How to Properly Plant and Care for Peace Lily Plants

Peace lilies have long been popular houseplants for their glossy dark green leaves and pretty white flowers, called spathes. "They can live a decade or more with good care," says Justin Hancock, horticulturalist for Costa Farms. "While peace lilies tolerate low and medium light, they love bright light. The more light your plant gets, the happier it will be, the faster it will grow, and the more it will bloom."

Most peace lilies grow to be about one to four feet wide, though some varieties can get up to six feet tall and wide. They like average indoor temperatures, ranging between 65 to 85 degrees. Bonus: They're also inexpensive plants that you'll find everywhere.

Here's what you need to know about caring for peace lilies:

How to Plant Peace Lilies

Peace lilies need well-draining, all-purpose soil. They can also grow in water alone—in which case, the base of the plant should sit above the waterline. This allows the roots to grow into the water, while keeping the leaves from being constantly submersed, which can cause them to rot.

Peace lilies like to be a little root-bound, so you don't need to repot often—perhaps every few years or more. If you see roots starting to poke out from the bottom of the pot, it's probably time to repot. Repotting isn't difficult and only takes about 10 minutes.

simple houseplant care tips to keep your plants healthy

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What Causes Brown Tips on a Peace Lily?

Most commonly, brown tips on a peace lily are due to inconsistent watering, too much or too little water, low humidity, or excessive fertilization. "It's often frustrating for new plant parents because it's one symptom, but there can be many causes. It's like the upset stomach of the plant world," says Hancock.

person cut away houseplant spathiphyllum commonly known as spath or peace lilies brown dead leaf tips leaf browning causes can be over watering, temperature extremes, lack of watering

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Should I Cut the Brown Tips Off My Peace Lily?

Good news: Those unsightly brown tips aren't hurting your peace lily. "The brown tips don't affect the plant. It's more your perception of the plant," says Hancock. You can trim them off if you don't like how they look, but it's not really necessary and won't impact the plant's health.

How to Get Peace Lilies to Flower

For best flowering, give them bright, indirect light (not direct sunlight). These plants don't need a ton of fertilizer. Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, every six to eight weeks during the spring and summer growing season. When mixing, use one-quarter of the recommended strength. As noted, over-fertilizing peace lilies could cause the leaf tips to burn and turn brown.

How to Water Peace Lilies

Peace lilies like to stay lightly moist. Stick your finger in the soil to check before watering, because you don't want the roots to stay too soggy. A few bits of dirt will stick to your finger, but the soil shouldn't feel sopping wet. How often you need to water depends on a few things, such as how much light it gets. "You can water daily if you apply small amounts, but if you don't want to mess with that, get a self-watering container," says Hancock.

Can Peace Lilies Be Planted Outside?

Peace lilies are not cold-hardy, but peace lilies can be planted outdoors in warm regions, such as USDA Hardiness zones 11 and warmer (find your zone here). Temperatures in the 40s will kill the plant. Give them morning sun and afternoon shade. The same rule applies if you'd like to place your potted peace lily outdoors for the summer—but make sure to bring it indoors when temperatures drop into the 50s.

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Are Peace Lilies Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?

Unfortunately, peace lilies are are toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA. In fact, they're also poisonous to humans, if chewed or swallowed, according to Poison Control. Keep kids and animals away from these pretty plants, which contain calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, peace lilies can cause GI upset, drooling, and mouth and throat pain. If you think your child or fur baby has eaten any—even if you're not sure—call your doctor or vet ASAP. It's always better to be safe than sorry!

How to Display Peace Lilies

You've made it to the fun part. Use a self-watering pot, like Hancock recommended, or try one of these more colorful options to add a pop of fun to your home.