Plant care · · 1 min read
How to care for a peace lily
Peace lilies tell you when they are thirsty. Light, water, yellow leaves, whether they can go outside, and what pet owners should know.
By Concord Flower Shop, Concord, Massachusetts
The peace lily is one of the most forgiving houseplants, which is why it is so often given as a sympathy or get-well gift. It is also one of the few that tells you exactly when it needs water.
How much light does it need?
Medium to bright indirect light. It tolerates lower light but flowers less. Keep it out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
How often should you water it?
When the top inch of soil feels dry, usually about once a week. If you forget, the whole plant droops; water it well and it stands back up within a few hours. Just try not to let that happen often.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Most often from too much water, especially when the soil stays wet. Older leaves also yellow naturally as the plant grows; cut them off at the base. Brown, crispy tips usually point to dry air or uneven watering.
Do the flowers come back?
Each white flower lasts several weeks and then turns green or brown; cut it off at the base. A healthy plant in good light will flower again.
Can a peace lily live outside?
Only in warm weather. In New England it can spend the summer in a shady spot outdoors, but it has to come back inside before nights drop below about 50°F.
Is a peace lily safe for cats and dogs?
No. The ASPCA lists peace lilies as toxic to cats and dogs: chewing the leaves causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting, so keep it out of reach. It is not a true lily, though, and does not carry the risk of kidney failure that true lilies pose to cats.
You can see our peace lily.