even with regular watering, it is time to replant to a pot that won’t need to be watered as often.

When transplanting, move them to a pot only slightly bigger than the existing pot, no more than a third larger than the root ball. Peace lilies are resilient, so they can be handled a bit rough while transplanting.

After planting your peace lily, nurture it with Organic Plant Magic to ensure it thrives.

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03
A healthy start: sunlight requirements for peace lilies
A healthy start: sunlight requirements for peace lilies
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Plants thrive in conditions that mimic their native home. The peace lily is a shade-loving plant from the tropical rainforests of South America and Southeast Asia. It likes 12 hours of filtered sunlight, and direct sunlight can scorch its beautiful foliage. A lack of light, though, will hamper flowering, which is a big part of the plant's appeal.

Depending on where you live, you may want to get a grow light to help your peace lily during winter. Place your plant in an east-facing window if possible.

To meet the unique sunlight requirements of your peace lily, consider using a lordem Grow Light.

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04
A healthy start: watering
A healthy start: watering
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Peace lilies are dramatic about water needs, wilting when thirsty and reviving quickly. Keep the soil evenly moist, watering once the top inch is dry. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Misting leaves is optional.

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05
A healthy start: humidity levels
A healthy start: humidity levels
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Tropical rainforests are warm and steamy, and there's constant evaporation. Humidity levels should be above 50%; picking up a hygroscope makes checking this very easy. Peace lilies enjoy a weekly misting on their leaves during warmer months, so keep a spray bottle on hand.

If your tap water is full of chlorine, use filtered water and make sure the water is not cool. Peace lilies don't like drafts and long stretches of cold weather—exposure can kill them.

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06
A healthy start: special nutrients
A healthy start: special nutrients
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If you are getting flowers, but they are weak or green, your fertilizer could be the cause. Green flowers can mean too much fertilizer, whereas weak flowers can mean that the plant needs more or different fertilizer that's high in phosphorous.

Peace lilies can grow fine without fertilization for quite some time, and it's a bit of gardener's choice when it comes to frequency. Some fertilize every six weeks, while others wait until the plant shows signs that it needs a bit of help. Especially if you fertilize often, pop the plant in the sink every six months or so and flush it with water to keep salts from building up in the soil.

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07
Healthy growth: pruning your peace lily
Healthy growth: pruning your peace lily
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Grab a pair of secateurs or garden scissors, because pruning encourages new growth and prevents disease. Trim your peace lily whenever you notice parts of the plant are dead. For example, you'll need to remove wilted flowers at some point after they finish blooming and shrivel up.

Remove leaves with black spots, as well as drooping stalks. Use sharp, sterilized cutting tools, or you could cause infection. You can shape a peace lily to fit your space better, although this may stunt its growth.

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08
Healthy growth: repotting your peace lily
Healthy growth: repotting your peace lily
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Repotting ensures healthy growth. Choose a pot just slightly bigger than the current one. Water the plant before repotting, loosen the soil, and gently place it in fresh soil. It may take a week for the plant to adjust fully.

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09
Can I propagate my peace lily?
Can I propagate my peace lily?
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If you want more peace lilies in your home, it's fairly simple to divide the plant into smaller plants. When transplanting, split the lily into smaller clumps. Be sure to keep at least a few leaves to a clump. If you want to experiment a bit, one of the divided sections can be rooted in water. Peace lilies are fairly willing to grow this way as long as the base of the plant is kept above the water, so it doesn't rot.

If you already have enough peace lilies, the new plants can make wonderful gifts to friends or family, especially as a housewarming gift to someone who is just starting a plant collection.

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10
Common diseases
Common diseases
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Your peace lily may develop a darkish coating on its leaves or stalks. Fungal infections can be lethal, and you should quarantine your plant if you suspect it has one; otherwise, it could infect other plants too.

Try and save your plant by cutting out affected areas and applying a fungicide, but spores are resilient, so prevention is better than cure. Paying attention to your plant's health is the key to keeping it alive.

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11
Common pests
Common pests
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Aphids, mites, mealybugs, and scale sometimes infest peace lilies. Use a hose to wash them away, and back your efforts up with insecticidal soap spray. Test the product on a small part of the plant; if it hasn't responded poorly to the pesticide a day later, you can apply it elsewhere.

Organic neem oil is a relatively safe option to use as a spot treatment. Whichever product you choose, follow the instructions for optimal results.

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12
Displaying your peace lily
Displaying your peace lily
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Peace lilies are the best welcome home you could ask for, and they're sure to impress guests who come over when you place them in a big pot near your front door. Big, bushy plants can sit in tall pots on the floor, and mid-sized to small pots look great on side tables.

Keep it cute in a shallow, round bowl, or allow one to stretch magnificently out of a tall vase in the corners of the room.

