Dark, green and gorgeous; there’s a lot to love about the Peace Lily. With its lush green foliage, elegant white flowers and air filtering properties, it’s easy to see why the Peace Lily is the ultimate addition to any home. Tranquil-looking and easy to maintain, the Peace Lily is literally a breath of fresh air. While generally easy to care for, there are still a few basics you need to know about keeping your Peace Lily surviving and thriving.
Here’s how to care for your Peace Lily.
Light
From bathrooms to bedrooms and kitchens to corners, the Peace Lily will flourish in just about any nook or cranny but are ideally suited to low-light areas.
Your Peace Lily is at home indoors, out of the direct sun; for the ultimate position, bright, indirect light is right. While your potted Peace Lily will survive in darker areas, it may not bloom as well, or as often.
Water
When it comes to housemates, Peace Lilies are low-maintenance. When it comes to keeping them alive and thriving, the biggest problem is overwatering. Water the soil thoroughly and wait for the water to drain through, then empty any excess water sitting in the saucer. Allow the top 3-5cm of soil to dry out before watering again. In the cooler months, your plant won’t want as much water.
Tip: the top of the soil may look dry but it can be wet beneath, so before watering your plant, dip your finger into the soil to feel the level of moisture. If it feels soggy, wait for another day or two.
Temperature & Humidity
The Peace Lily prefers a warm, humid environment. Your Peace Lily will enjoy a good misting, especially in an air-conditioned environment (to increase humidity). Keep away from drafts of hot and cold air that can harm the plant.
Maintenance
Peace Lily leaves tend to pick up dust; keep them looking lush and fresh by gently wiping them down with a moist cloth. Also, remove any dead or yellowing leaves and flowers with a clean pair of scissors or secateurs.
You can feed your Peace Lily occasionally with a liquid fertiliser during the warmer months to encourage growth.
Troubleshooting
Peace Lily is not flowering
Although the Peace is very tolerant of low light, it may not flower as often. To encourage your Peace Lily to bloom, move it to a brighter spot where it will receive bright, indirect light.
Peace Lily leaves are turning yellow or brown
The most common reason your Peace Lily leaves are turning yellow is due to overwatering or underwatering. Peace Lily prefers moist, well-draining soil that dries slightly between waterings.
Brown leaves are commonly caused by underwatering, direct light or dry air. K
eep your plant away from both cold and hot drafts. Water your plant thoroughly when the top 3-5cm of soil is dry, and mist leaves regularly to help increase humidity.
Peace Lily is drooping
If you find your Peace Lily drooping, it may simply need a good drink. Peace Lilies are hardy plants and will bounce back up after watering. Be careful not to leave your Peace Lily thirsty for too long as it can lead to brown leaves.