Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Elegant, droopy drama — and one of the best air purifiers
About Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is one of the few flowering plants that thrives in low light conditions, making it invaluable for dim interiors. Its glossy dark-green leaves and elegant white spathes (often mistaken for flowers) create a serene, sophisticated look. NASA consistently ranks it among the most effective plants for removing common household toxins including ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Complete Care Guide
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil is dry, about once a week in summer. Peace Lily will dramatically droop to tell you it's thirsty — this is normal, not an emergency. Water thoroughly and it will perk up within hours.
Light
One of the best plants for low-light rooms. Tolerates shade but blooms best with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun which causes leaf burn and yellowing.
Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix. Peat-based or moisture-retaining mixes work well as Peace Lily prefers slightly moist (but not wet) soil.
Fertilizing
Feed every 6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. To encourage blooming, use a high-phosphorus fertilizer in spring.
Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years in spring. Peace Lily blooms more when slightly rootbound, so don't rush to size up.
Pruning
Remove spent flower spathes and yellowed leaves at the base. Keep the plant tidy and it will continue producing new growth and blooms.
Common Problems & Solutions
Drooping dramatically
Thirsty! Water immediately and it will recover within hours. If soil is moist and still drooping, check for root rot.
Not blooming
Move to brighter (indirect) light and use a bloom-boosting fertilizer high in phosphorus. Peace Lilies also bloom more when slightly rootbound.
Brown leaf tips
Very common — caused by fluoride in tap water, low humidity, or over-fertilizing. Switch to filtered water and mist regularly.
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow do I get my Peace Lily to bloom?
Ensure bright indirect light, use a balanced fertilizer in spring, keep slightly rootbound, and maintain temperatures above 65°F. Mimicking a slight drought stress (letting it droop slightly before watering) can trigger blooming.
QWhy do Peace Lily flowers turn green?
As the spathe ages, it naturally turns green then brown. This is normal. Simply cut off the spent spathe at the base to encourage new flowers to emerge.