Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii · Araceae
- Light
- Low to medium-indirect
- Water
- Moderate
- Humidity
- Average to high
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- No
- Propagation
- Division
Common problems: Root RotMealybugsAphidsSpider Mites
Quick facts
- Light: Low to medium indirect · Water: Keep lightly, evenly moist
- Difficulty: Easy — and it tells you when it’s thirsty (dramatic droop, full recovery after watering)
- Pet-safe: ❌ No
Description
Glossy, deep-green lance-shaped leaves and elegant white “flowers” — actually a leaf-like spathe wrapped around a creamy spike (spadix). One of the few reliable bloomers in low light, and a forgiving communicator: it wilts theatrically when dry, then springs back within hours of watering.
Care
- Light: Low to medium indirect. It’ll survive in low light but blooms more with brighter (indirect) light. No direct sun.
- Water: Keep lightly and evenly moist — water when the top inch is dry. It tolerates a brief droop but repeated bone-dry cycles brown the tips.
- Soil & potting: Standard well-draining mix with drainage.
- Humidity & temperature: Loves higher humidity; warm, draft-free.
- Feeding: Light feeding spring–summer; over-fertilizing causes brown tips.
Propagation
By division only — at repotting, gently separate the clump into sections, each with roots and a few leaves. It can’t be grown from leaf or stem cuttings. See Propagation Basics.
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs — insoluble calcium oxalates cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. (Despite the name it is not a true lily, so it does not cause the severe kidney failure true lilies do in cats — but it’s still a vet call if chewed.) Source: ASPCA.
Common ailments, afflictions & pests
Click any item for how to identify and treat it.
- Root Rot — from staying waterlogged; yellowing, collapse. See Watering & Root Health.
- Mealybugs — white cottony clusters at leaf bases.
- Aphids — on tender new growth and flower stalks.
- Spider Mites — in dry air; fine speckling.
- Brown leaf tips? Usually inconsistent watering, low humidity, over-fertilizing, or sensitivity to tap-water salts/chlorine. Cultural, not a pest.
- No flowers? Typically needs a bit more (indirect) light.
See also: Diagnose a Problem.