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How Often to Water Peace lily โ€” Light, Temperature and Repotting

Difficulty: Moderate

Summer: Twice a week ยท Winter: Once a week

Water as soon as the surface dries. A dramatic droop means it is thirsty now.

Light
Shade to low light, never direct sun
Temperature
18-27ยฐC
Toxic to pets
Yes โ€” keep it out of reach

Water peace lily twice a week in summer and once a week in winter. The soil is a better guide than the calendar: Water as soon as the surface dries. A dramatic droop means it is thirsty now.

A peace lily tells you it is thirsty by collapsing dramatically, then standing back up within hours of a drink โ€” which makes it an excellent teacher for anyone learning to read a plant. Do not make a habit of waiting for the collapse, though; each one costs the roots a little.

Every year or two in spring; large clumps can be divided.

Growing conditions

Watering in summer
Twice a week
Watering in winter
Once a week
How to tell it needs water
Water as soon as the surface dries. A dramatic droop means it is thirsty now.
Light
Shade to low light, never direct sun
Temperature
18-27ยฐC
Humidity
50% and up
Repotting
Every year or two in spring; large clumps can be divided.

Troubleshooting

Peace lily โ€” Troubleshooting
SymptomLikely causeWhat to do
Brown leaf tipsChlorine in tap water, or dry airUse water left to stand overnight, and raise humidity.
No flowersToo little lightMove it somewhere brighter, still out of direct sun.
Yellowing leavesOverwatering or direct sunAdjust watering and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Toxic to pets

Yes โ€” keep it out of reach

Frequently asked questions

My peace lily has collapsed

That is thirst. Water thoroughly and it usually recovers within hours.

How often should I water it?

Twice a week in summer, once in winter.

Does it purify air?

The lab results are real, but not at a scale that changes a whole room's air.

Related entries

โ† Plant Watering Guide

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