Peace Lily Care
Spathiphyllum
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Low to bright indirect. More light means more flowers. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 2β3 cm is dry, or when it starts to droop. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Beginner Low light OK |
| π Grows to | 30β90 cm. |
The peace lily has glossy dark leaves and white flowers that rise above them like little sails. It's one of the few flowering plants happy in lower light, and it tells you exactly when it needs water by drooping dramatically.
Light + placement
Peace lilies tolerate low light and grow well in medium light. For lots of flowers, give them bright, indirect light. Direct sun yellows and scorches the leaves.
Watering
Water when the top 2β3 cm is dry. A peace lily droops when thirsty and perks up within hours of a drink, but don't let it collapse often; repeated wilting causes brown tips. Never leave it sitting in water.
Soil + repotting
Our Tropical Potting Mix in a pot with drainage. Repot every 1β2 years in spring when roots fill the pot. Big clumps can be divided.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Cut faded flowers (they turn green, then brown) at the base of the stalk. Wipe the leaves to keep them glossy.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dramatic drooping | Thirsty | Water deeply; it recovers within hours. |
| Brown leaf tips | Dry air, uneven watering or salt build-up | Water evenly; flush the soil; raise humidity. |
| No flowers | Not enough light | Move to brighter indirect light. |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering or old leaves | Let the top few cm dry; remove old leaves. |
| Green flowers | Normal ageing of the bloom | Cut the stalk at the base. |
Varieties we carry
We carry peace lilies in several sizes. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my peace lily drooping?
It's thirsty. Water deeply and it'll perk up within a few hours.
Is a peace lily safe for pets?
No. It's mildly toxic and can irritate a pet's mouth and stomach.
How do I get it to bloom?
Give it brighter indirect light and feed it regularly with Kelpy while it's growing.
Is a peace lily good for low light?
Yes, it's one of the best flowering plants for low light. See Low-Light Plant Heroes.
Peace Lily care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- BIOS Natural Plant Food: Granular plant food you mix into the top of the soil.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Lithops Β· Indoor Palms Β· Fittonia Β· Pilea Β· Pitcher Plant Β· String of Pearls Β· Cactus Β· Olive Tree Β· All plant care β