Planting and Caring for Peace Lily Plants: A Guide to Success

Peace lilies have always been a popular choice for indoor plants, and it’s not hard to see why. With their glossy dark green leaves and beautiful white flowers, known as spathes, these plants can bring a touch of elegance to any space. But did you know that with proper care, peace lilies can thrive for over a decade? So, if you’re ready to add a touch of nature to your home, here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for peace lilies.

Planting and Caring for Peace Lily Plants: A Guide to Success

How to Plant Peace Lilies

To give your peace lilies the best start, make sure to use well-draining, all-purpose soil. Alternatively, you can even grow them in water alone, with the base of the plant sitting just above the waterline. This allows the roots to grow into the water while preventing the leaves from rotting.

Another important thing to note is that peace lilies like to be a little root-bound, meaning they don’t need to be repotted often. You can save yourself the hassle and only repot them every few years or so. If you notice roots poking out from the bottom of the pot, it’s a sign that it’s time for a new home. But don’t worry, repotting is a simple task that won’t take up much of your time.

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What Causes Brown Tips on a Peace Lily?

If you notice brown tips on your peace lilies, it can be quite frustrating to figure out what’s causing it. In most cases, inconsistent watering, low humidity, excessive fertilization, or even too much or too little water can be the culprits. Justin Hancock, a horticulturalist for Costa Farms, compares it to an upset stomach for plants. Luckily, these brown tips don’t harm the plant itself. They’re more of an aesthetic issue. If you don’t like how they look, feel free to trim them off. But keep in mind that it won’t affect the plant’s health.

How to Get Peace Lilies to Flower

If you want your peace lilies to bloom beautifully, you’ll need to provide them with bright, indirect light. Remember, they don’t like direct sunlight. In terms of fertilization, peace lilies don’t need much. Using a balanced houseplant fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, every six to eight weeks during the spring and summer growing season is enough. Just make sure to dilute the fertilizer to one-quarter of the recommended strength. Over-fertilizing can cause the leaf tips to burn and turn brown, so moderation is key.

How to Water Peace Lilies

Peace lilies prefer to stay lightly moist. Before watering, stick your finger into the soil to check its moisture level. You don’t want the roots to stay too soggy. When you test the soil, a few bits of dirt should stick to your finger, but the soil itself shouldn’t feel overly wet. The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as the amount of light your plant receives. If you want to avoid the hassle, consider using a self-watering container. It makes watering a breeze and ensures your peace lilies get the right amount of hydration.

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Can Peace Lilies Be Planted Outside?

While peace lilies are not cold-hardy, they can be planted outdoors in warm regions. If you live in USDA Hardiness zones 11 and warmer, you can enjoy the beauty of peace lilies in your garden. Just make sure to provide them with morning sun and afternoon shade. If you have potted peace lilies that you’d like to place outdoors for the summer, remember to bring them back indoors when temperatures drop into the 50s.

Are Peace Lilies Poisonous to Pets?

It’s important to note that peace lilies are toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA. In fact, they can be harmful to humans as well if chewed or swallowed, as stated by Poison Control. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and mouth and throat pain. To ensure the safety of your loved ones, especially children and pets, it’s best to keep them away from peace lilies. If you suspect that someone has ingested any part of the plant, it’s always better to seek medical attention immediately.

How to Display Peace Lilies

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to care for your peace lilies, it’s time to showcase their beauty. You can opt for a self-watering pot, as recommended by Justin Hancock, or choose from a variety of colorful containers to add a dash of fun to your home decor.

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Remember, peace lilies can be a wonderful addition to your indoor or outdoor space. With the right care and attention, these stunning plants will reward you with their vibrant green leaves and striking white flowers. So, go ahead and bring the beauty of peace lilies into your life!