How to Grow a Peace Lily

Peace lilies are so elegant and graceful some might think they would be difficult to grow and care for. To the contrary, peace lilies can flourish if you stay within the wide range of care and climate requirements.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pots that graduate one size up at a time for replanting
• Adequate space for the plant
• Plant food
• Small pruning shears or clippers

Planting Basics and Easy, Long-Term Care

1. If your peace lily is in a container, it is likely root bound and will need a larger pot. Avoid transplanting into a huge pot; rather, re-pot into a container a size or two larger. Transplanting into a container that is much larger than the one the plant is in can cause the roots to rot and mold to collect in and on the soil. As the lily grows, you can transplant it again into a larger pot.

2. While peace lilies will generally thrive in almost any soil, it is best to use a good soil and peat moss mix. You can even add a little sand to the mix to help with adequate drainage. Water the plant in thoroughly after re-potting. Allow the water to fully absorb but do not let the soil become overly dry. Place your little finger into the edge of the pot and check the moisture below the surface. If the soil is still moist, you won't need to water. If the soil is dry about two inches into the soil, you should gently water but be careful not to over water. If your plant is very large you can water the plant by placing water into the pot's water tray. This allows water to get to the roots easier without soaking the top layer of soil. Peace lilies love water but the leaves will turn brown and blooming can be stunted if you continuously over water.

3. Place your peace lily near a window that allows sunlight at least three to four hours per day. Indirect sunlight over the course of the day is ideal. You will want to frequently turn the peace lily so that it doesn't grow and lean toward the sunlight. This is the ideal time to remember to use a moist paper towel to clean the leaves.

4. Your peace lily will not likely need fertilizing as often as you might think. If the plant looks healthy - the leaves are strong and green and the plant is blooming as it should - then fertilizing two or three times per year should be adequate. Use an indoor plant food or a 20-20-20 fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can turn leaf tips brown and create a generally unhealthy appearance.

5. If you begin with good attention to soil, water, placement and feeding, your peace lily should give you many years of beautiful blooms and elegant foliage. Remember to prune older, dying leaves as well as blooms so that your peace lily can continue to show off its brilliance.

Tips & Warnings

• Pests are not a big problem for peace lilies, but if you do notice them try using a mixture of 2-3 drops of dishwashing soap in a bottle of water and mist the plant.

• Cats are sometimes fascinated by the hanging leaves of a peace lily. Place your plant where cats can't chew and swat at the leaves.

• Transplant your peace lily at least once every three years to enrich the soil.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Discover the Peace Lily