Plants

Peace lily care: light, water & problems

Scientific name: Spathiphyllum wallisii · Common name: Peace lily

Herbaceous plant with glossy, dark green lance-shaped leaves and white flowers featuring a spathe wrapped around a spadix.

Editorial revision: 2026-10-08

Care at a glance

Light: It grows best in bright, indirect light but tolerates some shade. Too much light yellows the leaves.
Watering: It dramatically droops when thirsty. Keep the mix lightly moist but never soggy.

Herbaceous plant with glossy, dark green lance-shaped leaves and white flowers featuring a spathe wrapped around a spadix.

It grows best in bright, indirect light but tolerates some shade. Too much light yellows the leaves.

It dramatically droops when thirsty. Keep the mix lightly moist but never soggy.

Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.

It appreciates high humidity and steady warm temperatures.

Use an airy, draining mix and a pot with drainage holes. Match pot size to the root ball so excess mix does not remain wet.

Feed only during active growth and follow the product label. Correct damaged roots or poor light before fertilising.

A lack of flowers often indicates insufficient light or nutrients. Brown, dry tips suggest low humidity.

ASPCA lists this species as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it; contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

The white spathes naturally age and turn green before they fade entirely.