Bring The Peace

Styled by MARÉ BRENNAN
Photograph by KELLY MOORE CLARK

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

These beautiful houseplants are easy to grow, but knowing how often to water peace lilies and what to do if their leaves droop or turn yellow is essential.

The peace lily is native to tropical areas of Central and South America. In the wild, these plants thrive on the forest floor, receiving dappled sunlight and consistent moisture and humidity. You will want to mimic these conditions to keep your peace lily happy and healthy.

With enough light, peace lilies produce white to off-white flowers and will continue to bloom throughout the year in the right conditions. 

Peace lilies like indirect sun so an east or north facing window is ideal. Direct sun all day may dry them out too much.

Keep the soil lightly moist to the touch but not overly saturated. Their leaves can develop brown tips, if they don’t have enough water or humidity. Peace lilies will tell you when they’re thirsty. The plant’s leaves start to droop – sometimes in a very dramatic fashion. When the plant starts to look less “perky” than usual, test the soil with your finger. If it feels dry, it’s time to water again. 

Yellow leaves might be a result of overwatering, under watering, or may be an older leaf. If older leaves are turning yellow it may be time to repot and give the roots more space. 

To encourage flowering, move your plant to an area with more light. 

Peace lilies are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.