The peace lily you're about to kill, saved.
A patient, source-led guide to every part of growing one of the world's most forgiving — and most misunderstood — houseplants. Written for people who say "I killed my last plant."
Start with the question on your mind
Most peace-lily questions fall into one of these. Pick the one that sounds like you.
Should I water my peace lily today?
Press your finger 1 inch into the soil. What does it feel like?
The care basics, in one breath
If you remember nothing else, remember these six things.
Light - Bright, indirect light. Tolerates low light but won't bloom there. Learn more →
Water - When the top inch dries out — usually every 7–10 days. Underwater rather than over. Learn more →
Soil - A loose, peat-based potting mix with perlite. Must drain freely. Learn more →
Humidity - 40–60% is ideal. Brown leaf tips are usually a humidity complaint. Learn more →
Temperature - 65–80°F (18–27°C). Below 55°F (13°C) causes damage. Learn more →
Fertilizer - Half-strength balanced feed every 6 weeks in spring & summer. Skip in winter. Learn more →
Browse by topic
Eight ways into the guide, depending on what you need.
Care
Light, water, soil, humidity, temperature, fertilizer.
Outdoor Care
Patios, shade, warm zones, and bringing plants indoors.
Problems
Diagnose by symptom — yellow leaves, brown tips, drooping, and more.
Varieties
Five cultivars, from tabletop Domino to 6-foot Sensation.
Blooming
How to coax flowers — and what they actually are.
Propagation
No cuttings — only division. The right way.
Repotting
Every two years, with the right soil and the right pot size.
Pests & Diseases
Spider mites, mealybugs, fungus gnats, leaf spot.
Pet Safety
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. What that really means.
About the plant
Origin, scientific name, and the famous air-purifying claim.
Recently updated
Common questions
Why is my peace lily drooping even though I just watered it?
Usually root rot. A peace lily that wilts after watering has roots that can no longer absorb water — typically because they've been sitting in soggy soil. Tip the plant out of its pot and check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white; rotted roots are brown, mushy, and smell sour. Full root rot guide →
Do peace lilies really clean the air?
The famous 1989 NASA study did show measurable VOC reduction in a sealed chamber. In a normal home with normal airflow, the effect is essentially zero. They're beautiful plants — that's reason enough to own one. The full air-purifying story →
How big do peace lilies get?
It depends on the cultivar. Tabletop varieties like 'Domino' max out around 16 inches tall. The classic 'Mauna Loa' reaches 3 feet. 'Sensation' — the largest — can hit 6 feet across. Compare all varieties →
Can I keep a peace lily in a bathroom?
Often the best room in the house for them, if there's a window. They love the humidity from showers and tolerate the lower light. Just avoid bathrooms with no natural light at all — they need some light to bloom. Light requirements →
My cat chewed a leaf. Is she going to die?
Almost certainly not. Peace lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals — irritating, painful, but rarely dangerous in small amounts. Watch for excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, and vomiting. Call your vet if symptoms last more than a few hours. Symptoms & first aid →