How Often and How Much to Water Your Peace Lily

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) have a reputation as an easy-to-grow tropical plant that can adapt to low-light conditions. But even these hardy houseplants can be fussy about their care. Knowing how often to water a peace lily will help you keep this attractive flowering plant happy, whether it's indoors in a container or outside in your garden.

When to Water Peace Lilies

Rather than watering plants on a set schedule, check your peace lily's soil moisture regularly. When the soil has slightly dried out, you're good to water again. You'll know it's time to water when the soil surface appears lighter in color, the pot feels lighter when you lift it, and the top inch or so of soil has dried out. Your plant will need more frequent watering in spring and summer—when days are longer and conditions are warmer—than it will in winter.

Peace Lily Water Schedule: Indoors and Outdoors

Time of year isn't the only factor that affects your plant. Potted plants kept indoors, container plants brought outdoors for the summer, and peace lilies planted in-ground in USDA hardiness zones 11 and 12 will have different watering needs. Since indoor plants get less light, they'll probably need less frequent watering than outdoor plants, even those planted or kept in shady spots. Since the volume of soil around them is much smaller, outdoor peace lilies in containers will dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground.

Several other factors—including how much light it gets, the temperature and humidity, and the type of soil you use—can affect how often you'll need to water your peace lily.

Light

Peace lilies that get more light will require more frequent watering than those that get less light. That's true whether plants are indoor or outdoor. If you move your potted peace lily outdoors for the summer, the plant will get more light and require more water more often.

Temperature and Humidity

Warmer temperatures will cause your plant's soil to dry out more quickly and require water more often. Very dry, windy conditions, even with cooler temperatures, can sap a plant's moisture and dry out foliage quickly.

Soil Type

The best soil for peace lilies is a loose, well-drained potting mix that holds moisture but doesn't stay soggy. You can use standard pre-made potting mix for houseplants as long as it's rich in organic matter and has plenty of perlite or bark to allow for drainage.

Potting Container

If your plant is in a container, the soil will naturally dry out faster than an in-ground plant's will. Container material matters, too. A terracotta pot wicks moisture away from the soil, drying it out more quickly. If you're concerned that your peace lily is drying out too quickly and it's in a terra cotta pot, consider repotting it in a pot made from a non-wicking material like glazed ceramic or plastic. Regardless of the material, your peace lily's pot should have drainage holes that allow water to flow out during watering.

Water Source

Tap water is perfectly fine to use on your plant. However, peace lilies are notoriously sensitive to fluoride in water, which can cause their tips to brown. If you want to avoid this, consider collecting rainwater or using distilled water on your peace lily. Regardless of the source, it's best to use room-temperature water when watering your plant.

Signs Your Peace Lily Is Overwatered

One of the most common indications that your peace lily is getting too much water is yellowing leaves. If your peace lily's leaves are turning yellow, check the soil moisture. Soggy or moist soil, especially several days after watering, could indicate that your plant is getting too much water, which can cause root rot. Allow the plant to dry out completely before watering again, then adjust your peace lily's watering schedule based on the soil moisture. In severe cases, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil, removing any mushy, black, rotten roots in the process.

Note that the occasional yellow leaf on a healthy plant is completely normal and isn't something to worry about. Simply trim off the affected leaf at the base of the plant with clean, sharp scissors or shears.

Signs Your Peace Lily Is Underwatered

Underwatering can also cause your peace lily's older leaves to yellow and eventually turn brown and dry. Once again, check the soil moisture. If you've been a little lax about watering your peace lily on schedule, or didn't water deeply enough, saturate the root ball after allowing the plant to dry out, your plant's soil may be dry even if you watered recently. Wilting or drooping leaves are a common sign that your peace lily needs a good watering.

Another potential cause of a recently watered plant feeling bone dry is being rootbound. When the roots fill the pot, soil can't absorb and hold water properly. Gently remove the plant from its pot and examine the root ball. If the roots are tightly wound inside the pot, growing over the soil surface, or poking out of holes in the bottom of the pot, it's time to repot with fresh soil and a pot one or two inches larger in diameter. Water well before and after repotting. Once you're on a regular watering schedule, your peace lily should begin to thrive.

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