The Peace Lily: A Low Maintenance Houseplant
Peace lilies are one of the most popular houseplants for good reason – they’re easy to care for and very forgiving of the occasional misstep. With their beautiful white blooms and lush green leaves, peace lilies add a touch of the tropics to any home. They’re great for beginners and experienced plant parents alike.
So if you’re looking to brighten up your space with a low maintenance plant, look no further than the peace lily. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to pot and care for your new peace lily so it thrives for years to come.
Choosing a Pot
Peace lilies do best in pots with good drainage, as they don’t like sitting in wet soil. Look for a plastic or ceramic pot that has holes in the bottom. Terra cotta and unglazed ceramic are also good options, as they allow excess moisture to evaporate through the sides.
As for size, a 6-8 inch diameter pot is perfect for most single stem plants. Re-pot into a slightly larger pot as the plant grows. Make sure the pot has a saucer to catch water and prevent messes.
Potting and Soil
When re-potting a peace lily, use a well-draining potting mix specifically made for houseplants. I like to use Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, which retains just the right amount of moisture.
Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot. Tease out any circling or tightly packed roots before placing in the new pot. Fill the bottom of the pot with soil and nestle the root ball into the center.
Pack soil firmly around the sides, being careful not to bury the base of the leaves. Leave an inch between the top of soil and rim of the pot for watering. Give the plant a good water to settle the soil.
Light and Temperature
Peace lilies thrive in medium to low light conditions. An east or west facing window is ideal, while north windows work too. They can even tolerate lower indoor light if given weekly doses of sunlight.
Avoid direct sun, which can scorch their leaves. Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth. Peace lilies prefer temperatures between 65-80°F. They’ll let you know if it’s too hot or cold with drooping leaves.
Water and Humidity
These tropical beauties like moist but not soggy soil. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings. You can also check the drainage holes for excess moisture. In the summer, water once a week. Cut back to every 2-3 weeks in the winter when growth slows.
For extra lushness, mist the leaves daily with a spray bottle. You can also place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to increase ambient humidity. This keeps leaves looking their best. Just be sure not to overwater, as peace lilies are prone to root rot in wet soil.
Fertilizer
Feed your peace lily every 2-4 weeks in the spring and summer with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer. I use a ratio of 1⁄4 strength to avoid burning the roots. Apply to the soil and water it in well. Fertilize only monthly in the fall and winter when growth slows.
Pruning and Propagation
Peace lilies bloom sporadically throughout the year. Deadhead spent flower spikes down to the soil line to encourage new growth. You can also propagate new plants from leaf cuttings. Simply remove a healthy 4-6 inch leaf, place the cut end in water, and wait for roots to form before potting.
Pests and Problems
These plants are generally trouble-free but watch out for occasional issues like spider mites or mealybugs. Isolate the plant and wipe leaves down with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Under-watering is another common issue, so check the soil regularly. Peace lilies wilt dramatically but perk right back up with water.
With just a bit of TLC, your peace lily will reward you with its air-purifying abilities and gorgeous flowers for many years to come. Let me know if you have any other questions!