Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Peace Lily
Latin Name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
Hardiness Zones: Tender tropical. Usually grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. Can be placed outdoors in frost free areas roughly USDA 10–12. Colder conditions cause dieback or death while frost free warm areas may allow continued outdoor growth.
Typical Height: Compact to medium sized houseplant commonly about 12–36 in (30–90 cm) tall depending on cultivar and growing conditions.
Typical Spread: Clumping habit that typically spreads to about 12–36 in (30–90 cm) across in cultivation.
Bloom Period: Often flowers in spring to summer outdoors. Indoors flowering can be sporadic and may occur year round given good light and steady temperature.
Soil Preferences: Rich, moisture retaining but well drained potting mix. Keep evenly moist without standing water. Heavy waterlogging leads to root rot and prolonged drought leads to leaf browning and drop.
Light Preferences: Bright indirect light is ideal. Tolerates low light but will flower less. Avoid direct hot sun which can scorch leaves.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and swelling. Handle with care and keep away from children and pets.
Propagation: Divide clumps at repotting for reliable propagation. Seed and tissue culture are also possible but uncommon for home growers.

Key Facts

Tropical evergreen perennial most commonly grown as a houseplant.
Produces white spathes around a central spadix that are often called flowers.
Prefers consistently moist but well drained soil and higher humidity.
Flowers more reliably in bright indirect light and less in deep shade.
Propagated primarily by division of the clump.
Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation if ingested.
Usually kept indoors in temperate climates and set outdoors only in frost free areas.

A tropical evergreen perennial most often grown as a houseplant for glossy green leaves and white spathes. It performs best in bright filtered light and moist well drained soil but contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation if eaten.

Identification

Peace Lily is Spathiphyllum wallisii and forms a clump of glossy lance shaped leaves with occasional white spathes around a central spadix that are often called flowers. Typical cultivated plants range from about 12 to 36 inches tall and spread roughly the same across depending on cultivar and growing conditions.

Where to grow and best uses

Use Peace Lily as an indoor specimen or grouped in shaded patios where frost is not a risk. It works well in homes, offices and bathrooms because higher humidity suits it. Outdoors it belongs only in frost free areas roughly equivalent to USDA 10 through 12 where it can remain year round.

Light and placement

Bright indirect light yields the most reliable flowering while low light keeps plants alive but reduces blooms. Avoid direct hot sun because leaf scorch is common. Place plants near an east or north facing window or behind a sheer curtain to balance light and prevent leaf damage.

Soil and watering

Grow in a rich potting mix that retains moisture but drains freely. Keep the soil evenly moist because waterlogging leads to root rot and drought causes browning and leaf drop. Water when the topsoil begins to feel slightly damp rather than fully dry or constantly soggy.

Feeding and after flowering care

Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the active growing season to support foliage and blooms. After flowering remove spent spathes at the base and tidy any yellowing leaves. Maintain steady moisture and moderate light to encourage future blooms.

Propagation and repotting

Propagate by dividing the clump at repotting for reliable results. Mature clumps can be split into sections with roots and leaves intact and then potted individually. Repot in spring when roots fill the container or when growth slows due to crowding.

Pests and toxicity

Peace Lily is prone to common houseplant pests such as scale and spider mites when stressed by low humidity or poor light. All parts are toxic if ingested because of calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling and vomiting. Keep away from children and pets and wash hands after handling.

Containers and outdoor care

Containers suit Peace Lily well because they allow controlled soil moisture and mobility. Choose pots with drainage and a moisture retaining mix. Move plants outdoors in warm months to shaded patios in frost free zones but return them indoors before cool nights or cold weather arrives.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Peace Lily grow?: Growth is moderate and clumping. Plants commonly reach between about 12 and 36 inches tall over time depending on cultivar, light and care.
Are Peace Lilies toxic to pets?: Yes. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling and vomiting if eaten. Seek veterinary help for severe symptoms.
How do I get my Peace Lily to bloom?: Provide bright filtered light, steady moisture and moderate feeding. Improved light usually increases the chance of producing white spathes.
Can I put my Peace Lily outside?: Yes in frost free climates roughly USDA 10 through 12. Keep it in shaded or filtered light and bring it indoors before cool nights begin.
How often should I water a Peace Lily?: Water so the potting mix stays evenly moist but never waterlogged. Allow the topsoil to feel slightly damp before watering again to avoid root rot and leaf browning.