Peace Lily Care: Light, Water, Fertilizer & Cleaning Tips

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are top-tier houseplants: air-purifying, low-light tolerant, and graced with elegant white spathes (often mistaken for flowers). Their care is simple if you respect their preferences.

Light

Medium to low light. More light = more blooms; less light = more foliage. Avoid direct sun.

Water: The #1 Rule

Never water on a schedule. Check weekly: water only when the top soil feels dry. Peace lilies tolerate underwatering far better than overwatering—the latter is the most common cause of death. Some growers wait for slight drooping before watering; the plant recovers quickly.

Fertilizer

Light feeding: balanced fertilizer 1–2 times per year.

Repotting & Dividing

Repot or divide when rootbound (roots circling, emerging from drainage holes, or plant wilting days after watering). Use a pot 2 inches larger. Divide by cutting the rootball with a sharp knife—each section needs foliage and roots.

Leaf Cleaning

Broad leaves collect dust. Wipe with a damp cloth, shower gently, or rinse in the sink annually. Avoid commercial leaf shine—it clogs pores.

Follow these basics, and your peace lily will thrive for years.