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13
Similar plants
Similar plants
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Peace lily spathes are always white, but if you're yearning for some color and gloss, the anthurium is a lovely alternative that comes in shades of pink and red. Cast iron plants have similar deep green foliage and are non-toxic, so they may be more suitable for your home. Dracaena glauca, the "good luck" plant, is excellent for air purifying and looks just as lush.

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14
Cautions and additional information
Cautions and additional information
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Peace lilies are a hazard if you have young kids or pets, so keep them out of reach. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic. When any part of the plant is licked or chewed, you can expect swelling, drooling, an upset stomach, or trouble breathing in your cats and dogs.

Help prevent more serious issues by cleaning your pet's mouth and giving them something cold to eat or drink. These misnamed plants are not deadly like real lilies, but you should contact your vet if symptoms continue.

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15
Varieties of the peace lily
Varieties of the peace lily
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Peace lilies have diverse options. The towering Sensation grows up to six feet, while Domino features white streaks, and Picasso offers striking white leaves. Some tolerate more light, making them flexible for different setups.

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16
How to care for your peace lily
How to care for your peace lily
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Peace lilies are a popular house plant, and did you know that their lush green leaves are not just for show? Peace lilies actively neutralize harmful indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and other volatile organic compounds. So, by incorporating a peace lily into your living or working space, you're making a statement about aesthetics and health. Over time, as the plant grows and flourishes, you'll notice a tangible difference in the air quality, making every breath a little fresher, a little purer, and a testament to the power of nature.

But how do you care for these air-purifying beauties?

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17
Emulate a tropical habitat
Emulate a tropical habitat
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Hailing from the dense, humid rainforests of Central and South America, peace lilies have evolved to thrive under the canopy, shielded from direct sunlight but basking in consistent warmth and moisture. To truly make them feel at home, it's important to recreate this environment as much as possible.

Place them in a well-lit room away from direct sunlight, and ensure the soil remains consistently moist. A layer of mulch can help retain moisture, and regular misting can replicate the humid conditions of their native habitat, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy.

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18
Maintain the perfect temperature
Maintain the perfect temperature
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Temperature plays a pivotal role in the well-being of peace lilies. These tropical masterpieces thrive in a consistent temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Any sudden fluctuations, especially cold drafts, can stress the plant, leading to drooping leaves or inhibited growth.

This means that it's essential to choose a spot for them that's away from frequently opened windows or doors, especially during the chillier months. By maintaining a stable, warm environment, you're not just catering to their basic needs but setting the stage for lush growth and spectacular blooms.

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19
Use organic fertilizer
Use organic fertilizer
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While peace lilies are relatively low-maintenance, they benefit from periodic feeding, especially during their growth phase. Opting for organic houseplant fertilizer offers a gentle yet effective way to provide them with essential nutrients, which promotes healthier roots, lusher leaves, and more vibrant blooms.

But, make sure you stay away from chemical fertilizers, as they can sometimes be too harsh for your peace lily, leading to burnt tips or discolored leaves.

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20
Keep your peace lily hydrated
Keep your peace lily hydrated
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Peace lilies thrive on balanced hydration. Water when the soil feels dry an inch below the surface, ensuring it doesn’t stay waterlogged. Occasional misting mimics tropical humidity, keeping your plant vibrant and healthy.

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21
Understanding peace lily toxicity
Understanding peace lily toxicity
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Despite their serene appearance, peace lilies pack a punch when it comes to their toxicity levels, especially to curious pets and little ones. The culprit is calcium oxalate crystals that, if chewed or ingested, can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like mouth swelling and an upset stomach. It's wise to place these plants out of reach and know the first aid steps, such as rinsing the mouth and seeking professional medical or veterinary advice if symptoms persist.

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22
Choosing the right pot
Choosing the right pot
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Selecting the perfect abode for your peace lily isn't just about aesthetics; it's about health. A pot that's too large can lead to waterlogging, while too small a container might cramp its style – literally. A breathable terracotta pot that's just a tad bigger than the root ball ensures your peace lily has room to grow without risking root rot. Plus, it's a stylish addition to any space.

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23
Identifying and treating common pests
Identifying and treating common pests
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Even the hardiest of peace lilies can fall victim to the occasional pest invasion. Spider mites and aphids, tiny as they are, can wreak havoc on your plant's health. Keeping an eye out for the tell-tale signs of infestation, like sticky leaves or webbing, is crucial. Gentle washing or organic insecticidal soap can send these pests packing, ensuring your peace lily continues to thrive.

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24
Dealing with fungus gnats
Dealing with fungus gnats
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Fungus gnats are more than just a nuisance; they're a sign that your peace lily's soil might be a little too damp. These pests love moist environments, but letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings can discourage them from setting up shop. For persistent problems, a bit of diatomaceous earth on the soil surface or sticky traps can help keep the population in check.

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25
Peace lily blooming tips
Peace lily blooming tips
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Bright, indirect light and occasional feeding encourage blooms. Patience is key, as peace lilies reward proper care with elegant white flowers that elevate your home’s beauty.

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