Common Name |
Peace lily, spath lily |
Plant Type |
Flowering tropical plant |
Mature Size |
Up to 3 feet tall indoors; up to 6 feet tall outdoors |
Sun Exposure |
Medium, indirect light |
Soil Type |
Peat-based potting mix with perlite, sand, or bark |
Soil pH |
5.8 to 6.5 |
Bloom Time |
Spring |
Flower Color |
White or yellow |
Hardiness Zones |
11 to 12, USDA |
Native Area |
The rainforests of Central and South America |
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Peace lilies are generally grown in the ground outdoors only in tropical habitats such as Florida or Hawaii; elsewhere, they are grown only as potted plants. If you have potted peace lilies, you can move them outside during the summer months, but once temperatures dip, bring them back inside.
When grown in pots, soil for a peace lily must be kept moist but not soggy, which will cause the leaves to turn yellow. Avoid direct sunlight, but do give them lots of bright filtered light. They like warm conditions and will react badly if exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees F.
There are few pest and disease problems with peace lilies, although mealybugs are sometimes an issue. Cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth often is enough to remove these pests.
Light
Peace lilies are shade-loving plants in their native habitats, but when grown indoors they need plenty of filtered light, though not direct sunlight. Some varieties can withstand more light than others. Curled, pale leaves generally indicate that the plant is receiving too much light and scorched leaves indicate too much direct sun. In either case, the plant should be moved to a shadier location.
Soil
Peace lilies like a rich, loose potting soil containing plenty of organic material. These plants are native to tropical canopy conditions where the soil is rich with deteriorating plant material. Growing them as outdoor garden plants requires soil that mimics this composition.
Water
During the summer, water and mist peace lilies frequently because they thrive with higher humidity, such as that found in the rainforest. In winter, reduce watering but never allow the soil to dry out. If your water is highly chlorinated, use filtered water.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants really prefer moist warmth. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 55 degrees F, because the plant will die in cold temperatures. Ideal temperature range is 65 to 80 degrees. Spritz the leaves every week with soft or distilled water throughout the summer growing season.
Fertilizer
Feed weekly in the summer or use slow-release pellets at the beginning of the season. Do not fertilize in the winter.
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